Stay ConnectedReversing Climate Change is a podcast about carbon removal and climatetech that keeps wandering off into literature, history, philosophy, theology, and geopolitics on the theory that the technical and scientific questions stop making much sense without them. Hosted by Ross Kenyon, who did not go past a year of political philosophy PhD coursework and has visibly not let it go.
Paid subscriptions live on Substack @ https://rosskenyon.com.
© Carbon Removal Strategies LLC
Copyright: © Nori
Is buying carbon credits like buying real estate? What would a tradable commodity market for the carbon removal industry look like?
In today's episode, Ross sits down with Matt Trudeau, Nori’s new CEO, to get a glimpse of how a veteran market builder thinks about building carbon markets that meet the challenges of a rapidly scaling industry.
Matt talks about the balance between standardization and innovation within carbon market development, discusses the evolution of financial markets, and explores the impact of high-frequency trading on fairness and efficiency.
Listen in to get a sense of where the burgeoning carbon market is encountering hurdles and what we can learn from the historical transition to electronic trading systems.
If you've ever pondered the transformation of bespoke carbon credit transactions into a full-fledged commodities market, this episode is a must-listen.
Connect with Nori
Carbon Removal Memes on Instagram
Resources
Flash Boys: A Wall Street Revolt by Michael Lewis
Resources
This episode's page on the web: https://www.rosskenyon.com/p/s3e54-building-commodity-scale-infrastructure-6ee
Subscribe to the Reversing Climate Change Substack: https://www.rosskenyon.com/subscribe
Books from the show, at Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/reversing-climate-change
My other show, Climate Workers Anonymous: https://www.climateworkersanonymous.com
Kenya is exploding into the Direct Air Capture scene. New York City is hosting the first ever global DAC conference. And while Al Gore is deeply knowledgeable about climate change, he might be wrong about carbon removal.
In this episode of Reversing Climate Change, Jason Hochman, the co-founder and senior director of the DAC Coalition, takes us on a foray into Nairobi, Kenya, where he recently attended the first Africa Climate Summit. We learn why Kenya and the countries along the East African Rift will be critical for carbon removal.
Coming up on October 16th and 17th, Jason shares that Columbia University will play host to the first ever Global Direct Air Capture Conference. This event is designed to bring together all interested stakeholders to discuss the current and future states of DAC, and how the parties can come together to bridge the gap.
The conversation explores what is considered to be "responsible" DAC, why there is opposition to it, and why there is also bipartisan support for it.
Come for the direct air capture, stay for Jason's new nickname.We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did!
Connect with Nori
Carbon Removal Memes on Instagram
Resources
Global Direct Air Capture Conference
Carbontech Development Initiative
Resources
This episode's page on the web: https://www.rosskenyon.com/p/s3e53-are-you-coming-to-the-global-fe7
Subscribe to the Reversing Climate Change Substack: https://www.rosskenyon.com/subscribe
Books from the show, at Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/reversing-climate-change
My other show, Climate Workers Anonymous: https://www.climateworkersanonymous.com
In this episode of Reversing Climate Change, we are joined once again by Caroline Saunders, a skilled pastry chef and dedicated recipe tester, who channels her passion into crafting delectable treats using climate-friendly ingredients.
Ross Kenyon and Radhika Moolgavkar enthusiastically embraced the challenge of trying Caroline’s climate-friendly baking recipes. Discover who fared better in their quest to bake the perfect key lime pie!
Discover how Caroline’s journey towards becoming a climate-conscious baker was ignited in her personal life but then involved a radical career change out of environmental media and into studying abroad at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and interning at a Michelin-starred restaurant. The ingenuity and precision of the pastry chefs she encountered inspired her to harness her culinary skills for a greater environmental cause.
Explore how Caroline is developing best practices, creating a gateway for at-home bakers into regenerative foods.
Currently, Caroline tests recipes for a cookbook author who shares her passion for climate-friendly baking. She experiments with Kernza flour, spelt flour, and non-dairy milks, sharing her innovations on her blog and social media.
Caroline encourages culinary exploration with novel elements and the generous sharing of discoveries. She underscores the importance of supporting businesses that embrace climate-friendly ingredient choices. Discover the perspectives of other bakers on seed-saving and recipes that prioritize the climate's welfare. Envision the future of global sustenance in the decades and centuries ahead.
Connect with Nori
Carbon Removal Memes on Instagram
Resources
Resources
This episode's page on the web: https://www.rosskenyon.com/p/s3e52-climate-baking-returns-can-e3b
Subscribe to the Reversing Climate Change Substack: https://www.rosskenyon.com/subscribe
Books from the show, at Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/reversing-climate-change
My other show, Climate Workers Anonymous: https://www.climateworkersanonymous.com
Extreme heat. What does it feel like? Why is it getting worse and who is it impacting?
In this Reversing Climate Change podcast episode, we spoke with Jeff Goodell, contributing editor at Rolling Stone and author of The Water Will Come and his latest, The Heat Will Kill You First: Life and Death ona Scorched Planet.
Tune in to hear about Jeff Goodell's personal experience with extreme heat. Learn about what cities are doing to combat the urban heat island effect, and what the true costs of adaptation will likely be.
Could certain cities become uninhabitable due to escalating heat levels? Ross and Jeff explore the variations in heat adaptation across different regions and income brackets, along with the possibility of introducing new labor laws in response to heat-related challenges.
The discussion also delves into the preparedness of the U.S. military for climate change impacts, the future outlook for ranking or naming extreme heat events, and the implications for the fossil fuel industry and the transition to clean energy.
One thing becomes clear, as temperatures continue to rise: the Phoenix, Las Vegas, or Austin that people know and love, is going to look very different in the future.
The show also discusses Jeff's long-running reportage on both carbon removal and geoengineering, and evaluates the status of both ideas, and what's likely to play out in the near-future.
Connect with Nori
Carbon Removal Memes on Instagram
Resources
The Heat Will Kill You First, Life and Death on a Scorched Planet
Jeff's writing for Rolling Stone
Resources
This episode's page on the web: https://www.rosskenyon.com/p/s3e51-the-heat-will-kill-you-firstw-1ba
Subscribe to the Reversing Climate Change Substack: https://www.rosskenyon.com/subscribe
Books from the show, at Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/reversing-climate-change
My other show, Climate Workers Anonymous: https://www.climateworkersanonymous.com
Does culture eat strategy for breakfast? What does a successful carbon removal community look like? Who ordered the veal cutlet?
Join us in this episode of Reversing Climate Change featuring Jason Grillo, Director of Partnerships and Operations at AirMiners. Discover how culture takes center stage at AirMiners, one of the major communities empowering carbon removal startups.
Explore the Kiloton Fund, the Bootup program, and Launchpad, which has already graduated 95 teams in two years. Deadline for the next cohort closes on August 11th, 2023!
How does AirMiners embrace hope amidst an often challenging and doomerist climate landscape? Tune in to explore the role of levity and humor in building a strong carbon removal community. Discover how tackling an ambitious goal, such as removing 1 billion tonnes by 2030, can be approached with humility and by inviting people to the table.
Like AirMiners, this episode doesn’t have all the answers, but it does have some ideas of what would go in a carbon removal museum.
If you’re interested in being part of the carbon removal industry, this episode is for you!
Connect with Nori
Carbon Removal Memes on Instagram
Resources
Jason’s contact
Resources
This episode's page on the web: https://www.rosskenyon.com/p/s3e50-the-culture-of-carbon-removalw-d6e
Subscribe to the Reversing Climate Change Substack: https://www.rosskenyon.com/subscribe
Books from the show, at Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/reversing-climate-change
My other show, Climate Workers Anonymous: https://www.climateworkersanonymous.com
When you’re born into a winemaking dynasty, there’s a lot of momentum to carry on the family business. But also a lot of pressure to make your own mark. Carlo Mondavi is the co-founder and Chief Farming Officer at Monarch, creators of the Monarch Tractor, an electric smart tractor that may offer a better and safer product than conventional diesel tractors. Today he joins Siobhan Montoya Lavender and Ross Kenyon to discuss.
The conversation begins with Carlo's heartfelt motivation behind creating the Monarch Tractor. Witnessing the devastating loss of biodiversity caused by conventional herbicides, Carlo was inspired to find a regenerative agriculture solution that would reduce herbicide usage while ensuring a safer, more eco-friendly farming experience. The Monarch Tractor provides a more mechanical solution than one that deeply changes the microbiota.
But sometimes it’s hard to change minds, and offering a better solution rather than finger-wagging can often be a better way to proceed. With or without subsidies, can the Monarch tractor succeed in changing one of the most common farm tools used?
Tune in to this episode to explore the efforts of Monarch Tractor to change farming and learn about their story to become the Tesla of farming.
Connect with Nori
Carbon Removal Memes on Instagram
Resources:
Resources
This episode's page on the web: https://www.rosskenyon.com/p/s3e49-how-could-an-automated-electric-f11
Subscribe to the Reversing Climate Change Substack: https://www.rosskenyon.com/subscribe
Books from the show, at Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/reversing-climate-change
My other show, Climate Workers Anonymous: https://www.climateworkersanonymous.com
How does it work to buy carbon removal credits from early stage startups and resell them later for profit? What does it mean to support carbon removal startups without equity financing? Are alternatives available beyond conventional venture funding? Enter: the AirMiners Kiloton Fund.
Tune in this week as the great Tito Jankowski, CEO and cofounder of AirMiners, returns to the show to talk about all of those questions, the general state of carbon removal, and how two goofballs like us ended up at TED Countdown in Detroit.
Connect with Nori
Carbon Removal Memes on Instagram
Resources:
August 11th deadline for the new AirMiners Launchpad Accelerator cohort!
Resources
This episode's page on the web: https://www.rosskenyon.com/p/s3e48-buy-early-and-risky-cdr-credits-270
Subscribe to the Reversing Climate Change Substack: https://www.rosskenyon.com/subscribe
Books from the show, at Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/reversing-climate-change
My other show, Climate Workers Anonymous: https://www.climateworkersanonymous.com
Reversing Climate Change presents an enlightening conversation with Kevin Whilden, the co-founder and co-director of Sustainable Surf, where they delve into the captivating world of ocean restoration, the power of storytelling, and the remarkable phenomenon of blue carbon. Join Ross and Siobhan as they navigate the complexities of carbon offsetting, funding pathways for coastal and land-based restoration, and the profound impact of storytelling on driving environmental action.
The spotlight of the discussion falls on blue carbon, which refers to the carbon stored within coastal and marine ecosystems. These ecosystems, encompassing vital habitats such as seaweed, mangroves, and seagrasses, exhibit extraordinary carbon sequestration capabilities, often surpassing their land-based counterparts. The significance of these blue carbon ecosystems lies not only in their capacity to store carbon but also in their vital role in supporting biodiversity and protecting coastal communities from climate-related hazards.
Kevin Whilden emphasizes the deep-rooted connection humans have with the ocean and highlights how this connection can serve as a powerful catalyst for inspiring environmental action. By fostering a sense of affection and appreciation for the ocean, individuals are more likely to engage in efforts aimed at its restoration and protection.
In addition to exploring blue carbon, the conversation delves into the funding mechanisms and pathways available for coastal restoration projects, shedding light on the role and history of carbon markets. Furthermore, the episode provides insights into the non-profit nature of SeaTrees and their collaborative efforts with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography to refine the measurement of Blue Carbon Projects.
Discover how you can actively participate in SeaTrees' initiatives and contribute to the restoration of our ocean ecosystems. By listening to this episode, you will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of blue carbon, the role of storytelling in driving action, and the opportunities available to support SeaTrees' work.
Connect with Nori
Carbon Removal Memes on Instagram
Resources
SeaTrees blog on how they choose offsets
Resources
This episode's page on the web: https://www.rosskenyon.com/p/s3e47-the-state-of-blue-carbon-in-1a3
Subscribe to the Reversing Climate Change Substack: https://www.rosskenyon.com/subscribe
Books from the show, at Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/reversing-climate-change
My other show, Climate Workers Anonymous: https://www.climateworkersanonymous.com
In this episode of the Reversing Climate Change podcast, cohosts Ross Kenyon and Siobhan Montoya Lavender are joined by Erika Reinhardt, Co-founder and Executive Director of Spark Climate Solutions. Together, they delve into the pressing issue of methane and its increasing significance in the climate zeitgeist, and when can we expect methane removal to appear?
The conversation kicks off with a discussion on why methane deserves our attention. Erika explains that methane is a potent greenhouse gas, with initial emissions being 120 times more potent than carbon dioxide when it is first released into the atmosphere. Despite its relatively short atmospheric lifespan of approximately twelve years, methane is responsible for a whopping 0.5℃ warming impact on our climate.
Is methane “destroyed”? Is it “converted”? How should we think about methane in the context of the dreaded carbon dioxide questions: should we focus on reductions or removal? (hint, most answers start with ‘yes, and’).
The episode also highlights the concerning rise of both natural and anthropogenic sources of methane. Erika underlines the importance of taking comprehensive action to curb methane emissions from various sectors—it’s not just oil and gas, it’s not just cow belching, it’s a big and complex picture that needs lots of different solutions and mitigation measures.
Drawing parallels between methane removal and carbon removal, the conversation explores the similarities and notable differences between the two. Listeners gain insights into the unique challenges and opportunities associated with methane removal strategies.
Erika shares the motivations behind founding Spark Climate Solutions and provides an overview of the organization's current objectives.
Throughout the episode, the hosts and guest emphasize the urgency of addressing methane emissions and highlight the potential impact of targeted strategies and where the gaps lie. If you're curious about greenhouse gasses beyond carbon dioxide, this is the episode for you!
Connect with Nori
Carbon Removal Memes on Instagram
Resources
Resources
This episode's page on the web: https://www.rosskenyon.com/p/s3e46-methane-removal-aka-methane-cec
Subscribe to the Reversing Climate Change Substack: https://www.rosskenyon.com/subscribe
Books from the show, at Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/reversing-climate-change
My other show, Climate Workers Anonymous: https://www.climateworkersanonymous.com
The carbon removal industry and science have evolved greatly since Nori was founded in 2017. In this special Reversing Climate Change episode, Nori's Head of Supply and Methodology Radhika Moolgavkar, joins host Ross Kenyon to talk through what’s changed, what’s still the same, and how Nori is evolving with a new net-zero-friendly ‘blended tonne’ that they just published a new whitepaper on this week.
What is this ‘blended tonne’ Nori is developing?
What did the carbon removal industry look like back in 2017?
Why did Nori choose to start with soil carbon and how has soil carbon progressed since then?
What is a carbon cycle and why should carbon removal credit buyers care?
What is the difference between the geological (‘slow) carbon cycle and and biological (‘fast’) carbon cycle?
If you emit a tonne by burning fossil fuels and remove a tonne through soil carbon, is it net zero?
If you emit a tonne by burning fossil fuels and pre-purchase a future DAC carbon removal, is it net zero?
What role does soil carbon play in reversing climate change?
Tune in to dive into the questions above, and more!
Connect with Nori
Carbon Removal Memes on Instagram
The Nori Blended Tonne Whitepaper (list of coauthors and acknowledged contributors at the bottom of the page)
A link to the whitepaper GitHub if you'd like to add public comments
Resources
This episode's page on the web: https://www.rosskenyon.com/p/s3e45-mixing-fast-and-slow-carbon-8ed
Subscribe to the Reversing Climate Change Substack: https://www.rosskenyon.com/subscribe
Books from the show, at Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/reversing-climate-change
My other show, Climate Workers Anonymous: https://www.climateworkersanonymous.com
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