The KJ Show

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The KJ Show: Episode 71: Updating KJ's Favorite Energy Stories in 2023 Dec 20, 2023

Show notes

Today's show provides updates on some of Katherine Johnson's favorite energy stories. Dr. Johnson, host of The KJ Show, will revisit some of her favorite energy stories—from championing beavers to exposing the dark truths about carbon indulgences.
She will also recap some of the most surprising energy stories, such as cutting down orchards and old-growth forests to make way for clean energy resources.
Please join the KJ Show 11 a.m. Eastern Live on Wednesday (https://boldbravetv.com/11am-the-kj-show/) . Share your thoughts by calling 866-451-1451 or send your comments to kjohnson@johnsonconsults.com
Be sure to sign up for Dr. KJ's Energy Rx, a free weekly newsletter that explores these energy topics more in-depth.

The KJ Show: Episode 71: Updating KJ's Favorite Energy Stories in 2023 Dec 20, 2023

Show notes

The KJ Show: Episode 70: Climate Math Just Doesn't Add Up Dec 13, 2023

Show notes

The cost of investing in clean energy is a moving target, even according to the exerts. One study estimated that it will take an annual investment of $320 billion through 2050 to meet these goals, which translates into a 43% to 286% annual electric bill increase.
Other studies estimate the cost of one part of this ambitious plan—even those costs are skyrocketing. A consulting firm estimated that the offshore industry will require at least $100 billion by 2030. Another survey estimated that building the EV charging infrastructure will take between $2 to $2.5 trillion by 2050.
This is just the tip of the iceberg, as these costs don't include the infrastructure investments in the grid and battery storage that are also required. With all these numbers floating around, the true cost of mitigating climate change doesn't add up.
Katherine Johnson, host of The KJ Show, will discuss this "funny math" used to estimate the cost of renewable energy at 11 a.m. Eastern Live on Wednesday (https://boldbravetv.com/11am-the-kj-show/) . Share your thoughts by calling 866-451-1451 or send your comments to kjohnson@johnsonconsults.com
Be sure to sign up for Dr. KJ's Energy Rx, a free weekly newsletter that explores these energy topics more in-depth.

The KJ Show: Episode 69: Grid Lock: Barriers to Achieving Net Zero Dec 06, 2023

Show notes

The push for net zero faces one enormous challenge: building a grid capable of handling the increased electric demand caused by the surge in electrification. Progress towards a clean energy future will require more than $2 trillion in investment in a new electric grid.
Researchers from Princeton University concluded that the United States must triple its transmission capacity to meet the increased demand. However, many grid-ready projects are never connected according to a report by Lawrence Berkely Laboratories. Rather, these projects wait for nearly four years and just 23 percent are ever completed.
So can we achieve these clean energy goals when new projects remain grid locked? Moreover, where will the money come to update and modernize the grid across the United States. Dr. Katherine Johnson, host of The KJ Show, will discuss this topic at 11 a.m. Eastern Live on Wednesday (https://boldbravetv.com/11am-the-kj-show/) . Share your thoughts by calling 866-451-1451 or send your comments to kjohnson@johnsonconsults.com
Be sure to sign up for Dr. KJ's Energy Rx, a free weekly newsletter that explores these energy topics more in-depth.

The KJ Show: Episode 68: COP 28 or Cop-Out? Nov 29, 2023

Show notes

Three climate fights will dominate COP28 as more than 70,000 delegates debate how fossil-fuel economies will meet the ambitious climate goal set in the Paris Accords. But isn't it ironic that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is hosting this discussion, a fact that has sparked international outrage?
Recent reports have raised concerns regarding the pace at which these climate decisions have been made and the fact that most developed economies are falling short of these mandated goals.
On today's show, Dr. Katherine Johnson will discuss how COP28 goals remain aspirational, as most countries are unwilling to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels, in spite of their good intentions. Join KJ Show at 11 a.m. Eastern Live on Wednesday (https://boldbravetv.com/11am-the-kj-show/) and share your thoughts by calling 866-451-1451 or send your comments to kjohnson@johnsonconsults.com
Sign up for Dr. KJ's Energy Rx, a weekly newsletter that explores these energy topics.

The KJ Show: Episode 67: Net Zero- Running on Empty Nov 22, 2023

Show notes

Energy policymakers are pushing hard to achieve net zero energy goals. However recent setbacks demonstrate how these goals remain out of reach. Clean energy technology projects are failing worldwide, whether in a downturn in wind turbine investments or declining demand for Electric Vehicles (EVs).
There have been a few glimpses of a renewable energy future in Europe, but questions remain about the long-term viability of net zero energy solutions.
On today's show, Dr. Katherine Johnson will discuss how net zero plans are coming up empty in the energy sector. Join KJ Show at 11 a.m. Eastern Live on Wednesday (https://boldbravetv.com/11am-the-kj-show/) and share your thoughts by calling 866-451-1451 or send your comments to kjohnson@johnsonconsults.com
Sign up for Dr. KJ's Energy Rx, a weekly newsletter that explores these energy topics.

The KJ Show: Episode 66: AI's Role in the Energy Sector Nov 08, 2023

Show notes

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is fundamentally changing the energy sector. Its predictive capabilities can improve operations, especially in renewable energy sources like wind and solar. AI can also improve the overall efficiency of energy generation by creating neural networks that lead to gains in efficiency while reducing carbon emissions.
However, like HAL in the movie 2001, AI also has some potentially negative consequences. The electric grid is increasingly vulnerable to cyber-attacks, and this threat is increased with the integration of AI software. According to a recent Pew Study, six in ten college graduates say that AI hurts more than it helps at keeping people's personal information private.
On today's show, Dr. Katherine Johnson, will discuss the pros and cons of AI's growing role in the energy sector. Join KJ Show at 11 a.m. Eastern Live on Wednesday (https://boldbravetv.com/11am-the-kj-show/) and share your thoughts by calling 866-451-1451 or send your comments to kjohnson@johnsonconsults.com

The KJ Show: Episode 65: Carbon Offsets or Carbon Indulgences? Nov 01, 2023

Show notes

Selling indulgences was a catalyst in the Reformation in Europe--- and it may be another catalyst in the move towards the Green New Deal. Environmental advocates have encouraged energy users to buy carbon offsets to represent "an emissions reduction or removal of greenhouse gases...in a manner calculated and traced to offset an entity's GHG emissions." The goal is to reduce emissions or remove and sequester carbon from the atmosphere somewhere by paying someone to plant trees, restore land or produce renewable energy.
But carbon offsets are becoming as controversial as indulgences were in the Medieval Ages. Bill Gates, among others, views carbon offsets as meaningless, as planting trees has a minimal effect on halting global warming since it takes years for trees to reach maturity and absorb enough carbon to make a difference.
On today's show, Dr. Katherine Johnson will illustrate how many carbon offset schemes, although well-intentioned, miss the mark. Join the KJ Show at 11 a.m. Eastern Live on Wednesday (The KJ Show) and share your thoughts by calling 866-451-1451 or send your comments to kjohnson@johnsonconsults.com
Sign up for Dr. KJ's Energy Rx, a weekly newsletter that explores these energy topics more fully.

The KJ Show: Episode 63: The Climate Trilemma Oct 18, 2023

Show notes

The transition to a clean and green energy future faces many obstacles, but policymakers are now grappling with a new set of challenges: The Climate Trilemma. Countries must make trade-offs between Energy Security, Energy Sustainability and Energy Affordability.
The catch is that a country can have two of these three goals, but it cannot have all three simultaneously. So politicians and regulators have to prioritize which two of these three goals are most important—and not surprisingly, energy security tops the list.
But customers are starting to push back against solar and wind developments, and regulators are paying attention. Just recently, Arizona and California changed their metering rules for solar PV systems which will result in lower payments to utilities. New York recently ruled against raising prices for offshore wind developers.
On today's show, our host, Dr. Katherine Johnson, will discuss how these trade-offs will affect future investment in renewable technologies. Join the KJ Show at 11 a.m. Eastern Live on Wednesday (https://boldbravetv.com/11am-the-kj-show/) and share your thoughts by calling 866-451-1451 or send your comments to kjohnson@johnsonconsults.com
Sign up for Dr. KJ's Energy Rx, a weekly newsletter, which explores these energy topics more fully.

The KJ Show: Episode 62: Behave! How Energy Policies Affect Customer Actions Oct 11, 2023

Show notes

Influencing customer behavior has become an important component of energy efficiency program portfolios for electric and gas utilities. These programs rely on innovative approaches, such as comparing customer energy usage to neighbors, and including energy savings suggestions with the monthly utility bill.
On today’s show, our host, Dr. Katherine Johnson, will explain how behavioral programs influence energy consumption. But, at what point do these programs evolve from customer education to customer “re-education?”
Changing customer behavior is essential to achieving lasting results, but some government initiatives push for dramatic lifestyle changes. Today’s show will explore how promoting individual behavior change could also lead to government overreach.
Join the KJ Show at 11 a.m. Eastern Live on Wednesday (https://boldbravetv.com/11am-the-kj-show/) and share your thoughts by calling 866-451-1451 or send your comments to kjohnson@johnsonconsults.com
Be sure to subscribe Dr. KJ's Energy Rx, weekly newsletter, which explores these energy topics more fully.

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