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What if it works? — Technology
What if it works?

Energy powers our homes, our cars, and our lives. But the kinds of energy we use—and the ways we use it—are rapidly changing our climate. We need new and clean energy, now. MIT Energy Initiative hosts Rob Stoner and Kara Miller talk with energy experts about the science, technology, and policies that can transform our energy systems and give us a more sustainable future. Hear from those testing new ideas and working on breakthroughs in labs, industry, and government—the ones who aren’t afraid to ask, “What if it works?”

Copyright: © MIT Energy Initiative 2024

Latest Episodes:

Why we should care about methane Jan 29, 2025

Methane is the only greenhouse gas that will change the rate of warming in our lifetimes, according to MIT Professor Desirée Plata. So, why aren’t we talking about it more? Plata explains methane’s role in climate change and shares how she, perhaps counterintuitively, is accelerating the rate at which methane converts to carbon dioxide to help combat climate change.

What if it works? is a production of the MIT Energy Initiative. This episode was hosted by Rob Stoner and Kara Miller.

Transcript and show notes at energy.mit.edu/podcasts

Unconventional paths to energy efficiency Jan 15, 2025

Large parts of the world don’t have access to energy. So how do we encourage cleaner sources when for many people that's not the real priority? According to Amos Winter, a professor of mechanical engineering at MIT, the key is to find solutions that allow people to do what they want but are by default better for the environment. He highlights the importance of understanding people’s lives when developing technologies and how these innovations might even have unforeseen implications for other communities across the world, helping us find new ways to power our lives with less energy required.

What if it works? is a production of the MIT Energy Initiative. This episode was hosted by Rob Stoner and Kara Miller.

Transcript and show notes at energy.mit.edu/podcasts

Why do so many renewable projects stall? Dec 30, 2024

Larry Susskind, a professor of urban and environmental planning at MIT, often finds himself in the role of mediator between renewable energy project developers and the communities affected. And he says there is one big thing stopping these projects in their tracks: a lack of representation of local interest. Susskind helps us understand the challenges during this last mile to renewable energy implementation, how bringing communities to the table earlier can speed success, and how universities can help mediate this process.

What if it works? is a production of the MIT Energy Initiative. This episode was hosted by Rob Stoner and Kara Miller.

Transcript and show notes at energy.mit.edu/podcasts

Putting a price on carbon Dec 18, 2024

While the carbon tax has received a lot of negative publicity in the United States over the decades, more and more countries have been implementing carbon pricing schemes of their own. It raises the question, could carbon pricing be the cost of decarbonization? Economist Catherine Wolfram delves into economic policy and the many creative economic incentives to reduce carbon emissions, gives us a look at where things currently stand in the United States and abroad, and explores whether American carbon pricing might soon be feasible.

What if it works? is a production of the MIT Energy Initiative. This episode was hosted by Rob Stoner and Kara Miller.

Transcript and show notes at energy.mit.edu/podcasts

The next four years of U.S. energy Dec 04, 2024

President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to repeal key climate and energy legislation enacted under the Biden administration. What should we expect over the next four years and what will this mean for climate and energy policy beyond those? As the rest of the world continues to move forward in the energy transition, where does that leave the United States? MIT professor and economist Chris Knittel explains the potential short- and long-term climate and energy impacts of a Trump presidency.

What if it works? is a production of the MIT Energy Initiative. This episode was hosted by Rob Stoner and Kara Miller.

Transcript and show notes at energy.mit.edu/podcasts

Rising to the climate challenge Nov 20, 2024

Susan Solomon is a scientist known for her pioneering work explaining the hole in the ozone layer. And she believes that just as we solved that crucial environmental problem, we can also solve the great challenge of global temperature rise. She shares her three Ps for achieving success—when a problem becomes personal and perceivable, steering practical solutions—and reveals the tremendous power that you as the consumer really have.

What if it works? is a production of the MIT Energy Initiative. This episode was hosted by Rob Stoner and Kara Miller.

Transcript and show notes at energy.mit.edu/podcasts

How to speed up the energy transition Nov 06, 2024

The energy transition is happening—but why is it taking so long? We need to replace fossil fuels, but there is no one silver bullet. MIT Energy Initiative Director William Green explains why shifting to cleaner energy sources has been happening so slowly and how this process can move faster, and shares what university researchers, industry leaders, and policy makers are doing to accelerate the transition.

What if it works? is a production of the MIT Energy Initiative. This episode was hosted by Rob Stoner and Kara Miller.

Transcript and show notes at energy.mit.edu/podcasts

Decarbonizing energy: The government’s role Oct 23, 2024

What is the role of government and policy in decarbonizing our energy systems? As the former U.S. Secretary of Energy, Ernest Moniz helps us understand what its role has been so far and what the government’s role can and should be in the future.

What if it works? is a production of the MIT Energy Initiative. This episode was hosted by Rob Stoner and Kara Miller.

Transcript and show notes at energy.mit.edu/podcasts

Making the case for climate optimism Oct 23, 2024

Climate anxiety is real—and if you are feeling it, you aren’t alone. Hosts Rob Stoner and Kara Miller are demystifying our current energy landscape, sharing what can be done and what solutions are already underway as we combat the climate crisis and eliminate the harmful emissions stemming from our global energy systems.

What if it works? is a production of the MIT Energy Initiative.

Transcript and show notes at energy.mit.edu/podcasts

Introducing What if it works? Oct 10, 2024

Join us for a new podcast from the MIT Energy Initiative that talks with energy experts about the science, technology, and policies that can transform our energy systems and give us a more sustainable future. Coming October 23rd.

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