Shows
Energy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsFrom Doom to Hope: Katharine Hayhoe on Bridging the Climate GapDavid & Ed chat with renowned scientist, author and Canadian, Dr. Katharine Hayhoe who argues that hope—not doom—is what drives action. Dr. Hayhoe is one of the world’s most prominent climate communicators and known for crossing political, religious, and cultural lines to connect with audiences that most climate advocates can’t or won't reach. It's an engaging discussion that delves into the psychology of despair, the limits of data in changing minds and behaviour, and whether hope still has a fighting chance. Show Notes:A...2025-07-091h 01Energy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsBONUS: Canada’s Carbon Edge - How We Can Lead in Carbon Removal with Na'im Merchant & Grégoire BaillargeonLIVE from the Montreal's Climate Solutions Prize Festival 2025 Na'im Merchant, Executive Director of Carbon Removal Canada and the host of The Carbon Curve podcast, and Grégoire Baillargeon, President of BMO Quebec and Vice Chair of BMO Capital Markets join Ed Whittingham for a panel discussion exploring how Canada can become a global leader in carbon removal. With two podcast hosts and one Bank of Montreal president, Ed, Na'im and Greg pass the host's mic like a baton as they unpack the developer, buyer and policy dimensions of...2025-06-2634 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsEnergy Transition in Africa & its Climate Dilemma with Dr. Rose MutisoDavid & Ed chat with Dr. Rose Mutiso about the tension between energy, climate, and economic development in Africa and the global south. They touch on many topics to do with sub-Saharan Africa, including energy production & consumption, electricity and power grids, and the vast economic inequity that still exists between the global north & south.About Our Guest:Dr. Rose M. Mutiso is a Kenyan scientist, thought leader, and social entrepreneur. She is the Founder & Executive Director of the African Tech Futures Lab (ATFL), a new i...2025-06-1350 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsHas the World Surrendered to Climate Breakdown? Andreas Malm, author of How to Blow Up a PipelineEd and David chat with special guest Andreas Malm, author of How the World Surrendered to Climate Breakdown and How to Blow Up a Pipeline: Learning to Fight in a World on Fire. They discuss Malm’s critiques of climate inaction—how liberal democracies, fossil capital, and the Global North have collectively abandoned meaningful efforts to stop climate breakdown—and what comes next for movement strategy, the ethics and effectiveness of disruption, and what kind of climate action might actually work in the next crucial decade.Full...2025-05-2955 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsEvC BONUS: Upton Sinclair's Oil! - Climate Book Reviews Podcast with Michael TondreEd Whittingham & Roger Thompson discuss Upton Sinclair's classic novel - Oil!We're sharing another episode of Ed's occasional podcast, Climate Book Reviews, this time discussing the book that was the inspiration for the critically acclaimed 2007 movie, There Will Be Blood, starring Daniel Day-Lewis.Ed and co-host Dr. Roger Thompson (Associate Dean and Professor of Writing and Rhetoric at Stony Brook University in New York) chat with Michael Tondry, editor of a critical edition reissue by Penguin Books.Michael talks about the history of the book, the events...2025-05-1747 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsPower Hungry: Can Our Grids Evolve Fast Enough for AI's Appetite? | with Amy Myers JaffeEnergy expert Amy Myers Jaffe returns to EvC to chat with Ed about Energy and Artificial Intelligence. Nearly every aspect of the economy seems to be impacted by the stunningly rapid development of AI. Energy is no exception. Ed and Amy have a wide-ranging discussion that covers a lot of ground and touches on several hot topics, including: How AI is transforming the production, distribution, and consumption of energy; The energy needs of data centers; Whether or not AI is an asset or liability for the clean energy economy; The role of tech companies; The ge...2025-05-0251 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsBONUS EPISODE-Carbon Removal Day Panel: Lucy Hargreaves, Daniel Kelter, Jorden DyeThere’s something in Carbon Removal for everyone — are we building enduring relationships to advance the sector?A bonus EvC episode - on February 27, 2025, EvC co-host Ed Whittingham hosted a panel discussion at Carbon Removal Canada's Carbon Removal Day in Ottawa. They cover a number of topics including the changing political headwinds in the US, efforts to bolster investment in Canada, and silicon valley's interest in CDR. Plus, they take a few audience questions.Detailed show notes on episode page.About Our Guests:2025-04-1747 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsThe Rise of Conspiratorial Environmentalism with Dr. Holly Jean BuckDavid & Ed chat with Dr. Holly Buck about Conspiratorial-Environmentalism’s connection to climate & geoengineering; the anti-vax movement; and what it tells us about mainstream environmentalism & climate politics.(03:08) Skip Intro(09:12) David's personal experience with Conspiratorial-Environmentalism(27:15) Social Media and monetization(38:58) What do we do when environmentalists turn to conspiracies?(46:33) Audience QuestionsDetailed show notes available on episode page About Our Guest:Holly Jean Buck is an Associate Professor of Environment and Sustainability at the University at Buffalo. She is an environmental social scientist and hu...2025-04-0458 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsScrubbing the Sky - Episode 4 - Skeptics vs Believers: Is Direct Air Capture Hope or Hype?Host Ed Whittingham closes out Season 1 by examining the case against Direct Air Capture by one its harshest critics, Al Gore, followed by the counterarguments of supporters. Will DAC live up to its hype and potential to help cool a warming planet? Guests include: Greg Nemet, professor at the University of WisconsinKlaus Lackner, professor at Arizona State UniversityDavid Keith, professor at the University of Chicago and a DAC pioneer who founded the company Carbon EngineeringSara Hastings-Simon, professor at the University of CalgaryChristian Theuer, Policy Communications Lead at HeirloomJim McDermott, co...2025-03-2527 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsScrubbing the Sky - Episode 3 - The Carbon Gold Rush: Tech's Next FrontierHost Ed Whittingham delves into the early days of another pioneering Direct Air Capture (DAC) company, Switzerland’s Climeworks, and its innovative modular approach to deploying its technology. Ed also looks into the developing synergy between the tech sector and carbon removal. Guests include: Jan Wurzbacher, co-founder of ClimeworksLucy Hargreaves, Corporate Affairs and Climate Policy at PatchJim McDermott, co-founder and the managing partner of Rusheen Capital Management, LLCDavid Keith, professor at the University of Chicago and a DAC pioneer who founded the company Carbon EngineeringLear...2025-03-1826 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsScrubbing the Sky - Episode 2: Bill Gates & Building a Climate ‘Miracle’Host Ed Whittingham continues the story behind the development of Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology and its potential role in helping to fight climate change. Ed explores the early days of Canadian cleantech company Carbon Engineering, and how it drew the attention of both Bill Gates and Occidental Petroleum. Guests include: Ken Caldeira, senior scientist at Breakthrough EnergyDavid Keith, professor at the University of Chicago and a DAC pioneer who founded the company Carbon EngineeringSubscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or on your podcast ap...2025-03-1128 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsThe USA vs Climate - Trump's New Climate & Energy Policy with Dr. Jesse JenkinsJesse Jenkins, David Keith, and Ed Whittingham break down the key policy reversals, their impact on U.S. emissions, and the broader geopolitical and economic consequences—for Canada and beyond. Plus, audience questions!Full Show notes with links to references on our websiteAbout Our Guest:Jesse D. Jenkins is an assistant professor and macro-scale energy systems engineer at Princeton University with a joint appointment in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and the Andlinger Center for Energy and Environment. He leads the Pr...2025-03-071h 05Energy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsSNEAK PREVIEW Scrubbing the Sky - Episode 1 - Carbon Removal: Engineering Earth's CoolingEvC co-host Ed Whittingham's new series on Carbon Dioxide RemovalHost Ed Whittingham dives into the world of Direct Air Capture (DAC), a technology that extracts carbon dioxide directly from the ambient air. Ed explores the early history of carbon dioxide removal, why it could be useful in fighting climate change, and challenges the technology has faced along the way. Guests include: Klaus Lackner, professor at Arizona State University and often referred to as the “Grandfather of DAC”David Keith, professor at the University of Chicago and a DAC...2025-02-2726 min
Energy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsTrailer - Scrubbing the Sky: Inside the Race to Cool the PlanetThe race to remove carbon is on. This is the inside story.🌎 Scrubbing the Sky: Inside the Race to Cool the Planet drops early March 🌎 This narrative podcast series takes listeners through one of the most ambitious climate efforts ever attempted: removing carbon from the atmosphere.Join EvC's co-host Ed Whittingham as he uncovers the story behind carbon removal —the companies racing to scale it, the challenges they face, and what it means for our future.📲Subscribe on Apple: https://bit.ly/3EH9ihj 📲Subscribe...2025-02-2101 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsGreen Giving: Climate PhilanthropyEd chats with four movers & shakers in Canadian climate philanthropy.On Nov. 13, 2024, nine prominent Canadian family foundations, including EvC's David Keith’s, announced a combined pledge of $405 million, all dedicated to accelerating Canada’s shift to a low-carbon economy. They touch on: Why this financial commitment occurred and why now The challenges facing climate advocacy today and in the near futureWhat needs to succeed in the next 3-5 years How philanthropy should respond when governments start to roll back key pieces of climate and environmental legislation - just like what we’re seeing al...2025-02-0330 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsAsk EvC Anything - 2024Join David & Ed for a special end-of-2024 Ask-Us-Anything episode dedicated to your questions. Thanks to everyone who sent in your questions - we couldn't do it without you!Also, thanks to the Pembina Institute for help with an answer at 22:00 (reference link - Meeting the emissions cap-A feasible pathway for the oil and gas). More show notes on our website.About Your EvC Co-Hosts:David Keith is Professor and Founding Faculty Director, Climate Systems Engineering Initiative at the University of Chicago. H...2024-12-2748 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsNew York Times Columnist David Wallace-Wells: In Conversation on EvC𝘿𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙙 & 𝙀𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩-𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙬𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙖𝙮𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝘿𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙙 𝙒𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚-𝙒𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙨. It's a wide-ranging discussion covering everything from the potential fallout of the US election, shifting global interests and priorities, climate activism, China's role in climate and green energy technology, and as usual - listener questions for our guest. (01:27) US election fallout(09:33) Where do we sit globally on climate?(11:59) State of climate activism?(20:07) Communicating climate risk without alarm(29:09) Air pollution(35:22) Listener questions(46:37) China's green tech dominance(49:34) Who should we be reading?Detailed show notes available here About Our Guest:David Wallace-Wells is currently a columnist and staff writer at The New York Times, where he writes a weekly newsletter on climate change, technology, the future of the planet and how we live on it. He was previously the Deputy Editor at New York Magazine, where he...2024-12-1052 min
Energy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsEd's #GivingTuesday Fundraising Pitch for Energy vs ClimateSupport Energy vs Climate on #GivingTuesdayEnergy vs Climate is a labour of love – we hosts don't draw a salary from the show because we feel strongly about the public service benefit of the project.But, we still have production costs. So, we're asking one last time for you to please consider making a one-time or monthly donation in our only annual donation campaign. Thanks in part to last year's generous supporters, just yesterday we recorded a show with New York Times columnist David Wallace-Wells. It was a terrific conversation (thanks to...2024-12-0302 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsEvC x Climate Book Reviews: A climate-related book podcast that you might likeClimate Book Reviews is co-hosted by EvC's own Ed Whittingham and his friend Roger Thompson, Associate Dean and Professor of Writing and Rhetoric at Stony Brook University in New York. Each episode highlights some climate related books worth knowing about. This episode is an interview with New Zealand author Kirsten McDougall about her novel, She’s a Killer. At times hilarious and at other times troubling, the book is set in the not-too-distant future and features a near genius with sociopathic tendencies facing the realities of her severely climate impacted world. For more inf...2024-11-2635 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsRaising the Heat: How Warming Can Reduce Lifespans & Slow Economic Growth with Michael GreenstoneDavid & Ed chat with University of Chicago's Michael Greenstone. Show Notes:(02:52) Engineering the Planet(03:25) The future of the Temperature–Mortality Relationship(04:48) Valuing the Global Mortality Consequences of Climate Change(07:36) Climate Damages and Adaptation Potential Across Sectors of the US(09:35) Heat Exposure & Poverty(11:30) Seasonality of Mortality Under Climate Change(13:59) Evaluating the 35°C Wet-Bulb Temperature Adaptability Threshold(15:30) Relationship Between Season of Birth, Temperature Exposure, & Wellbeing(17:35) Heat & Learning(20:14) Slow Burn: The Hidden Costs of a Warming World(22:06) Air Pollution on Life Expe...2024-11-1251 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsSolar Geoengineering: Should we go there? LIVE SHOW with David Keith & Ed Whittingham𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗿𝘂𝗽𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀: 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗱 𝗞𝗲𝗶𝘁𝗵 & 𝗘𝗱 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗵𝗮𝗺David and Ed hit the stage at the Energy Disruptors: UNITE 2024 summit in Calgary to discuss solar geoengineering, a major focus of David's academic research. Together, they unpack the technical and non-technical dimensions of solar geoengineering, including global governance and decision making.(00:45) Start of live show and topic introduction(04:49) What is Solar Geoengineering?(30:45) Audience Q & A𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗘𝘃𝗖 𝗖𝗼-𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀:David Keith is Professor and Founding Faculty Director, Climate Systems Engineering Initiative at the University of Chicago. He is the founder of Carbon Engineering and was formerly a professor at Harvard University and the University of Calgary. He splits his time between Canmore and Chicago.Sara Hastings-Simon studies energy transitions at the intersection of policy, business, and technology. She’s a policy wonk...2024-10-2344 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsEV Ownership vs Level 1 Charging with Sara Hastings-SimonRethinking EV ChargingA commonly held belief by new or prospective EV owners is that purchasing one requires the installation of a “level 2”, or 240 volt, home charger. Sara and Ed chat about recent University of Calgary research that challenges this assumption. They discuss considerations that might go into choosing which option is best for EV owners and people considering EVs, as well as the practical realities when it comes to charging, range anxiety - and pottery kilns. About Your EvC Co-Hosts:David Keith is Professor and Foun...2024-10-0926 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsCampaigning on Climate: Climate, Politics, and Elections with The Strategists podcast's Stephen CarterWe have a special climate politics focused show to open the new season. It's a time of elections here in Canada and the U.S. As multiple campaigns heat up, we’re asking, where does climate fit in as an issue? David Keith and Ed Whittingham chat with political strategist and co-host of The Strategists podcast, Stephen Carter, to understand where climate fits as a priority issue for voters. They discussed whether or not climate can still be a winning issue, how proponents of the consumer facing carbon tax failed to make it politically resilient, and...2024-09-2747 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsA personal message from Sara Hastings-SimonA personal message from EvC co-host Sara Hastings-Simon.You can find more information on cancer screening in Canada at the Canadian Cancer Society website.Send us a text (if you'd like a response, please include your email)___Energy vs Climate Podcastwww.energyvsclimate.com Contact us at info@energyvsclimate.com Bluesky | YouTube | LinkedIn | X/Twitter2024-09-0401 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsIntroducing Climate Now: When insurers can no longer afford the riskIntroducing Climate Now: Today, we are excited to bring you an episode from the Climate Now podcast. Climate Now, hosted by James Lawler, and accessible wherever you listen to podcasts as well as on their website - climatenow.com - is a podcast and newsletter that explores and explains the ideas, technologies, and policies we need to address the global climate crisis. The episode we’re sharing, "When insurers can no longer afford the risk," features former Director of Investment Research at Wellington Management, and current Founder of Probable Futures, Spe...2024-08-2026 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsEnergy vs Climate PromoEnergy vs Climate is available wherever you get your podcasts.Produced by Amit TandonSend us a text (if you'd like a response, please include your email)___Energy vs Climate Podcastwww.energyvsclimate.com Contact us at info@energyvsclimate.com Bluesky | YouTube | LinkedIn | X/Twitter2024-07-1601 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsCanada vs Climate: Federal Minister of Energy & Natural Resources, Jonathan WilkinsonDavid, Sara, and Ed talk to Canada's Minister of Energy & Natural Resources, Jonathan Wilkinson. Show Notes:(02:57) Powering Canada Forward(04:24) Modernizing the energy sector(06:28) Powering Canada(07:46) Canada’s Electric Reliability Framework(11:30) Canadian Climate Institute(12:17) Mohawk Council of Kahnawake inks deal with Hydro-Québec(14:24) Governments of Canada, Nova Scotia & New Brunswick Show Progress Toward Phasing Out Coal by 2030(16:25) Canadian Parliament Passes Bill C-59(23:29) Canada’s economic competitiveness in a global energy transition(25:52) How to Overcome Polarization on Climate Actio...2024-07-0458 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsFROM FIBS TO FINES: Climate Disinformation, Lawsuits & Their Ripple EffectsDavid, Sara, and Ed talk to Dr Benjamin Franta, Senior Research Fellow in Climate Litigation at the Oxford Sustainable Law Programme and the founding head of the Climate Litigation Lab. Show Notes:(01:05) Dr. Benjamin Franta (02:20) Nearly 15% of Americans deny climate change is real(02:25) The social anatomy of climate change denial in the US(02:50) Understanding the Shift in Media Perception Towards EVs(08:40) Climate litigation more than doubles in five years, now a key tool in delivering climate justice(10:43) The Rising Threat of CO2(10:50) A U.S. President Was First...2024-05-2853 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsFully Charged: Battery Storage & How to Make it Better with Dr. Y. Shirley MengHosts David, Sara, and Ed chat with battery storage expert Dr. Shirley Meng of the University of Chicago.About Our Guest:Dr. Y. Shirley Meng is a Professor at the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering at the University of Chicago. She serves as the Chief Scientist of the Argonne Collaborative Center for Energy Storage Science (ACCESS) Argonne National Laboratory. Show Notes:(01:12) – Dr. Shirley Meng(02:12) – How Lithium Ion Batteries Work(02:22) – How sodium could change the game(02:24) – How Solid-State Batteries Will Fuel America's Desire For Bigger, Better EVs(08...2024-05-1449 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsEvC Bonus - HOT TOPIC: Alberta Electricity UpdateAnother BONUS Podcast Episode!The electricity file has been popping, especially in Alberta, where on a weekly basis a clash of worldviews on the future of electricity generation is on full display.About Our GuestBlake Shaffer is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics at The University of Calgary. He works on electricity markets, climate policy, and energy transitions, and frequently provides policy advice to governments at various levels. Show Notes(00:02:44) AB’s new renewable energy rules could ban projects(00:04:26) AUC...2024-04-2448 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsEvC Bonus - Hot Topic: Carbon TaxNew BONUS Podcast EpisodeCanada's consumer carbon tax policy has been getting a lot of press attention of late, especially following the $15/T increase that took affect on April 1, 2024. Much has been said about it across the political spectrum, some of it accurate, and some of it just plain wrong. David's away this month, so it's just Sara and Ed talking all things carbon tax with special guest Mark Jaccard. About Our GuestMark Jaccard has been a prof at Simon Fraser University since 1986 save a...2024-04-0959 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsBuzzkill: Understanding the Shift in Media Perception Towards EVsDr. Simon Evans, Deputy Editor & Senior Policy Editor at Carbon Brief join co-hosts David, Sara, and Ed, to tease apart EV fact from fiction. About Our Guest:Simon Evans is deputy editor and policy editor at Carbon Brief. Simon covers climate and energy policy. He holds a PhD in biochemistry from Bristol University and previously studied chemistry at Oxford University. Show Notes:(00:02:01) – Factcheck: 21 misleading myths about electric vehicles(00:04:59) – Electric vs. Gas Cars: Is It Cheaper to Drive an EV?(00:06:37) – IPCC Climate Change 2023 Synthesis Report (00:10:30) – Reducing...2024-03-2952 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsEnergy vs Oilsands: How did we get to 3.5m bbl/day and what do we need to do about it?Co-hosts David, Sara, Ed, and energy/environmental economist Dr. Andrew Leach of the University of Alberta unpack the past, present and future of Canada's oilsands. About Our Guest:Andrew Leach is an energy and environmental economist and is Professor at the University of Alberta, with a joint appointment in the Department of Economics (Arts) and the Faculty of Law. His research spans energy and environmental economics. His most recent book is Between Doom and Denial: Facing facts about climate change.Show Notes:(00:46) – Oil Market Report - No...2024-03-1356 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsHistory vs Energy - How the history of energy transitions can inform our futureOverview:What does the history of energy tell us about energy transition? Can we learn from the past or will we repeat the same mistakes? What do people get wrong when trying to extract lessons from the history of energy? Co-hosts David, Sara, and Ed are joined by guest, Dr. Petra Dolata, to discuss data on historical transitions, including lessons of deindustrialization in the Ruhr region of Germany on Season 5, Episode 8 of Energy vs Climate.About Our Guest:Petra Dolada is Associate Professor in the Department of...2024-02-2155 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsStranger than (Climate) FictionWhat is the role of literature in the climate policy and technology discussion? How does the genre allow us to explore uncomfortable climate scenarios, including those to do with heat death and direct action? While ultimately successful, the path laid out in the book is very bumpy, volatile, and rife with violence – strikingly different from the smooth and orderly transition often offered up by politicians and techno-optimists.On S5E7 of Energy vs Climate, David, Sara, Ed, and New York Times bestselling author Kim Stanley Robinson (of The Ministry for the Future) discuss how science fiction can he...2023-12-1258 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsEnergy vs IEA Oil and Gas ScenariosPublished each year, the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) World Energy Outlook (WEO) is a leading source of scenario-based analysis of global energy demand and supply. This year, as the global energy crisis shows signs of calming, the WEO finds a peak in fossil fuels before 2030 across all scenarios. The result has been met with skepticism by some politicians in Canada, with Alberta’s Premier Danielle Smith going so far as to question the credibility of the organization. A follow-on special report from the IEA on the oil and gas industry in net zero transitions, released on Novem...2023-12-041h 01Energy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsEnergy vs Carbon RemovalWe are excited to bring you a special live taping of Energy vs Climate from November 22, 2023 at the Ampersand in Calgary. Energy vs Carbon Removal is a dive deep into this still relatively new climate mitigation pathway. The IPCC and other bodies increasingly view Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) as a critical tool to reduce CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere and bring warming back down to 1.5C by century’s end. It seems like new carbon removal start-ups are springing up weekly. But the barriers to commercializing CDR tech remain daunting. Will CDR live up to its h...2023-11-301h 12Energy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsBuilding for Sustainability - What Really MattersWhat matters - and really doesn’t matter - when it comes to Building for Sustainability? David, Sara and Ed answer that question in a live episode of Energy vs Climate recorded on November 5, 2023 to kick off the Building for Sustainability symposium in Canmore, AB. EPISODE NOTES@00:3:30 Carbon sink and low-carbon building materials@00:5:30 Keeping The Heat In - Section 8: Upgrading windows and exterior doors@00:10:03 Spring Creek Mountain Village receives green energy certification@00:11:48 Fact sheet: Early Estimate of National Emissions 2022 @00:15:21 Goodbye, gas furnaces? Why electrification is the fu...2023-11-1050 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsTransmission vs ClimateLong distance and interregional transmission lines promise to increase reliability, mitigate the impact of extreme weather events, and provide electricity consumers with access to low-cost resources. They are an important piece of the energy transition puzzle. But despite the well documented benefits of long-distance transmission, to date there has been limited progress in building out interties across North America. What lessons can we draw from the early days of renewable development that are relevant to this new challenge? What is the current state of efforts to develop long distance transmission and interties in the US, and how...2023-10-2955 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsBONUS | Nils Gilman on avocado politics and climate security from Challenging ClimateHey everyone, Ed here. David, Sara and Ed will be back next week with an episode about electricity interties in the clean energy system. Until then we’d like to share another podcast with you that we think might be of interest, called Challenging Climate. Hosted by Jesse Reynolds and Pete Irvine, Challenging Climate tackles tough questions about the science, technology, economics and politics of climate change. Their topics range from climate modelling, persuasive narratives, national security, international development and even biotech. Jesse, Pete and their guests cover similar topics to what we cover here at...2023-10-2050 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsEnergy vs 1.5°C - Breaking Down the 1.5C Warming TargetSince the Paris Agreement coming into force in 2016, world leaders have increasingly emphasized the need to keep warming to the 1.5°C target by the end of this century, in order to avoid more dangerous impacts from climate change. Yet temperature readings around the globe show that the world has already warmed by roughly 1°C on average above pre-industrial levels. Many models suggest we will very likely exceed 1.5°C of warming, possibly in the next 5-10 years, in the absence of aggressive worldwide action to reduce emissions and (perhaps) engineer the climate. While we have made much progress, unf...2023-10-0558 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsAlbertan Attitudes Toward Energy TransitionOn our first episode of Season 5, Sara and Ed speak to Dr. Melanee Thomas of the University of Calgary about her survey research into Albertans' attitudes to the energy transition, the oil and gas industry, coal and climate change. David wasn't able to join us for this one, but he'll be back live for Episode 2.EPISODE NOTES@00:49 If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it: how the public’s economic confidence in the fossil fuel industry reduces support for a clean energy transition @2:16 Great expectations: Public opinion about energy transition 2023-09-2556 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsIs Heat The Greatest Climate Threat? [Rerelease][Rerelease] David, Sara, Ed and author Jeff Goodell discuss the impacts of heat on humans, the topic of Jeff’s new book. From heat-wave deaths, to reduced ability to learn, to the economic effects, who will suffer the most, and what does it mean for the politics of the energy transition?EPISODE NOTESB.C. heat wave leads to 11-hour ambulance wait time, spike in sudden deathsThe Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson review The Water will come: Rising Seas, sinking cities and the remaking of the ci...2023-08-171h 01Energy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsTake our survey!Hi Everyone!We've got a favour to ask. We're doing a survey to help us understand what you like about Energy vs Climate, and how we can bring you more of that!We would be extremely grateful if you took just a few minutes out of your summer schedule to complete the survey. Your feedback will help us as we plan for Season 5.Thanks! We look forward to coming back in September.Send us a text (if you'd like a response, please include your email)___...2023-07-2700 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsClimate vs WildfiresOn a special summer episode of Energy vs Climate, we’re addressing the record-setting wildfires that Canada has been experiencing this summer. We're joined by molecular paleoecologist Allison Karp to examine how fire has changed across geologic timescales and how much of this year's wildfires we can attribute to climate change.EPISODE NOTES@1:23 Allison Karp, paleoecologist at Yale and Brown University @11:04 Earliest evidence of wildfire found in Wales 430 million years ago, BBC, original journal article here @11:33 Indigenous fire management and traditional knowledge @15:20 Record-setting climate enabled the ex...2023-07-2430 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsBONUS | Energy Efficiency at Home with Matt Ferrell of Still TBDNo, we didn’t forget to fill in the pod title after Matt Ferrell’s name. On Still TBD, aka the Still To Be Determined Podcast, Matt and his brother Sean discuss electric vehicles, renewable energy, smart technologies, and how they impact our lives. And this week we have a special treat for you: a bonus episode with Ed, Sara, and Matt, who also happens to be host of the massively popular Undecided YouTube channel. Matt's team reached out to us about collaborating and we loved what he was up to, sharing his journey of learning about smart...2023-06-0743 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsSolar Geoengineering–Should we go there?On the final episode of Energy vs Climate Season 4, we’re covering the basics of solar geoengineering. We're joined by The Right Honourable Kim Campbell, former Prime Minister of Canada, to unpack the debate over the role of further research, the place of these technologies in the global climate toolkit, and the role for Canada in research and governance.EPISODE NOTES@1:36 Right Honourable Kim Campbell, Canada's 19th and first female Prime Minister@2:56 Solar geo-engineering resources@2:56 David vs. David on solar geo-engineering, David Suzuki - the Nature of Things@8:31 Toward a re...2023-05-241h 01Energy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsCanada's Big Bet on ElectrificationOn Season 4 Episode 9 of Energy vs Climate, David, Sara, Ed and special guest Dr. Blake Shaffer of The University of Calgary, dig into the how and why of Canada's big bet on electrification in the 2023 Federal Budget. EPISODE NOTES: @0:44 Blake Shaffer, economist and professor at the University of Calgary @3:59 Blake Shaffer: Technical Pathways to Aligning Canadian Electricity Systems with Net Zero Goals Report @11:14 Electricity 101: Generation capacity vs. Energy generation @27:39 Non-wire solutions explained @28:39 Co-locating to build less transmission lines and get a higher utilization rate @28:39 BC and Alberta interties, Mark Jaccard and Bla...2023-04-1459 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsCan Contracts for Difference Keep Canada Competitive?On Season 4 Episode 8 of Energy vs Climate. David, Sara, Ed, and special guest Dr. Chris Bataille, Adjunct Research Fellow at Columbia University’s Center for Global Energy Policy (CGEP) and researcher with the Institut du Développement Durable et de Relations Internationales (IDDRI.org), discuss contracts for difference policy and and how can it help industrial decarbonization. EPISODE NOTES:Dr. Chris Bataille, Adjunct Research Fellow at Columbia University Centre on Global Energy Policy.@1:12 EvC season 4, Ep. 3: Inflation Reduction Act and impacts to Canada@4:20 Contract for Difference (CfD) – Explained@5:50 CfD in Alberta...2023-03-291h 00Energy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsJust Transition“Just Transition” is making headlines again in Alberta with the Provincial government pushing back against the yet to be tabled just transition legislation the Federal government first promised in 2019. Part of the debate is political, but underneath is the reality of the energy transition and the impact it will have on Alberta communities.How do we separate the politics from the policies when it comes to transition? What can we learn from coal communities that have already started to undergo similar transitions? What have policy makers gotten right? Wrong? And what does this mean for the Provincial and...2023-03-0659 min
Energy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsBONUS: Behind the Scenes of Energy vs Climate Session AleYou may recall that we sipped Annex Ale Project's Easy Answers Pale Ale when we recorded our Crypto vs Climate episode back in Season 3. Little did we know that would be the start of a fun and productive relationship with the good folks at Annex Ales. And now the beer is here, we're proud to introduce our very own Energy vs Climate Session Ale, the beer that remembers to turn off the lights when it leaves the room.To celebrate, we made a bonus episode taking you behind the scenes of brewing the beer. Keeping wit...2023-02-1511 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsEnergy vs Climate vs OffsetsOn Season 4, Episode 6 of EvC, Sara, David and Ed tackle the thorny and always controversial topic of carbon offsets, live at Avatar Innovations at The Energy Transition Centre in downtown Calgary.An offset in principle is paying someone else - a company, or a country - to reduce emissions that you yourself cannot, or simply will not reduce. What is the role of offsets in helping the world to avoid dangerous climate change? What's 'additionality' when it comes to offsets, and is it fundamental or merely an after thought? How are offset markets regulated to ensure integrity...2022-12-131h 16Energy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsCOP 27 DebriefDavid (just back from Egypt), Sara, Ed and special guest Adrien Abécassis, Chief Policy Officer of the Paris Peace Forum and former Advisor to the French President (also just back) unpack COP 27 and what it means for Canada and the world going forward on Season 4 Episode 5 of Energy vs Climate. EPISODE NOTES@1:31 Adrien Abécassis, former senior advisor to the French president, and the Chief Policy officer of the Paris Peace Forum @7:55 Key outcomes of the COP27 @9:28 $750 billion a year into clean energy and energy transition @12:00 Recap Paris Agreements ha...2022-11-2451 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsIEA Energy ScenariosPublished each year, the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) World Energy Outlook (WEO) is a leading source of scenario-based analysis of global energy demand and supply. This year’s WEO explores the impact of both short-term volatility in energy markets and the long-term trend of decarbonization.What do the analysis and insights tell us about potential pathways for the world’s energy future and the implications for Canada’s natural resources? How is government action and technological development changing the shape of these pathways and what are the major sources of uncertainty? And what can Canada do to prepa...2022-11-0857 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsU.S. Policy vs ClimateAfter months of uncertainty the United States passed the biggest climate bill in its history, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Coming on the heels of the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, and combined with executive action across government agencies, the actions represent a major turning point in US climate action at the federal level.But what is actually in the IRA, and what comes next for implementation? How does the US approach compare to Canada’s actions on climate and how will Canadian companies and citizens be impacted by these new developments? What should Canada do to...2022-10-2648 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsWar vs ClimateDavid, Sara, Ed, and climate economist Gernot Wagner of Columbia University discuss Europe’s energy crisis and its implications for Canadian energy exports, on Season 4 Episode 2 of Energy vs Climate.Episode Notes@1:12 Welcoming Dr. Gernot Wagner of Columbia University@2:18 How Russia’s invasion of Ukraine highlights the crisis and opportunity of the energy transition@4:00 Europe’s dependency on Russia’s Cheap Gas @12:17 Germany Charters LNG Terminals @17:18 Expansion of heat pump manufacturing - Pinkafeld @20:28 How Europe Got Hooked on Russian Gas Despite Reagan’s Warnings@23:32 The push for LNG Long...2022-10-0758 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsThe Big FixOn Episode 35 of Energy vs Climate, David, Sara and Ed are back for Season 4! They interview acclaimed energy policy advisor, Hal Harvey, and award-winning New York times reporter Justin Gillis about their new book, The Big Fix: Seven Practical Steps to Save our Planet; an examination of seven areas where communities and individuals can insert themselves into key political decisions to ensure the most climate conscious choices are being made. EPISODE NOTES: @0:33 The Big Fix: Seven Practical Steps to Save Our Planet @3:23 Energy Innovation: Policy and Technology, Energy Foundation, Energy Foundation China, European Climate Fo...2022-09-2057 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsBONUS | Transition in Alberta from The Energy Transition Show with Chris NelderSara, David and Ed are back for Season Four of Energy vs Climate on September 20th with a lineup of shows that we're really excited about. Until then we'd like to share Sara's guest appearance on an episode of The Energy Transition Show with Chris Nelder from earlier this summer.The Energy Transition Show covers the full range of energy transition globally, including grid power, all fuels, transportation systems, macro economics, and more. Featuring interviews with some of the smartest and most knowledgeable people in energy, longtime energy expert, Chris Nelder explores the global energy markets and...2022-09-131h 31Energy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsEnergy vs Climate Live at Annex Ale ProjectEnergy vs Climate is still on summer hiatus, but we wanted to pop in with a very special recording of an in-person event we hosted at the end of July at Annex Ale Project in Calgary. In the show, we cover some thoughts on the climate news of the summer, answer some live audience questions, and tease some potential future topics we hope to cover on EvC. We had a great time engaging with folks in person so stay tuned for more information about future in-person programming by subscribing to our emails at energyvsclimate.com. 2022-08-1555 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsAn Energy vs Climate Meet & GreetHi, Sarah here. We're still in a summer break, but we've got an exciting in person, Energy vs Climate meet and greet coming up that we wanted to tell you about. Subscribers to our emails will receive the details next week. And tickets are limited. So if you're not signed up for EVC emails, yet head over to energyvsclimate.com and subscribe today. Thanks and hope to see you soon. Send us a text (if you'd like a response, please include your email)___Energy vs Climate Podcastwww.energyvsclimate.com...2022-07-0800 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsSeason Three Finale: Ask Us AnythingDavid, Sara, and Ed are back for the final episode of Season Three, a special ask-us-anything episode dedicated to your audience questions. From nature-based solutions, to environmentally-responsible oil, hydrogen, geothermal, and more, they dig into a wide variety of topics.EPISODE NOTES: @2:27 Accounting Emissions to Consume with Care @3:53 The forests backing California's carbon offsets are burning up @8:20 EvC S1E7 Are Nature-based Solutions a Natural Policy Choice? @9:18 Can we control the CO2 in the atmosphere? Freeman Dyson @7:34 Delta Airlines Carbon Offsets Now Letting Passengers Fly Green @17:17 Oilsands are high-carbon fuel source 2022-05-061h 00Energy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsDecarbonizing CementThe cement and concrete industry is an essential part of the Canadian and global economies. Concrete, made from cement, is a material that is used in virtually every building construction and infrastructure project across the country and the world. It’s also a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Cement and concrete production account for roughly 7% of global emissions annually.On Episode 32 of Energy vs Climate Ed, David, Sara, and guest Dr. Rebecca Dell of the ClimateWorks Foundation examine the most promising technology and process solutions for decarbonizing cement and concrete. They discuss the key opportunities and ch...2022-04-201h 09Energy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsClimate vs CryptoAlberta has declared an intention to attract a new sector to the province – cryptocurrency. But the early experience has been rocky and the significant energy demands of the sector is reason for concern. What are the energy and climate impacts of crypto? Should Alberta and Canada chase this 21st century gold rush? And just how much did Ed and David make in their foray into crypto investing?Ed, David, and Sara discuss the energy and climate implications of crypto on this special podcast-only episode of Energy vs Climate.EPISODE NOTES@1:00 Easy Answers | Annex...2022-04-0650 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsCan Industrial Policy Solve the Climate Crisis?Industrial policy is hot again, back with a new name (mission innovation) and a new target (climate change). Detractors point to past failures and the risk of costly mistakes and argue that governments should avoid picking winners and stick to carbon pricing. Is government-directed innovation a good tool for climate innovation? How can governments do it well? What should they avoid? And what lessons are there for Canada's energy transition?Join David, Sara, Ed, and industrial policy expert Dani Rodrik of Harvard University to discuss government-directed innovation as a tool for decarbonization, on Episode 30 of Energy vs...2022-03-2359 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsBONUS | Carbon Capture: Why Climate Experts are Divided Over It from Smart ProsperityDavid, Sara and Ed are back March 23rd with a new episode of Energy vs Climate. Until then, we'd like to share another podcast with you.Smart Prosperity: The Podcast with Eric Campbell offers fresh takes on the current affairs, business, technology and ideas behind the green economy. With a decidedly Canadian twist. The Smart Prosperity episode we’d like to share with you digs into Carbon capture technology and why climate experts are divided over it. Ed was Eric’s guest on the episode, along with Susannah Pierce, President of Shell Canada and Christina Hoicka, Canada Resea...2022-03-1135 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsHow Solar Became CheapThe cost of solar power has decreased by a factor of 1,000 over the last fifty years, and by a factor of 10,000 since it was first used to power a satellite in the mid-1950s. According to the International Energy Agency, in some sunny regions solar is now the cheapest energy available – cheaper than coal, gas and wind. What have we learned from solar's multi-decade cost curve decline? How did it benefit from a free flow of ideas, equipment and people across national borders? What lessons can we apply to other forms of climatetech, such as energy storage and carbon ca...2022-03-041h 04Energy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsNet Zero Corporate CommitmentsIn the past year the number of companies committing to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 has exploded. With the fifty largest companies by value accounting for 28% of global GDP, corporate action is critically important if we are to avoid dangerous climate change. But what does a net zero commitment for a company mean in practice? What distinguishes the good from greenwashing, and can we even tell from the outside? What are the risks and opportunities for a company making a net zero commitment in the first place?Join David, Sara, Ed, and special guest Dr. Gabrielle...2022-02-171h 02Energy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsNatural Gas in the HomeOn Episode 27 of EvC, from gas stoves to hot water heaters and furnaces, what might electrifying the home look like in Alberta and Canada? And should we? Guest Bruce Nilles of Climate Imperative helps David, Sara and Ed break down the future of natural gas in the home. @2:10 ecoENERGY for Renewable Power@2:14 AB Emissions reduction programs@2:37 Sierra Club Beyond Coal campaign@3:39 Climate Imperative, @brucenilles@5:07 – Erin O'Toole out | National Post@5:47 – Meat Consumption Pacing Up Climate Change? @16:23 – Residential Indoor Air Quality Guideline, Human Health Risk Assessment for Ambient Nitrogen Dioxide@18:56 – Study: Pollutant Exposure...2022-02-041h 02Energy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsBONUS: Canadian Oil and Gas 2022 from ARC Energy IdeasDavid, Sara and Ed are back next week with a new episode of Energy vs Climate. Until then, we'd like to share another podcast with you.ARC Energy Ideas explores the trends that influence the energy business, including political, environmental, technological, social and economic forces. The show is hosted by Peter Tertzakian and Jackie Forrest of the ARC Energy Research Institute. Jackie and Peter have been thought leaders in the space for years. In fact Peter joined us way back on Episode 3 of Energy vs Climate to discuss the divestment movement. On Canada Oil and G...2022-01-2835 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systems2021 U.S. Energy and Climate Policy UpdateDavid, Sara, Ed, and special guest Professor Jody Freeman of Harvard Law School break down what the first year of the Biden Administration means for Canadian energy and climate policy.EPISODE NOTES@1:32 @JodyFreemanHLS@2:46 Top-emitting Alberta oilsands site got government relief from pollution payments@6:47 Reframing incentives for climate policy@13:06 American Leadership on Clean Cars@13:29 U.S Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan@13:58 EPA power plant rules @14:27 Joe Biden wants America to lead the world against the climate crisis. @14:57 Clean Electricity: A Net-Zero Grid By 2035@21:02 Conservative Supermajority o...2021-12-091h 01Energy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsCareers in Low-Carbon EnergyOn Episode 25 of Energy vs Climate, David, Sara and Ed tackle a topic they often get questions about: how to get into the low-carbon energy field. They share advice for people looking to start or transition their careers from a variety of professionals across sectors, and offer stories of their own paths to working in low-carbon energy. EPISODE NOTES:@2:00 Jeremy Barretto - Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP@4:18 Duncan Kenyon - Hilversum Sustainability Consulting@5:53 Jackie Forrest - Arc Energy Research Institute @8:45 Mike Kelland - Planetary Hydrogen @10:30 – My Climate Journey, Work on Cli...2021-11-2253 minEnergy vs Climate: How climate is changing our energy systemsIs Heat the Greatest Climate Threat?On Episode 24 of Energy vs Climate, David, Sara and Ed are joined by Rolling Stone contributing editor and author Jeff Goodell, to discuss the impacts of heat on humans, the topic of Jeff’s current book project. From heat-wave deaths, to reduced ability to learn, to the effect on economic input, who will suffer the most, and what does it mean for the politics of the energy transition? EPISODE NOTES@ 0:54 B.C. heat wave leads to 11-hour ambulance wait time, spike in sudden deaths@ 1:07 The Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson re...2021-11-111h 02