The Dual Threat Of Wildfires For Utilities - Episode 62 Eight Minute Climate Fix podcast

7:34

Let us know how we're doing - text us feedback or thoughts on episode content Pending regulations are reshaping the sustainability reporting world, with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) starting to require European companies to report this year. Underpinning these reporting disclosures is something called a Double Materiality Assessment (DBA). In this episode, Paul digs into what is included in a DBA, how it differs from a company's current non-financial disclosures, and what companies should be doing to prepare for these reporting requirements. Even US based companies who may have to start reporting as soon as 2028. For more research: Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) - European Commission Follow Paul on LinkedIn .…

Eight Minute Climate Fix

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The Effect of Trump's Tariff War on Clean Energy - Episode 112 8:30

19 weeks тому8:30

8:30

Let us know how we're doing - text us feedback or thoughts on episode content Over this past weekend, the Trump Administration followed through on a campaign promise to issue tariffs on key trade partners of the US. Canada, Mexico and China all found themselves in the new administration's crosshairs. In this episode, Paul discusses some of the reasons why these tariffs are going to affect both the fossil AND clean energy industries. And why Canada and Mexico quickly reached a negotiated bargain with the US while China looks to be digging in for a prolonged trade war. For more research: "Trump tariffs seen stirring up commodity and energy sectors" - Reuters "Trump Tariffs Spark Fears of Clean Energy Supply Chain Chaos" - SciAm "Analysis: The potential economic effects of Trump’s tariffs and trade war, in 9 charts" - PBS Follow Paul on LinkedIn .…

Eight Minute Climate Fix

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Smart Cities - Episode 111 7:28

21 weeks тому7:28

7:28

Let us know how we're doing - text us feedback or thoughts on episode content Many large municipalities are using a combination of sensors, data management and analytical tools to dynamically manage the flow of people and cars within their borders. These Smart Cities are helping to not only improve the quality of life of residents - but are cutting down on vehicle idle time, greenhouse gas emissions, and other environmental issues. In this episode, Paul provides some examples of how cities around the world are utilizing smart, digital technology to improve their operations - and he discusses some of the lessons learned in rolling these tools out to the general public. Follow Paul on LinkedIn .…

Eight Minute Climate Fix

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Wholesale Power Pricing Basics - Episode 110 9:13

23 weeks тому9:13

9:13

Let us know how we're doing - text us feedback or thoughts on episode content As more corporations are using Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) or Virtual Power Purchase Agreements (VPPAs) to procure renewable energy, these contracts are exposing companies to the risks and variabilities of the wholesale power market. In this episode, Paul zeroes in on how the pricing of power in wholesale markets works so that we can start to understand, and manage, those risks. Follow Paul on LinkedIn .…

Eight Minute Climate Fix

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Reflecting on the Climate Activities of 2024 - Episode 109 8:05

24 weeks тому8:05

8:05

Let us know how we're doing - text us feedback or thoughts on episode content Paul wraps up 2024 with an episode looking back on the major trends and news stories from this past year. From good news stories such as the retirement of the UK's last coal facility to hard news such as the realization that we may have already passed our global 1.5 degree temperature target. In any regard, review with us the progress that we've made over these past 12 months and set an ambition for what 2025 is going to look like! Follow Paul on LinkedIn .…

Eight Minute Climate Fix

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What Companies are Doing to Address the Sustainability of Their Product Packaging - Episode 108 8:49

26 weeks тому8:49

8:49

Let us know how we're doing - text us feedback or thoughts on episode content As the holiday season descends upon us, the importance of sustainable packaging is never more important. In this episode, Paul discusses not only some of the ways that prominent companies are addressing how their are packaging and shipping their products - but also some of the prominent instances where regulators have cracked down on companies falsely claiming environmental benefits. Packaging is an important part of a sustainable, circular economy. For more research: "Sustainability Trends - Quarterly Outlook: October 2024" - ERM "A Guide to Sustainable Packaging Solutions" - Green Business Benchmark "Definition of Sustainable Packaging" - Sustainable Packaging Coalition "Why we need out-of-the-box thinking on sustainable packaging" - PA Consulting "Top 4 Sustainable Packaging Trends in 2025" - Lythouse Follow Paul on LinkedIn .…

Eight Minute Climate Fix

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How Electricity Load Growth May Complicate the Energy Transition - Episode 107 6:59

27 weeks тому6:59

6:59

Let us know how we're doing - text us feedback or thoughts on episode content Since the 1990's, electricity demand has remained relatively flat despite the economic growth of the country. But as increased electrification and demand for new data centers intensifies, that demand for new power is changing. Utilities are having to adapt to market conditions that demand faster, more flexible additions of power capacity to the grid. But changing existing utility processes and models is tougher than it looks. In this episode, Paul discusses how utilities may be underestimating the load growth in their areas, and the implications that this bottleneck may have on climate action and the energy transition. For more research: "Reality Check: Electricity Load Growth Does Not Have to Undermine Climate Goals" - RMI "What’s the State of Utility Planning Halfway through 2024?" - RMI "US utilities to face significant challenge as power demand surges for the first time in decades" - Wood Mackenzie "Gridlock: the demand dilemma facing the US power industry" - Wood Mackenzie Follow Paul on LinkedIn .…

Eight Minute Climate Fix

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The Changing Chemistry of Lithium Ion Batteries - Episode 106 7:38

29 weeks тому7:38

7:38

Let us know how we're doing - text us feedback or thoughts on episode content Lithium Ion batteries are the backbone of the EV revolution. And car manufacturers are constantly seeking new ways to remove cost and improve the range of these battery packs. Part of their solution has been to tweak the chemistry of these batteries - but added value in one area sometimes necessitates a trade off in another. In this episode, Paul discusses the changing chemistry of lithium ion batteries in the EV market, the impact that this has on the economics of vehicles, and how consumers should be thinking about battery composition when considering their next EV purchase. For more research: "Exploring the Different Types of Lithium-Ion Batteries Used in Electric Vehicles" - Ioncore Technology "Charted: Lithium-Ion Batteries Keep Getting Cheaper" - Visual Capitalist "Battery cell prices fall to record low in September, says report" - Reuters "A new generation of cheaper batteries is sweeping the EV industry" - Canary Media Follow Paul on LinkedIn .…

Eight Minute Climate Fix

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What's Next for Gas Distribution Companies? (Jan Rosenow - Regulatory Assistance Project) - Episode 105 8:52

30 weeks тому8:52

8:52

Let us know how we're doing - text us feedback or thoughts on episode content With millions of miles of gas distribution pipelines under our feet, the transition away from gas and toward electrification needs to account for that existing infrastructure somehow. And that comes with risks, not only to gas distribution companies but to their customers as well. Understanding, anticipating and managing these risks is a vital part of a safe, equitable transition. To discuss this topic, Paul is joined by Jan Rosenow of Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP). They really dig into what is needed to decommission an entire industry. For the full interview with Jan, visit our sister podcast, More Than Eight Minutes. For further research: Jan Rosenow Regulatory Assistance Project "The elephant in the room: How do we regulate gas transportation infrastructure as gas demand declines?" - Rosenow, Lowes & Kemfert "Planning and regulating Europe’s gas networks: breaking up with fossil gas" - Regulatory Assistance Project Follow Paul on LinkedIn .…

Eight Minute Climate Fix

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Systems Thinking for the Energy Transition - Episode 104 7:55

31 weeks тому7:55

7:55

Let us know how we're doing - text us feedback or thoughts on episode content In this episode, Paul steps back from the individual technologies and business processes that are driving the energy transition, and looks at the interconnected systems that need to be reimagined as well. For some systems, this may be intuitive, such as in the need to develop the ecosystem of supporting infrastructure for EVs. But other interconnected, dependent systems are more nuanced and reflect the challenges policy makers, utilities, and regulators have to manage a transition that is occurring at a different pace and scale across industries and across the globe. Follow Paul on LinkedIn .…

Eight Minute Climate Fix

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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - Episode 103 8:08

32 weeks тому8:08

8:08

Let us know how we're doing - text us feedback or thoughts on episode content As the world launches into COP29 in Azerbaijan, this week, it may be useful for us to review some of the sustainability metrics that the world has agreed to as a foundation for peace, prosperity - and a world devoid of climate change. There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (or SDGs) in total, though not all of them deal with climate. The ones that do, though, provide us a bit of a report card on how we're doing, as a globe, in combating climate change. In this episode, Paul explains a bit more as to what these SDGs represent - and highlights some of the findings from the UN's latest report card. For further research: "The 17 Goals" - United Nations "2024 Progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals" - United Nations Follow Paul on LinkedIn .…

Eight Minute Climate Fix

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Why Food Waste is Such a Big Climate Issue - Episode 102 7:27

33 weeks тому7:27

7:27

Let us know how we're doing - text us feedback or thoughts on episode content The United Nations estimates that we lose about one third of our global food supply every year to waste and loss. And that organic matter contributes about 10% of our global emissions each year. Getting a hold on our food waste is a big issue and a huge opportunity, not only for climate action but also in economic terms. In this episode, Paul breaks down the different points in the food value chain where spoilage and waste occurs - and discusses some of the innovative solutions that are emerging to address these issues. For more research: "The Enormous Scale Of Global Food Waste" - Stastita "Food loss and waste account for 8-10% of annual global greenhouse gas emissions; cost USD 1 trillion annually" - UNFCCC "7 innovative solutions for fighting food waste" - World Economic Forum Follow Paul on LinkedIn .…

Eight Minute Climate Fix

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Debating the DOE Report on Pathways to New Advanced Nuclear - Episode 101 8:18

34 weeks тому8:18

8:18

Let us know how we're doing - text us feedback or thoughts on episode content The DOE recently released a report outlining a pathway for the US to meet recent pledges of tripling of domestic nuclear capacity by 2050. Nuclear needs to play a role in a clean energy economy, but the industry may be fooling itself in thinking that learning curve cost decreases will help to make these advanced nuclear reactors more economically viable. In this episode, Paul discusses the challenges facing the nuclear industry in reducing costs, including the need to customize between facilities, the challenge in translating workforce experience across construction firms, and the ongoing costs associated with the high regulatory hurdles associated with this technology. How can the US support new nuclear, but in a way that ensures affordability for the energy transition? For more research: "Pathways to Commercial Liftoff: Advanced Nuclear" - Department of Energy "To meet US nuclear goals, big reactors need to get built today, DOE says" - Canary Media "Historical construction costs of global nuclear power reactors" - Jessica Lovering, et al. (2016) "The economics of nuclear power: Further evidence on learning, economies of scale, and regulatory effects" - Cantor, et al. (1988) "EDF’s UK Hinkley Nuclear Costs Balloon as Plant Delayed Anew" - Bloomberg Follow Paul on LinkedIn .…

Eight Minute Climate Fix

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An Agile Strategy for Climate Action - Episode 100 8:40

35 weeks тому8:40

8:40

Let us know how we're doing - text us feedback or thoughts on episode content Paul reflects a bit on having just completed the second year of hosting Eight Minutes, and takes a moment to indulge in how the process of developing climate strategy needs to change if we are to keep up with the rapid advances in climate industries. Long term strategic planning may need to be replaced by "agile" strategic processes. For more research: "CCUS Market Outlook 2023: Announced Capacity Soars by 50%" - Bloomberg New Energy Finance Follow Paul on LinkedIn .…

Eight Minute Climate Fix

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How Climate Change is Intensifying the Ferocity of Hurricanes - Episode 99 8:02

36 weeks тому8:02