Climate Drift's Top Ten Climate Podcasts
Our favorite podcasts and episodes so far
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Hi there! 👋
Skander here.
Spring has finally sprung in Europe and the US, bringing sunny days perfect for hiking, jogging, or cycling.
But as you head outdoors, don't leave behind your favorite climate podcasts.
We've received numerous inquiries from our latest Climate Drift Accelerator cohort about top podcast recommendations. So, it's the perfect time to share our top 10 climate podcasts along with our favorite episodes of the year (so far).
Let’s dive in 🌊
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Here are our favorite picks, in an order hotly debated, but all exist to cool down the planet.
Whenever we explore a new topic, whether it's DER (Distributed Energy Resources) or DAC (Direct Air Capture), we queue these up and curate a playlist specific to the theme - we share those in the accelerator for our weekly deep dives.
And now onto the list:
Switched On 🔌
Volts ⚡
Shift Key ⌨️
Catalyst 🧪
Energy Gang 🏙️
TILClimate 🌍
Redefining Energy 🔁
A Matter of Degrees 🌡️
The Jane Goodall Hopecast 🌿
Outrage + Optimism ✨
Switched On with Dana Perkins
"Switched On with Dana Perkins" is a podcast hosted by energy expert Dana Perkins, focusing on the latest developments in clean energy and sustainability. Each episode, Dana sits down with BloombergNEF (BNEF) analysts to delve into the technological, political, and economic forces driving the transition to a low-carbon future. Through in-depth interviews with industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators, the show offers a comprehensive exploration of the future of energy, transport, and sustainability, highlighting key findings and stories from BNEF's latest research.
https://www.bloomberg.com/podcasts/series/switched-on
Favorite Episode of the year (so far):
As electric vehicle (EV) sales increase, so does the need for EV batteries and their essential metals, leading to a significant focus on recycling; by 2035, about 3.7 million metric tons of EV batteries will require recycling, providing a crucial source of materials for new batteries. Dana and BloombergNEF analyst Andy Leach discuss how production scrap is vital for short-term recycling, the influence of regional EV ownership on metal availability, and the role of policies in promoting battery recycling.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/audio/2024-03-06/mind-the-ev-battery-recycling-gap-podcast
Also: Dive into our Transportation Hype Curve, where battery recycling is currently coming out of the Through of disillusionment:
Volts
"Volts" is a podcast that examines the complex and rapidly evolving world of energy and climate policy. Hosted by David Roberts, a veteran energy and climate journalist, the show offers a nuanced and insightful perspective on the political, economic, and technological factors driving the energy transition. From analyzing the latest policy developments to exploring cutting-edge technologies, "Volts" provides listeners with a deep understanding of the forces shaping the future of energy.
Favorite Episode of the year (so far):
In this episode, Cora Wyent guides us through Rewiring America's "personal electrification planner," a detailed step-by-step guide designed for homeowners and renters eager to electrify their homes.
Avid readers know: we are bullish on residential solar, as we show in our guide to the space:
"Shift Key" is a podcast hosted by Robinson Meyer and Jesse Jenkins, two leading voices in the climate and energy space. The show dives into the latest research, technologies, and policy debates surrounding the transition to a sustainable energy future. With their expertise and engaging style, Meyer and Jenkins guide listeners through the complexities of the energy landscape, offering insights and analysis that are both informative and thought-provoking
https://shows.acast.com/shift-key/about
Favorite Episode of the year (so far):
Jigar Shah plays a pivotal role in shaping America's new industrial and climate policies, second only to President Joe Biden, despite not being a Cabinet-level official. As the director of the Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office, functioning much like the department's own bank, Shah manages the allocation of approximately $400 billion in lending authority. This funding is crucial for supporting the development of new EV factories, geothermal wells, carbon capture sites, and other projects.
https://shows.acast.com/shift-key/episodes/jigar-shah-has-a-lot-of-money-to-throw-around
Catalyst with Shayle Kann
"Catalyst with Shayle Kann" is a podcast that explores the intersection of clean energy, technology, and finance. Hosted by Shayle Kann, a respected energy analyst and investor at EIP, the show dives into the latest trends, innovations, and investment opportunities in the rapidly evolving clean energy sector. Each episode features in-depth conversations with industry experts, providing listeners with valuable insights and analysis on the key drivers and challenges shaping the clean energy transition.
https://www.canarymedia.com/podcasts/catalyst-with-shayle-kann
Favorite Episode of the year (so far):
The "electricity gauntlet" has garnered national attention with discussions on rising electricity demand due to new loads like electric vehicles (EVs) and data centers, versus a slow-growing supply plagued by interconnection delays and construction challenges. This imbalance, accentuated by the AI race driving tech giants to increase power for their data centers, has utilities struggling to meet demand, which could lead to extended reliance on natural gas and coal. In this episode, Shayle talks with Andy Lubershane about potential solutions such as nuclear, grid-enhancing technologies, and geothermal, exploring how these could satisfy load growth more sustainably and the impact on electricity prices and emissions.
https://www.latitudemedia.com/news/catalyst-the-electricity-gauntlet-has-arrived
An potential solution for the Electricity Gauntlet can be microgrids, a solution that we covered this year a lot, from the 101 to the commercialisation
Energy Gang
"Energy Gang" is a podcast that dives into the critical issues and latest developments within the energy sector. Hosted by Ed Crooks, alongside a roster of expert guests, the show offers a rich tapestry of perspectives on the technological, political, and economic drivers transforming the energy landscape. Each episode explores cutting-edge renewable energy technologies, unpacks complex energy policy debates, and offers deep insights into the ongoing energy transition. Listeners can expect a well-rounded and detailed exploration of how innovations and decisions in energy are shaping our present and future.
https://www.woodmac.com/podcasts/the-energy-gang/
Favorite Episode of the year (so far):
2023 was a challenging year for low-carbon energy investment, continuing into 2024 with setbacks such as rising interest rates, uncertain energy policies, and a downturn in the financial markets affecting clean energy stocks like Tesla and Ørsted. Investment flows into climate-focused funds and clean energy ventures have significantly decreased, as reflected by a sharp drop in capital to about $38 billion last year, a 75% decline from 2021.
TILClimate
"TILclimate" is a podcast that aims to make climate change education accessible and engaging for listeners. Hosted by Laur Hesse Fisher, the show explores a wide range of climate-related topics, from the science behind global warming to the societal and policy implications of climate change. Each episode is designed to provide listeners with a deeper understanding of the complex issues surrounding climate change, with a focus on translating scientific concepts into easy-to-understand language.
https://climate.mit.edu/users/tilclimate-podcast
Favorite Episode of the year (so far):
During the severe Texas cold front of 2021, some wind turbines ceased electricity production, raising concerns about their reliability in extreme weather. MIT Professor Michael Howland appears on the podcast to discuss how wind turbine operators can prepare for harsh conditions. He explains why certain turbines failed in Texas, yet others operate successfully in the frigid environment of Antarctica.
https://climate.mit.edu/podcasts/e2-do-wind-turbines-freeze-cold
"Redefining Energy" dives into the transformative forces shaping the energy sector, as two seasoned investment bankers discuss the impact of technology, finance, markets, and regulations weekly. They cover everything from renewable energy and electric cars to hydrogen, battery storage, and digital advances in the field.
Favorite Episode of the year (so far):
Despite claims of full capacity by grid operators, studies and innovations such as Grid Enhancing Technologies (GETs) and advanced conductor technologies are poised to significantly increase grid capacity and efficiency. These new solutions, led by experts like Jason Huang of TS Conductor Corporation, are set to revolutionize the grid system and accelerate the energy transition.
A Matter of Degrees
In "A Matter of Degrees," Dr. Leah Stokes and Dr. Katharine Wilkinson explore the dynamics driving climate change, discussing both the challenges and the tools available to address it. Through conversations with numerous climate leaders, they dive into innovative solutions, effective campaigns, instances of corruption, and the collective efforts to counteract them.
Favorite Episode of the year (so far):
In this episode, the focus returns to their season one finale featuring former utilities regulator and current Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, who discusses the role of electric utilities in promoting climate denial and their aggressive opposition to clean energy solutions like rooftop solar. The narrative explores how Arizona Public Service has become a prime example of utility misconduct in obstructing clean energy progress, highlighting the importance of public pressure in fostering transparency and change.
The legal side of the transition is often overlooked. Thankfully we have Climate Drifters like Isaac that dive deep into the topic:
The Jane Goodall Hopecast
The Jane Goodall Hopecast, hosted by renowned primatologist and anthropologist Jane Goodall, offers a profound source of inspiration. With over 60 years of experience studying wild chimpanzees and a lifelong commitment to environmental conservation, Goodall brings together diverse guests—from acclaimed author Margaret Atwood to US Senator Cory Booker—to discuss what inspires hope amidst the climate crisis. Through engaging interviews, she extracts impactful stories and insightful anecdotes, providing an uplifting response to the often daunting climate emergency.
https://janegoodall.org/our-story/about-jane/hopecast/
Favorite Episode of the year (so far):
In the first live episode of the Jane Goodall Hopecast, Dr. Jane Goodall speaks with Academy Award-winning writer/director/producer Adam McKay about the role of storytelling and humor in driving climate action, as showcased in his satirical Netflix comedy 'Don’t Look Up.' They dive into how films can confront serious issues like climate change with humor, helping audiences to engage and possibly change the narrative of human history before it's too late.
https://news.janegoodall.org/2022/02/16/adam-mckay-hope-is-looking-up-jane-goodall-hopecast-s2-13/
Climate often has a marketing problem, and we need to work on the storytelling:
Outrage + Optimism
Hosted by Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac, architects of the landmark Paris Agreement, alongside CDP founder Paul Dickinson, "Outrage + Optimism" dives deep into the narratives shaping climate change. This podcast features conversations with innovators who transform challenges into opportunities, critically examines instances of greenwashing, and tackles complex environmental issues.
https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/
Favorite Episode of the year (so far):
The three hosts bring three issues they are outraged and optimistic about: Tom declares Earth Day 2024 as the potential turning point for the climate crisis, Christiana tackles the pervasive problem of plastics, and Paul debates the effectiveness of investor and corporate transition plans.
Thanks for putting together this list, all great podcasts. I'd also recommend Zero by Bloomberg, The Jolt, Cleaning Up, and Wicked Problems.