In this episode, I visit the city of Cali, Colombia, and give my observations from the UN conference that discussed biodiversity as an integral part of solutions for global warming.
The COO of Bruce Power explains the technology, safety and reliability and costs related to Nuclear Power as a viable power generation source to help the energy transition process.
In this episode, we review the outcomes of COP 29, discuss recent important developments in energy transition, refresh certain acronyms - GFANZ, NZBA, GFS - and look forward to energy transition in 2025, leading up to COP 30 in Brazil. We review the fresh global focus on redefining transition to emphasize fossil fuels and nuclear power as essential elements that cannot be switched off.
In this episode, we take our listeners back to 1979, when the movie "The China Syndrome" was released, depicting a nuclear accident just days before the Three Mile Island partial meltdown in Pennsylvania. We visit the project site, and play a clip from a recent interview, where Chris Wallace asks Michael Douglas about his changing views about the role of nuclear power. Michael Douglas frankly says he has changed his mind about the necessity of using safe nuclear power to satisfy energy demands.
In this episode, we give a synopsis of the main observations from Climate Week New York. Nature based finance and the term Peace With nature are highlighted. The effect of the elections on Climate programs is talked about, and the impact of the IRA - past and future - is discussed. The resurgence of Nuclear Power, the need for large amounts of poser for AI and the restarting of the Three Mile Island Nuclear plant are stated. The curious case of fact following fiction - The movie China Syndrome preceding the Three Mile Island accident - is profiled. A documentary on Climate Change - The White House Effect- is reviewed.
In this episode, we speak to the Stefano Buono, CEO of Newcleo, a company that pioneers Small Modular Nuclear Reactors. He explains why the time is right for Nuclear power to make a come back , with Small Modular Nuclear as the way to go. He touches upon key issues such as safety, cost, technology and others that make this a compelling story. He explains the role of lead encasement for safety, touches upon the 24/7 availability of Nuclear, unlike solar and wind. Space considerations in our crowded planet are enumerated, and he opines on how long it takes for fusion technology to reach commercial status.
In this episode, we interview Jeffrey Rissman, the author of Zero Carbon Industry - Transformative Technologies and Policies to Achieve Sustainable Prosperity. He discusses his book, which provides details on sectors such as Chemicals, Paper and Cement, via well researched data and technologies. The book seamlessly blends technical, statistical, philosophical and human issues to offer solutions for industrial decarbonization.
In this episode, we speak once again to Dan Delurey, a clean energy and climate expert, who has been to all recent COPs. He disects the implication of the breakthrough agreement for transition away from fossil fuels, and tells us how the COP process truly works through the course of the year leading up to the final negotiations. He also explains the various zones at COP- blue, green, etc, where real ideas germinate and real transformations take place.
In this episode, I speak to Virgilio Viana, ex- Secretary of State for Environment in Brazil, and Director General of the Amazonas Sustainability Foundation. Virgilio provides his candid views on the successes and shortcomings of COP 28 Dubai, from the standpoint of Biodiversity and its close relationship with decarbonization. He also discussed UN's lack of agreement on standards for Carbon Trading.
In this episode, we visit 3 Middle Eastern Countries - Kuwait, Dubai and Egypt, and review the pattern of energy transition as it relates to the middle East.eas
In this episode, we break down the key agreements reached in Dubai, to address global warming. We also analyse the shortcomings and provide a clear conclusion from the conference.
In this episode, we review Cimate Week New York, and provide a synopsis of key announcements and findings from over 400 events. As the emphasis on biodiversity takes center stage, we discuss recent announcements from the United Nations and from the State of California - the UN Taskforce for Nature Related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) guidelines, and California's lawsuit against five oil majors. We visit a rooftop farm, and meet with the farm's custodians, and speak to other experts attending the conference.
In this episode, I travel to the island paradise of Aruba, which has recently felt the impact of climate change, through the advancement and expansion of the Carribean Hurricane Cycle, causing it's well known dry, windy climate to be impacted, through heavy rainfall and a counteracting of wind speed.
I speak to a Real Estate developer, who gives me her views on how the real estate business is being transformed because of consciousness relating to its carbon footprint. A multistoried commercial or residential property has many tools available for it to decarbonize - of course there is a cost element, higher for exisiting buildings and a little less for brand new construction. Power sources, and smart zone based sensors, coupled with behavioral changes, will go a long way towards decarbonization.
In this episode we review the definition and significance of Biodiversity in maintaining the earth's ecological balance. We list out the key objectives of COP 15 Montreal conference - December 2022, and outline the main outcomes, list out some of the players, and objectors, and provide hopes for next steps in implementation.
In this episode, we list three outcomes from COP 26 - Phasing Down Coal, Capturing Methane Gas, and Developing Green Hydrogen as a fuel source. We explain the three types of hydrogen - grey, blue and green, the benefits and challenges of using it as a clean fuel source. We discuss the use of Hydrogen in the Hindenburg Air Ship that went down in flames in Lakehurst, New Jersey. We contemplate the safety elements of hydrogen as a fuel source.
In this episode, we visit with a gentleman who has been recycling and refurbishing discarded items for over 60 years. His roadside shop contains a collection of items ranging from farm equipment to apple cider makers to bird houses to benches - all saved from becoming solid waste. I sift through his collectibles and find a 10 pound, rusted 3 foot wrench, originally used to repair farm machinery. It is now an artifact in my front yard, sitting next to a vintage bicycle, used for harboring flower pots.
The episode focuses on providing an easy to understand explanation of the Greenhouse Effect, its implications and the importance of maintaining a balance in the earth's temperature.
I interview Jay Gorawara, a pure Chemical Engineer with over 30 patents. I get his views on what it was like living in SIberia, and I ask him to explain the chemistry behind the formation of acid rain in the midwest. He explains his views on progress vs. climate change and pollution
Contact Suraj: SurajBhatia@iitdalumni.comThis episode is a preview of the breadth of topics to be discussed in this podcast. Suggestions and feedback are welcome, as we continue this journey together.