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.

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.

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.