Eight Minute Climate Fix

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Is renewable natural gas the silver bullet for a greener future or a complex puzzle yet to be solved? While many industrial and natural gas companies have looked to RNG as a potential solution to decarbonize their operations, the fuel source is not without some issues.
Paul examines how RNG is made, used and contributes to decarbonization goals. But he also looks at how and why some of those claims may not fully stand up under scrutiny.
For futher research:
The Four Fatal Flaws of Renewable Natural Gas - Sightline Institute
Renewable natural gas: A Swiss army knife for US decarbonization? - McKinsey
An Introduction to Renewable Natural Gas - EPA
Massachusetts DPU Order 20-80

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Artificial Intelligence is having a moment. And while there are legitimate concerns as to how AI can influence our society and culture, this emerging technology is also having a profound impact on the pace and scale of the energy transition. In this episode, Paul dissects what AI can, and can not do, and illustrates a few examples of how this important technology is changing our power grid.
Paul references the following material in this podcast:
PWC Report on Impact of AI on Global Economy
Deep Blue
IBM Watson
Accenture and Frontier Economics Report on AI Productivity

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Philanthropic giving to climate related causes is woefully small. But charitable dollars have a really important role to play because of their flexibility and different motivations. They can catalyze investment in areas where private or governmental dollars can not.
In this episode, Paul sits with Randall Kempner, Senior Advisor to the Aspen Institute to discuss the role of philanthropic dollars in the capital stack, why foundations and donors have not contributed as much, yet, and what is needed to further catalyze this funding source.
For the extended version of the interview with Randall, please visit More Than Eight Minutes
And for further research:
Randall Kempner
The Aspen Institute's Energy & Environment Program
The Global Methane Hub
Much Alarm, Less Action: Foundations & Climate Change - The Center for Effective Philanthropy
Global Energy Alliance for People & Planet
Giving to Amplify Earth Action - World Economic Forum

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Back in October, California passed a remarkable law called Senate Bill 253, The Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act. Usually shortened to just SB 253, the new law is the first to require large companies to publicly report on their greenhouse gas emissions.
Paul sits down with one of the key architects of the legislation, Catherine Atkin of Carbon Accountable. They discuss the implications and opportunities of the new bill and what it means for companies doing business in California.
For the full interview, check out our sister podcast, More Than Eight Minutes:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2129384/14155297

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COP28, the world's largest climate event, wrapped in Dubai last week. On the one hand, the COP is an event for politicians and dignitaries as they wrestle with the language around how forcefully the world will commit to the climate transition. But, the COP has another side to it as well, a public side where corporations, NGOs and other organizations gathered to share the very best of what global collaboration can mean when harnessed in the right direction.
In this episode, Paul unpacks the tale of these two COPs, outlining the major outcomes negotiated by the global delegations while also highlighting the announcements and actions being taken by private and public entities.

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