Climate One

We Got $9.99 Problems, and Energy is One

Climate One

Show Notes

The war in Iran and closure of the Strait of Hormuz created a global energy supply crisis. And while gasoline prices didn’t reach the extreme highs some predicted a few months ago, the global markets are still in flux.

“What has been disrupted most is the confidence in the old energy system where you could reliably and affordably dig up a source of energy thousands of kilometers away from where you expected to ignite it and expect that process to be smooth,” says Gerald Butts, chairman of political risk consultancy the Eurasia Group.

What has the war in Iran meant for energy markets? How much have shortages and price spikes pushed more companies and countries toward renewable energy? As China reaps the benefits of decades of investment in clean tech and renewable energy, will the U.S. be left behind?

Guests:

Gerald Butts, Chairman and Senior Advisor, The Eurasia Group

Scott Marlow, Founder and CEO, Long Rows Consulting; Agricultural policy expert

Alex Wang, Law Professor, UCLA; Faculty Co-Director, Emmett Institute on Climate Change & the Environment

Highlights:

00:00 – Introduction

02:00 – Last decade of geopolitical turmoil on energy markets

07:00 – Responses of countries like Canada, China

13:30 – Risks of the U.S. being “Overpowered” according to The Eurasia Group

17:30 – Decarbonization is happening but it’s going to be slower than science demands

21:00 – How high diesel prices impact farmers

27:00 – How farmers cope with all the pressures of their business plus climate impacts

33:00 – We’re on the cusp in major change in how we farm in U.S. – Scott Marlow

42:00 – Alex Wang on China’s pivot towards pollution reduction and investments in clean tech

49:45 – How China flexed its oil demand during recent global energy crisis

54:00 – Last few months showcase two different paths towards energy supplies between China and U.S.

For show notes, transcripts, and related links, visit ⁠⁠our episode page.

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Join us on October 14 at 6 p.m. for a conversation with PG&E CEO Patti Poppe on energy affordability, outages, and public outrage. Tickets available at climateone.org/events

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On October 20 at 6 p.m. join us, in partnership with The Redford Center, for a screening of the short film In Earth We Trust, followed by a conversation with the filmmaker, the film’s central figure, and other faith leaders. Tickets available at climateone.org/events

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