

David Roberts
Host and creator of the Volts podcast, reporting on and explaining clean-energy topics for nearly two decades and guiding conversations about the energy transition.
Top 5 podcasts with David Roberts
Ranked by the Snipd community

11 snips
Mar 31, 2025 • 1h 27min
Climate Papa × Volts: Live with David Roberts
David Roberts, a climate journalist known for his work at Grist and Vox, dives deep into the energy transition and shares his unique journey from philosophy dropout to climate storytelling. He emphasizes the importance of presenting climate solutions with humor and clarity, advocating for a movement defined by abundance rather than austerity. The conversation also touches on the interconnectedness of urban planning, the urgency of community-driven energy systems, and the potential for humanity to creatively tackle ecological challenges.

Feb 25, 2026 • 1h 5min
Volts crossover: Six big energy questions
David Roberts, journalist and Volts podcast host known for climate and clean energy policy, joins for a rapid-fire tour of six big energy questions. They probe self-driving cars and urban sprawl. They debate data centers going off-grid versus grid benefits. They examine risks from home software platforms, industrial electrification under rising power prices, recycling’s role in critical minerals, and the prospects and moral hazards of geoengineering.

Jul 9, 2025 • 46min
Clean Energy Is Dead. Long Live Clean Energy.
David Roberts, founder of Volts and a clean energy journalist for 20 years, discusses the precarious state of America's clean energy future. He contrasts the U.S. retreat in climate policy with the global rise of renewable investments, particularly in China. Roberts emphasizes solar energy's declining costs and its transformative potential for society. He explores the urgency of enhancing the energy grid and local energy solutions, and highlights the critical role of grassroots movements in driving the clean energy revolution.

Nov 7, 2025 • 28min
This Week in Cleantech (11/07/2025) - What does a pragmatic 'climate reset' look like?
David Roberts, host of the Volts podcast and a leading climate commentator, joins to explore Michael Liebreich's proposal for a pragmatic 'climate reset.' They discuss how economics and technology can reshape the future of clean energy, emphasizing the importance of demonstrable solutions over costly, unproven technologies. Roberts contrasts the need to convince pragmatic elites with the challenges posed by more radical opposition. The conversation also touches on how innovative approaches like virtual power plants can meet energy demands effectively.

Jul 10, 2025 • 1h 3min
David Roberts On The Major Setbacks To Climate Policy
David Roberts, a renowned journalist and author of the 'Volts' newsletter, shares his insights on recent setbacks in climate policy, particularly regarding the Inflation Reduction Act. He discusses the intertwining of politics and climate action, reflecting on pivotal legislative moments. The conversation dives into the complex U.S.-China dynamic in the global energy transition and the crucial role of public perception in shaping policy outcomes. Roberts advocates for innovative communication strategies to engage wider audiences in climate solutions.


