

Climate Confident
Tom Raftery
Climate Confident is the podcast for business leaders, policy-makers, and climate tech professionals who want real, practical strategies for cutting emissions and building a resilient low-carbon future.Every Wednesday at 7am CET, I sit down with the people doing the work, executives, engineers, scientists, founders, and policymakers, to unpack what’s actually driving climate progress across energy, transport, industry, supply chains, food, finance, and more.This isn’t about vague pledges or greenwash. It’s about what’s working, what isn’t, and what leaders need to understand now to make better decisions faster.Expect conversations on:scalable solutions in energy, mobility, food, industry, and financethe politics, markets, and policies shaping the transitionthe technologies and tools improving climate accountability, resilience, and risk managementhard truths, hidden bottlenecks, bold ideas, and real-world success storiesSubscribers also get Bonus episodes, including highlight reels, analysis, emerging themes I’m seeing across conversations, and other subscriber-only extras.You can still listen to the most recent episodes for free, and if you want to go deeper, subscription gives you more Climate Confident in your feed.Want to shape the conversation? Drop me a line anytime at Tom@tomraftery.com, whether it’s feedback, a guest suggestion, or just a hello.Ready to stop doomscrolling and start climate-doing? Hit follow and let’s get to work.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 3, 2023 • 36min
A Clear Solution: How 3eNano's Window Tech Fights Climate Change
Send me a messageWelcome back to another episode of the Climate Confident podcast! I'm your host, Tom Raftery, and in today's show, we have a fascinating conversation with Steve Ferrero, CEO of 3eNano. We explore how 3eNano's groundbreaking window technology is poised to revolutionize the way we insulate our buildings and reduce our carbon footprint.In our discussion, we dive into the details of 3eNano's innovative window coating that improves insulation, making homes and buildings more energy-efficient while reducing energy bills. Steve explains how the technology works, sharing the benefits of their unique coating that directs heat back into a room, reducing the need for energy consumption.Steve also shares some exciting numbers on potential energy savings, revealing that by moving from single pane to double pane windows, buildings can save around 20% on energy costs, and even more when using 3eNano's advanced technology. As we talk about the implications of better insulation, we touch on the pressing issue of climate change and how improved window technology can help reduce our carbon emissions.Throughout our conversation, Steve highlights the need for affordable sustainability and how 3eNano aims to bring their revolutionary technology to the mass market. We also discuss the differences in window technology and energy efficiency consciousness between Europe and North America, and the role that 3eNano can play in bridging that gap.This episode is packed with insights into the future of energy-efficient windows and how they can play a vital role in the fight against climate change. Join us as we explore the world of sustainable building solutions and learn more about the incredible work being done at 3eNano. You won't want to miss it!Show Timestamps:Introduction to Steve Ferrero and 3eNano (00:00:00)How 3eNano's window coating technology works (00:08:16)Energy savings and carbon reduction potential (00:25:56)The impact of climate change on buildings (00:27:51)Comparing window technology in Europe and North America (00:30:00)Final thoughts and where to find more information (00:32:00)And you can check out the video version of this podcast here https://youtu.be/4OgzeNrY-eQSign up to Climate Confident+ for deep dive analysis of the major climate and energy stories of the day.Support the showPodcast subscribersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing subscribers:Anita KrajncCecilia SkarupaBen GrossJerry SweeneyAndreas WernerStephen CarrollRoger ArnoldAnd remember you too can Subscribe to the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one, as well as give you access to the entire back catalog of Climate Confident episodes.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show.

Apr 26, 2023 • 44min
Climate Confident: Decarbonizing the Electricity Grid with Veckta's Gareth Evans
Send me a messageHey everyone, Tom Raftery here, and I'm excited to share this latest episode of the Climate Confident podcast! In today's conversation, we're diving deep into the energy transition and decarbonisation of the electricity grids with our guest Gareth Evans, CEO of energy transition platform Veckta.In this episode, we cover:The vital role microgrids play in decentralizing power and their impact on energy resilienceHow Veckta's platform empowers businesses to make data-driven decisions in their energy transition journeyThe concept of prosumers and their role in driving the circular economy and sustainable communitiesReal-life examples of communities and businesses harnessing the power of renewable energy, such as the Austrian solar power plants and VB brewery in AustraliaThe importance of turning climate commitments into action, and how Veckta is supporting businesses in their efforts to reduce emissions while staying profitableI truly enjoyed my conversation with Gareth, so grab a cup of your favorite beverage, sit back, and join us as we explore the future of energy and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. Or watch it on YouTube here.Subscribe to the Climate Confident podcast for more conversations on sustainability, renewable energy, and the fight against climate change. Link to Gareth's LinkTreeUntil next time, stay climate confident!Sign up to Climate Confident+ for deep dive analysis of the major climate and energy stories of the day.Support the showPodcast subscribersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing subscribers:Anita KrajncCecilia SkarupaBen GrossJerry SweeneyAndreas WernerStephen CarrollRoger ArnoldAnd remember you too can Subscribe to the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one, as well as give you access to the entire back catalog of Climate Confident episodes.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show.

Apr 19, 2023 • 37min
Clean Energy & Tackling Plastic Waste: Asia's Pursuit of a Greener Future
Send me a messageHey Climate Confident listeners, in this enlightening episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Assaad Razzouk, CEO of Gurin Energy, host of The Angry Clean Energy Guy podcast, and author of the book Saving the Planet Without the Bullshit. We dove deep into Asia's energy transition and the future of renewable energy in the region.In our conversation, we covered some critical topics, including:Asia's remarkable progress in renewable energy, from solar and wind projects in India to the growth of clean energy in Indonesia.The electrification of transportation and its impact on Asia's grid infrastructure.The role of Asian governments in supporting the clean energy transition and the success stories of countries like Vietnam.The challenge of plastic pollution in Asia: who's leading the charge and who's lagging behind.How Asian countries have stopped importing plastic waste from the West and what it means for the region.The importance of placing responsibility for waste and recycling on manufacturers and the progress made in countries like Indonesia.This episode is packed with insights into the energy transition in Asia and how the region is stepping up to create a more sustainable future. Don't miss out on this fascinating conversation with Assaad Razzouk, a true expert in the field of clean energy and sustainability.If you prefer video, the video version of this podcast is on YouTube at https://youtu.be/EV94lR_nHTkAs always, thank you for joining us on the Climate Confident podcast. Be sure to subscribe, and if you enjoy the show, please leave a review and share it with your friends and colleagues. Together, we can make the world a more climate confident place.Happy listening!Sign up to Climate Confident+ for deep dive analysis of the major climate and energy stories of the day.Support the showPodcast subscribersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing subscribers:Anita KrajncCecilia SkarupaBen GrossJerry SweeneyAndreas WernerStephen CarrollRoger ArnoldAnd remember you too can Subscribe to the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one, as well as give you access to the entire back catalog of Climate Confident episodes.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show.

Apr 12, 2023 • 37min
Sweet Proteins: A Game-Changer for Climate and Health
Send me a messageHey Climate Confident listeners, in this fascinating episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Ali Wing, CEO of Oobli, about the incredible potential of sweet proteins to revolutionize our diets while reducing the climate impact of our food choices.During our conversation, we delved into how Oobli is harnessing the power of precision fermentation to create sugar alternatives that are zero-calorie, perfect for diabetics, and boast a much smaller environmental footprint than traditional sugar production. Ali shares insights into the rigorous R&D process behind Oobli's first-generation products, and how they're working to bring their innovations to markets around the world.We also touched on the broader climate benefits of sweet proteins, from reducing emissions in the food industry to promoting more sustainable food choices. Ali gave us a sneak peek into Oobli's upcoming product releases, including their fruity sweet teas – a category with immense potential for reducing sugar consumption and addressing global health challenges like obesity and diabetes.Finally, Ali shared her thoughts on the burgeoning food tech space, and how companies like Oobli are contributing to a cleaner, healthier, and more climate-resilient future. If you're curious about the world of sweet proteins, how they can transform our food system, and their role in mitigating climate change, you won't want to miss this episode!Remember to check out Oobli's website at oobli.com, and sign up to stay in the know about their latest product releases, partner collaborations, and global expansion. For those eager to learn more about sweet proteins, make sure to visit their blog for a comprehensive Sweet Proteins 101 overview.Thanks for listening, (or watching, if you checked out this episode on YouTube) and as always, stay Climate Confident!Sign up to Climate Confident+ for deep dive analysis of the major climate and energy stories of the day.Support the showPodcast subscribersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing subscribers:Anita KrajncCecilia SkarupaBen GrossJerry SweeneyAndreas WernerStephen CarrollRoger ArnoldAnd remember you too can Subscribe to the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one, as well as give you access to the entire back catalog of Climate Confident episodes.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show.

Apr 5, 2023 • 3min
Climate Confident Easter 2023 episode
Send me a messageShort episode this week as I'm taking a few days for R&R.Feel free to take the chance to go back over the back catalog of 114 episodes you may not have heard all of, or do as I'm doing and take the chance to disconnect for a while.I will be back next week as always and I have some fascinating episodes coming up, so don't touch that dial as all the cool FM DJ's say! Stay Climate Confident, and we'll talk next week.My best,TomSupport the showPodcast subscribersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing subscribers:Anita KrajncCecilia SkarupaBen GrossJerry SweeneyAndreas WernerStephen CarrollRoger ArnoldAnd remember you too can Subscribe to the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one, as well as give you access to the entire back catalog of Climate Confident episodes.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show.

Mar 29, 2023 • 39min
Climate Tech for a Sustainable Future: Insights from Richard Delevan
Send me a messageHey everyone, welcome to another episode of the Climate Confident podcast! I'm your host Tom Raftery, and I'm thrilled to have Richard Delevan with me today. Richard is a communications consultant who works with energy and climate tech companies, and he was kind enough to join me to talk about the IPCC's latest synthesis report.In this episode, we dive into the findings of the IPCC's report and what they mean for our future. We also discussed the role of technology and innovation in addressing the climate crisis and the importance of political leadership in driving change.Richard shared his insights on the current state of the energy transition and how companies and individuals can play a role in creating a more sustainable future. He also touched on the importance of storytelling in driving change and how leaders can help frame the narrative around climate action.Overall, this was a fascinating conversation, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Don't forget to follow Richard on LinkedIn and subscribe to his "Week in Climate Tech" newsletter for more updates and insights on the energy transition.And remember, you can check out the video version of this podcast on YouTube at https://youtu.be/lLzxC-vEN-MThanks for tuning in, and don't forget to stay Climate Confident!Sign up to Climate Confident+ for deep dive analysis of the major climate and energy stories of the day.Support the showPodcast subscribersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing subscribers:Anita KrajncCecilia SkarupaBen GrossJerry SweeneyAndreas WernerStephen CarrollRoger ArnoldAnd remember you too can Subscribe to the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one, as well as give you access to the entire back catalog of Climate Confident episodes.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show.

Mar 22, 2023 • 32min
Climate Action: How Carbon Accounting Can Drive Change
Send me a messageHey everyone! Tom Raftery here, and I'm super excited to share this episode of the Climate Confident podcast with you. I had an incredibly insightful conversation with Hugo Kimber, Founder and CEO of Carbon Responsible, about the world of carbon accounting and its crucial role in the fight against climate change.We started off by discussing the importance of carbon accounting and how it plays a pivotal role in helping companies understand their emissions. Hugo shared his thoughts on why we need clear frameworks, better data quality, and the urgency for accurate measurement and reporting.As we dove deeper, Hugo explained how Carbon Responsible works with companies to calculate and report their carbon emissions. We touched upon the challenges companies face in collecting and managing their data and how technology can be a game-changer in this area.One of the most fascinating parts of our chat was when Hugo shared his perspective on the SEC's proposals for mandatory Scope 3 reporting and auditing. He believes that while the intentions are good, we may still face some hurdles in terms of skills and expertise in the carbon accounting field.Hugo also shared some inspiring customer stories, showcasing the journey companies go through when embarking on the path of carbon accounting. It's amazing to see how businesses can evolve from being hesitant to becoming passionate about their environmental impact and striving for excellence in their sectors.Towards the end of our conversation, we talked about the big question: Can we reach our ambitious climate targets by 2050? Hugo remains cautiously optimistic, emphasizing the need for action, understanding, and the right tools to achieve these goals.If you're curious about carbon accounting and its potential impact on our planet, don't miss this episode! You can find more information about Hugo Kimber and Carbon Responsible at their website, carbonresponsible.com, or connect with them on LinkedIn.Don't forget you can check out the video version of this podcast on YouTube at https://youtu.be/vyUv_OyCEXoTune in, and let's get Climate Confident together! 🌍✨Tom RafterySign up to Climate Confident+ for deep dive analysis of the major climate and energy stories of the day.Support the showPodcast subscribersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing subscribers:Anita KrajncCecilia SkarupaBen GrossJerry SweeneyAndreas WernerStephen CarrollRoger ArnoldAnd remember you too can Subscribe to the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one, as well as give you access to the entire back catalog of Climate Confident episodes.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show.

Mar 15, 2023 • 1h 9min
Climate Realities: The Surprising Truth about Hydrogen's Role in the Clean Energy Future
Send me a messageHey there, Climate Confident listeners! In this eye-opening episode, I had the pleasure of discussing the ins and outs of hydrogen with Michael Barnard, Chief Strategist at TFIE Strategy, a leading expert in the renewable energy sector. We dived deep into the role of hydrogen in the clean energy transition and debunked some common misconceptions surrounding this element.Michael passionately shared his insights on why hydrogen is gaining traction in the energy industry, and we had a lively conversation about its applications, limitations, and future potential. Get ready to have your mind blown as Michael busts the myth of hydrogen being a viable option for aviation or marine transport.Here's a sneak peek at what we covered in this episode:The truth behind hydrogen hype and the reasons why it's being pushed so heavily in the energy sectorMichael's expert analysis on the practicality of hydrogen for aviation and marine transportThe challenges faced by the fossil fuel industry and the factors contributing to hydrogen's popularityA deep dive into the world of industrial heat and the role hydrogen could play in decarbonizing heat productionThe fascinating dynamics between governments, industries, and the future of hydrogen in the global energy landscapeSo, are you ready to become more climate confident and discover the reality of hydrogen's role in our sustainable future? Tune in to this episode and join us on this enlightening journey! Don't forget to subscribe to stay up-to-date with the latest episodes and share your thoughts using #ClimateConfidentPodcast.And don't forget you can check out the video version of this podcast on YouTube here https://youtu.be/Xuzhf7I6zqkHappy listening!Tom RafterySign up to Climate Confident+ for deep dive analysis of the major climate and energy stories of the day.Support the showPodcast subscribersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing subscribers:Anita KrajncCecilia SkarupaBen GrossJerry SweeneyAndreas WernerStephen CarrollRoger ArnoldAnd remember you too can Subscribe to the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one, as well as give you access to the entire back catalog of Climate Confident episodes.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show.

Mar 8, 2023 • 38min
The Power of IoT in the Fight Against Climate Change
Send me a messageHey everyone, in this episode of the Climate Confident podcast, we dive into the world of technology and IoT, and how it can be used to help solve some of the biggest climate issues we're facing today.I had the pleasure of sitting down with Rob Tiffany, an expert in the field of IoT and author of several books on the topic, and his new book Saving the Earth with the Internet of Things is due out soon. Rob shared with us his latest project, Greenhouse, a platform that uses IoT to help improve agricultural efficiency and reduce waste.But that's not all! Rob also spoke about how IoT has the potential to revolutionize the supply chain, and make a big impact on reducing food waste. We also talked about the importance of not overthinking things, and finding ways we can each make a difference in our own lives.Rob's IoT platform Greenhouse will be available for download from Digitalinsights.ai shortly.It was an incredibly informative and eye-opening conversation, and I know you're going to love it. And the best part? This episode is now available both as a podcast, and also on YouTube! So whether you prefer to listen on the go or watch on your computer, we've got you covered.So what are you waiting for? Hit play, sit back, and get ready to learn all about the power of IoT in solving climate issues. And don't forget to stay Climate Confident!Sign up to Climate Confident+ for deep dive analysis of the major climate and energy stories of the day.Support the showPodcast subscribersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing subscribers:Anita KrajncCecilia SkarupaBen GrossJerry SweeneyAndreas WernerStephen CarrollRoger ArnoldAnd remember you too can Subscribe to the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one, as well as give you access to the entire back catalog of Climate Confident episodes.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show.

Mar 1, 2023 • 35min
Green Hydrogen: Separating Fact from Fiction
Send me a messageHey Climate Confident listeners! Welcome to this week's episode of the Climate Confident podcast, where we dive into the world of climate solutions and explore the latest developments in the fight against climate change.In this episode, I was joined by Emily Pontecorvo, a reporter for Grist, who shared her expertise on the topic of green hydrogen. We explored what green hydrogen is, how it's produced, and its potential to be a game-changer in the fight against climate change.Emily also shed light on the EU Green Hydrogen Rules, which aim to define green hydrogen and its eligibility for subsidies. We discussed the three criteria the EU has set for green hydrogen: additionality, regionality, and time matching, and the controversy surrounding the monthly time matching requirement.Emily also touched on the potential uses of hydrogen and the gas industry's push to make hydrogen the future fuel for heating homes. She explained the challenges and limitations of this idea, and why it may not make economic sense.Overall, this was a fascinating conversation that provided a lot of insights into the world of green hydrogen and its potential to make a positive impact on the environment.Here is the link to Michael Liebreich's Hydrogen Ladder that we referenced in the episode.If you want to learn more about Emily and her work, be sure to check out her reporting on grist.org and follow her on Twitter at @EmilyPont.Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Climate Confident podcast! See you in the next one!Sign up to Climate Confident+ for deep dive analysis of the major climate and energy stories of the day.Support the showPodcast subscribersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing subscribers:Anita KrajncCecilia SkarupaBen GrossJerry SweeneyAndreas WernerStephen CarrollRoger ArnoldAnd remember you too can Subscribe to the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one, as well as give you access to the entire back catalog of Climate Confident episodes.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show.


