

Volts
David Roberts
Volts is a podcast about leaving fossil fuels behind. I've been reporting on and explaining clean-energy topics for almost 20 years, and I love talking to politicians, analysts, innovators, and activists about the latest progress in the world's most important fight. (Volts is entirely subscriber-supported. Sign up!) www.volts.wtf
Episodes
Mentioned books

6 snips
Apr 12, 2024 • 58min
Fashion's climate impact and how to reduce it
Former fashion startup CEO, Maxine Bédat, discusses fashion industry emissions, need for regulation, and challenges of fast fashion. Topics include carbon impact, journey from seed to shirt, sustainability challenges, and regulating sustainability in the industry.

Apr 10, 2024 • 56min
How much can urban land use policy do for the climate?
Heather House and Rushad Nanavatty discuss the impact of urban land use policies on climate change, focusing on reducing vehicle emissions, the correlation between urban form and emissions, and the potential of state-level policies. They also explore population migration patterns, the influence of local government policies on emissions, and the effectiveness of urban reforms in reducing building energy use. The conversation emphasizes the role of climate philanthropy and diverse coalitions in driving change, highlighting the challenges of balancing short-term gains with long-term sustainability in addressing climate change.

9 snips
Apr 5, 2024 • 59min
How the EPA will spend $27 billion in carbon-reduction funds
EPA's Jahi Wise discusses the $27 billion carbon-reduction funds, including central vs. regional coordination, support for clean technology projects, challenges in fund distribution, attracting private capital, and ensuring transparency and sustainability in clean energy investments.

23 snips
Apr 3, 2024 • 1h 8min
Now is the time for distributed energy
Duncan Campbell from Scale Microgrid Solutions discusses the upcoming wave of distributed energy resources deployment due to increasing electricity demand and grid expansion constraints. The podcast covers transitioning to DERs, challenges in power system interconnection, rising energy demand, and the rise of DERs in Texas. It emphasizes the need for efficient integration of DERs to enhance grid stability and reduce consumer electricity bills.

22 snips
Mar 27, 2024 • 1h 14min
Biden sets out to supercharge industrial decarbonization
Rebecca Dell from ClimateWorks Foundation and Evan Gillespie from Industrious Labs discuss Biden's grants for industrial decarbonization projects. Topics include challenges in reducing industrial emissions, transitioning to green hydrogen in steel manufacturing, reviving domestic aluminum production, innovative approaches in decarbonization, and the significance of industrial decarbonization in the chemicals industry.

15 snips
Mar 22, 2024 • 56min
What's the deal with these methane satellites?
Discussion on the newly launched MethaneSAT satellite's ability to detect methane emissions on Earth, its technical capacities, and how it can help global efforts to reduce emissions. Topics include the inception of the MethaneSat project, using satellite technology to map methane emissions, the importance of monitoring methane emissions in the oil industry, and advancements in methane emission tracking to combat global warming.

35 snips
Mar 20, 2024 • 58min
What's the deal with "scope 3" emissions?
Explore the complexities of disclosing Scope 3 emissions and the recent SEC decision. Learn about the significance of Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions in corporate reporting and the challenges faced by businesses. Delve into the impact of Scope 3 emissions on businesses like Apple and the importance of data collection. Understand how Scope 3 emissions influence decision-making for consumers and investors, and the regulatory risks related to climate action in the US.

15 snips
Mar 15, 2024 • 1h 9min
Getting ready for IRA 2
Costa Samaras reflects on his role in shaping ambitious climate policy during his time in the Biden administration, emphasizing the importance of positive motivations for achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The podcast also explores decarbonization efforts in various sectors, the impact of AI on climate and infrastructure funding, challenges of transformer shortages in the grid, fusion energy potential, and the promotion of clean energy initiatives in federal and state bureaucracies.

9 snips
Mar 13, 2024 • 1h 8min
How's IRA doing?
Analyzing the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on clean energy investments, EV sales exceeding expectations, and challenges in decarbonization efforts. Exploring the performance of electric vehicles, impacts of high interest rates on heat pump installations, and shifting emissions trends in the U.S.

23 snips
Mar 8, 2024 • 1h 14min
Industrial policy: what it is, how Biden's doing it, and how it could be done better
Exploring industrial policy under Biden's administration, including critiques and challenges. Discussing the establishment of a green bank and government intervention in addressing global challenges. Emphasizing the importance of balancing coalition satisfaction and speed in policy implementation.


