Stories for the future

Want to be a guest on Stories for the future: Beyond the Bubble? Send Veslemoy Klavenes-Berge a message on PodMatch.You can always find more information about the podcast and my work on storiesforthefuture.comMy guest today is Siddharth Sareen, an award-winning Research Professor working at the Fridtjof Nansen Institute in Norway.Highlights:We explore the energy transition in Norway, emphasizing the need for systemic changes over individual actions, with a global perspective.The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration across sectors, blending academic knowledge with artistic expressions to drive societal change.Siddharth's interdisciplinary approach integrates environmental science with social equity, revealing the complex layers of energy governance and its implications for justice.The podcast delves into the Beyond Oil conference, discussing its evolution from focusing on solutions to adapting to changing climate futures and societal challenges.A key takeaway is the role of storytelling and art in communicating complex issues, making academia accessible and relatable to the wider public.Siddharth shares insights on energy poverty in Norway, emphasizing that even in a wealthy country, many people face significant challenges related to energy access.Links referenced in this episode:Siddharth on LinkedInBeyond Oil Conferencevklavenes.substack.comMentioned in this episode:getcreativespace.com Get full access to Stories for the Future by Veslemøy Klavenes-Berge at vklavenes.substack.com/subscribe

Today, we’re diving into the exciting world of climate solutions with Pepin van Dijk.Pepin’s work with Carbon Fix is all about finding those bold, early-stage ideas—what we like to call "moonshots"—that can actually make a dent in our carbon problem. We chat about the importance of collaboration and how even in these chaotic times, innovative thinking can lead to impactful changes.Want to be a guest on Stories for the future: Beyond the Bubble? Send Veslemoy Klavenes-Berge a message on PodMatch.You can always find more information about the podcast and my work on storiesforthefuture.comTakeaways:In this episode, we emphasize the importance of collaboration and innovation in tackling climate change, as we explore various perspectives and solutions.Pepijn van Dijk, our guest today, shares his journey through the worlds of business, politics, and humanitarian work, highlighting the interconnectedness of these fields.We discuss the concept of 'moonshots'—bold, early-stage ideas that, if successful, could significantly impact climate solutions and sustainability efforts.The conversation underscores that in these chaotic times, it's crucial to focus on action over talk, bridging the gap between ambition and tangible efforts.Pepijn elaborates on his work with Carbon Fix, where they fund innovative projects aimed at carbon reduction and sustainable practices, emphasizing the need for systemic change.Lastly, we reflect on the power of storytelling in making complex climate issues relatable and inspiring action, as it's stories that truly resonate with people.Links referenced in this episode:carbonfix.orgPepijn van Dijk on LinkedInvklavenes.substack.comstoriesforthefuture.comMentioned in this episode:CS longCheck out Creative Space at getcreativespace.com Get full access to Stories for the Future by Veslemøy Klavenes-Berge at vklavenes.substack.com/subscribe

Want to be a guest on Stories for the future: Beyond the Bubble? Send Veslemoy Klavenes-Berge a message on PodMatch.You can always find more information about the podcast and my work on storiesforthefuture.com and follow me on Substack at vklavenes.substack.comIn this episode we’re diving deep into the world of political polarization and media literacy.Join me as I chat with David Beckemeyer, the host of the Outrage Overload podcast, who brings some insightful perspectives on how we can navigate through the noise of outrage culture.Takeaways:This episode emphasizes the importance of exploring different viewpoints to tackle polarization effectively, encouraging listeners to move beyond binary thinking.David Beckemeyer shares insights on political polarization and media literacy, highlighting strategies to reduce toxic outrage in our lives.Building bridges through honest conversations and understanding is essential for fostering connections in a divided world, as discussed in this episode.The podcast advocates for critical thinking when consuming media, urging people to be mindful of the information they engage with to avoid emotional manipulation.David's journey into podcasting stems from a desire to understand and address the societal impacts of outrage and polarization, making this work more relevant than ever.Links referenced in this episode:The Outrage Overload PodcastConnect with David: outrageoverload@gmail.com or on LinkedIn Get full access to Stories for the Future by Veslemøy Klavenes-Berge at vklavenes.substack.com/subscribe

Today, I'm excited to share some big news that’s been brewing in my mind for a while now.I'm broadening the scope of Stories for the Future beyond just energy and climate talk, diving into the juicy stuff about how we can shift our thinking and break out of those echo chambers.It’s not just about transitioning energy systems anymore; it’s about transitioning how we relate to each other in this increasingly divided world. I’ve realized that so many of us are stuck in “us versus them” mentalities, whether it’s in politics or discussions around sustainability, and I want to explore how we can find common ground instead.Want to be a guest on Stories for the future: Beyond the Bubble?Send Veslemoy Klavenes-Berge a message on PodMatch. Get full access to Stories for the Future by Veslemøy Klavenes-Berge at vklavenes.substack.com/subscribe

Ever wondered why we react the way we do to change, especially when it comes to the big stuff like sustainability and the energy transition?Well, today we're diving into that very topic with our guest, Gerdien de Vries, an expert in climate psychology from TU Delft.We’ll explore why some people are all in for new energy solutions while others dig in their heels. We'll break down psychological concepts like cognitive dissonance and social identity, revealing how they shape our responses to new energy projects and technologies.Plus, we'll discuss how our livelihoods impact our openness to change, making it clear that understanding these dynamics is crucial for fostering real progress.Takeaways:Understanding why we react differently to change is crucial, especially in sustainability contexts.Psychological concepts like cognitive dissonance can explain our resistance to necessary changes.Social identity plays a big role in how we perceive and accept new energy technologies.Communication is key in overcoming public resistance to sustainable energy projects.Life events often propel us to change when we otherwise might stick to the status quo.Engaging people from diverse backgrounds fosters understanding and can lead to effective climate action.Links referenced in this episode:Gerdien's LinkedIn profileTU Delftvklavenes.substack.com Get full access to Stories for the Future by Veslemøy Klavenes-Berge at vklavenes.substack.com/subscribe

Today's chat is all about the energy transition and how international oil companies are navigating this tricky terrain. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Krista Halttounen, a sustainability researcher and CEO of Halton Ventures, who dives deep into her research on the oil industry's future in a world aiming for lower carbon emissions.We explore some eye-opening insights from her PhD thesis, focusing on how these companies can adapt and perhaps even thrive amidst the green revolution. Krista shares the challenges, opportunities, and the importance of having those tough conversations—because let’s face it, if we only talk to those who agree with us, we might miss the chance to bridge gaps and spark real change. So grab your favorite drink, kick back, and let’s unravel this complex but super important topic together!Links referenced in this episode:Imperial College LondonKrista's LinkedIn profileJoin me on Substack!Your opportunity to become a supporter Get full access to Stories for the Future by Veslemøy Klavenes-Berge at vklavenes.substack.com/subscribe

Today, we're looking into how industry associations like the European Association for Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE) can play an important role in connecting the dots in the complex world of energy.I had a chat with Artem Kotenev, the president of the Oslo chapter of EAGE, who shares his insights on how EAGE is stepping up to bridge gaps between traditional oil and gas expertise and the growing field of renewable energy.We explore the exciting developments at EAGE, including new courses and conferences aimed at helping members adapt to this rapidly changing landscape.Links referenced in this episode:eage.orgConnect with Artem on LinkedInEAGE Oslo Chapter on LinkedInstoriesforthefuture.com Get full access to Stories for the Future by Veslemøy Klavenes-Berge at vklavenes.substack.com/subscribe

My guest in this episode is sustainability expert and author Jenny Morgan, and we discuss the themes of her new book 'Cancel Culture in Climate'. Jenny shares her insights into how cancel culture negatively impacts the climate action movement by promoting fear, silence, and retraction among organizations. She emphasizes the need for positive accountability and collaboration, particularly within the oil and gas sector, to drive meaningful progress. The conversation delves into the nuances of greenwashing, greenhushing, and green recanting, stressing the importance of open, constructive communication over divisive tactics.00:00 Introduction02:03 Introducing Today's Guest: Jenny Morgan04:06 Jenny Morgan's Background and Career07:50 The Impact of Cancel Culture on Climate Change11:13 Key Arguments from Jenny's Book13:42 Challenges in the Oil and Gas Sector23:48 Symptoms of Cancel Culture33:50 Finding Common Ground and Moving Forward40:08 Conclusion and Book PromotionTakeaways:The importance of collaboration over cancellation in addressing climate change is paramount for progress.Communication breakdown due to cancel culture can hinder effective climate action and collaboration.Greenwashing and green hushing are detrimental to transparency and accountability in sustainability efforts.Acknowledge the complexities of organizations working in oil and gas to foster constructive dialogue.Finding common ground between stakeholders can lead to innovative solutions for climate issues.Accountability should focus on positive outcomes rather than punishment to encourage better practices.Connect with Jenny on LinkedInFind the book hereStoriesforthefuture.com Get full access to Stories for the Future by Veslemøy Klavenes-Berge at vklavenes.substack.com/subscribe

My guest in this episode is professor Brad Hayes, a geoscience consultant and adjunct professor at the University of Alberta, Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. We dive into the importance of understanding energy security and the need for diverse solutions that respect environmental impacts while ensuring energy access for all.Takeaways:Energy literacy is crucial for understanding the complexities of the energy transition.Finding practical solutions requires balancing energy security with environmental impact reduction.The energy debate often falls into extreme positions; a middle ground is essential.Geoscientists play a vital role in both fossil fuel and renewable energy sectors.The energy transition must include diverse voices from all sectors to succeed.Links referenced in this episode:MOOC on Courserastoriesforthefuture.comBrad on Linkedinbigmedia.org Get full access to Stories for the Future by Veslemøy Klavenes-Berge at vklavenes.substack.com/subscribe

Navigating the transformation of the energy sector, particularly as fossil fuel giants like Equinor pivot towards renewable energy, is no small task.This episode dives into the intricacies of this transition, highlighting the role of sustainability professionals who find themselves at the crossroads of environmental responsibility and corporate profitability.My guest is Natasha Blisson, a seasoned expert in sustainability at Equinor, with a career journey spanning from the French Ministry for Environment to leading a team focused on managing environmental and social risks within Equinor. Her insights reveal the complexities and challenges faced by energy companies as they strive to balance ambitious sustainability goals with the realities of profitability and market pressures.The conversation touches on the importance of collaboration across sectors—government, industry, and civil society—to create a unified front in the fight against climate change. Natasha emphasizes that true progress will require innovation not just in technology, but also in economic models and regulatory frameworks. This holistic approach is crucial for developing solutions that are both effective and economically viable, paving the way for a sustainable future.Natasha provides a candid look at the duality of feeling like a change agent while grappling with the frustrations of an industry that has historically relied on fossil fuels.Takeaways:The energy transition requires collaboration between industries, policymakers, and civil society to succeed.Equinor's ambitious net-zero goal by 2050 emphasizes the need for sustainable practices in energy.The challenge of balancing sustainability and profitability is a constant dilemma.Carbon capture and storage technologies are seen as vital for achieving short-term climate goals.Understanding the complexities of energy production helps shift perspectives from good versus bad. Get full access to Stories for the Future by Veslemøy Klavenes-Berge at vklavenes.substack.com/subscribe