Best Fossil Vs Future Podcasts (2025)

1
WHAT ABOUT LAW? Too hard to enforce or our best line of defence? 48:25

10d ago48:25

48:25

Environmental law is the law relating to environmental problems – but these problems are anything but simple. Traditional legal systems weren’t designed with challenges like climate change or biodiversity loss in mind, making this one of the most diverse, evolving, and demanding areas of law today. In this episode, James and Daisy are joined by Phi…

1
Ethics of Memory Editing: Curing PTSD or Erasing Identity? 13:30

3h ago13:30

13:30

What happens when science gives us the power to rewrite our own memories? In this episode of Emerging Tech Debates, we dive into one of neuroscience’s most controversial frontiers: memory editing. From beta-blockers like propranolol to cutting-edge tools like molecular memory modification and optogenetics, researchers are now exploring ways to damp…

1
BCIs for Paralysis: Hope vs. Hype in Medical Tech. 25:33

19d ago25:33

25:33

This podcast epiosde discusses Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs), highlighting their potential to transform the lives of individuals with paralysis by restoring communication and motor control through the translation of neural signals. While acknowledging significant advancements, such as achieving near-naturalistic speech decoding and precise robot…

1
Neuralink’s First Human Trials: Breakthrough or PR Stunt? 28:30

20d ago28:30

28:30

This podcast episode examines Neuralink's initial human trials, analyzing whether they represent a genuine breakthrough in brain-computer interface (BCI) technology or are primarily a public relations (PR) maneuver. It explores Neuralink's vision and technology, detailing the implant and robotic surgical system, and discusses the ambitious long-ter…

1
WHAT ABOUT INSURANCE? An industry under pressure or the key to a more resilient future? 37:10

25d ago37:10

37:10

Climate change is increasing the risk of damage from unexpected events such as extreme weather and natural disasters. While steps can be taken to reduce the risk, they can’t eliminate it entirely – that’s where insurance comes in. It allows people to transfer financial risk and protect themselves from financial losses. In this episode, James and Da…

1
WHAT ABOUT POPULISM? PART TWO! 21:38

25d ago21:38

21:38

Shortly after we recorded our episode on populism, two major developments in the UK prompted us to do this follow-up. First, former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair called for a major rethink of the UK’s net zero policy. Then, the right-wing populist party Reform UK made significant gains in the English local elections. In this episode, James and Dais…

1
Enhanced Weathering: Grinding Rocks to Absorb CO2 14:10

1M ago14:10

14:10

Can crushed rocks help solve climate change? In this episode, we dive into Enhanced Weathering—a natural carbon removal strategy that speeds up Earth’s rock cycle. Learn how spreading ground basalt on farmland could boost soil health, absorb CO₂, and even fight ocean acidification. We break down the science, the benefits, and the big challenges of …

1
Biochar vs. BECCS: Which Negative Emissions Tech Wins? 16:19

1M ago16:19

16:19

In this episode, we compare two major biomass-based carbon removal solutions: Biochar and BECCS. From net energy gains to water efficiency, co-benefits, and economic trade-offs, we break down how each technology stacks up. Plus, could a hybrid approach be the smartest path forward? Tune in to find out which solution (or combo) could help us meet cl…

1
Ocean Fertilization: Dumping Iron to Save the Climate? 23:15

1M ago23:15

23:15

This podcast episode explores ocean iron fertilization as a potential climate change mitigation strategy, detailing its basis in stimulating phytoplankton growth to absorb atmospheric CO2. It discusses experimental findings, noting that while iron addition increases phytoplankton, sustained, substantial carbon export to the deep ocean remains uncer…

1
Direct Air Capture Plants: Climeworks’ $1,000/Ton Problem 28:32

1M ago28:32

28:32

This podcast episode discuss Direct Air Capture (DAC), a technology that removes carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere, as a crucial tool in combating climate change. They explain how DAC systems, such as liquid solvent and solid sorbent methods, operate and highlight Climeworks, a company that has pioneered this field with operational plants…

1
Aluminum-Air Batteries: 1,000-Mile EV Range… If They Don’t Explode 13:27

1M ago13:27

13:27

This podcast episode discusses aluminum-air batteries and their potential role in powering electric vehicles, particularly their capability for extended driving ranges of around 1,000 miles due to their high energy density. The sources explain the working principle of these batteries, which use aluminum as an anode and oxygen from the air as a cath…

1
Fusion Startup Backlash: Are Investors Being Scammed? 20:09

1M ago20:09

20:09

This podcast episode discusses the burgeoning fusion energy startup landscape, which is attracting significant private investment despite the historical challenges and complexities of achieving practical fusion power. The text explores the diverse technological approaches being pursued by companies like Helion Energy and Commonwealth Fusion Systems…

1
WHAT ABOUT POPULISM? A reason to stall climate action or a chance to reframe the narrative? 36:33

1M ago36:33

36:33

Populism is a political approach that claims to speak for “ordinary people” – those who feel ignored or left behind established elite groups. Around the world, populist movements frequently frame environmental action as elitist, out of touch with the priorities of “real people.” In this episode, James and Daisy discuss the rise of populism. What ex…

1
Piezoelectric Roads: Can We Generate Power from Traffic? 14:40

1M ago14:40

14:40

This podcast episode discusses piezoelectric roads, an innovative technology that aims to generate electricity from the mechanical stress of passing vehicles. It explains the science behind piezoelectricity, where certain materials produce an electrical charge when deformed. The document outlines how these materials are embedded in roads and the pr…

1
Geothermal Fracking: Clean Energy or Earthquake Maker? 15:29

1M ago15:29

15:29

This podcast episode examines enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), a technology also known as geothermal fracking that aims to increase access to geothermal energy beyond naturally occurring sites by creating underground reservoirs. It highlights the potential of EGS as a reliable and clean energy source that can provide continuous power, unlike inte…

1
Perovskite Solar Cells: The Silicon Panel Killer Stuck in Lab Purgatory 26:33

1M ago26:33

26:33

In this podcast episode, we examine the potential and challenges of perovskite solar cells as a rival to dominant silicon-based solar technology. Initially hailed for their high efficiency and low-cost production potential, perovskite cells have faced significant hurdles, primarily concerning stability and lifespan compared to established silicon p…

1
Kite-Powered Cargo Ships: Maersk’s 21st-Century Sailors 14:57

1M ago14:57

14:57

This podcast episode discuss the increasing need for the maritime shipping industry, responsible for a significant portion of global carbon emissions, to transition towards decarbonisation, driven by ambitious targets from bodies like the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Maersk, a major shipping company, is highlighted for its strong comm…

1
Plasma Gasification: Turning Trash Into Clean Energy or Toxic Risk? 50:54

1M ago50:54

50:54

This podcast episode discusses plasma gasification, a technology that uses extremely high temperatures to convert waste into a usable synthesis gas (syngas) and inert solid byproducts. It outlines the scientific principles of plasma, the process of gasification, and the components of a plasma gasification plant. The sources explore the potential be…

1
AI-Optimized Nuclear Reactors: Bill Gates’ TerraPower Breakthrough 15:04

1M ago15:04

15:04

The podcast episode discusses Bill Gates' TerraPower Natrium reactor project, an advanced nuclear energy initiative aiming to provide clean and reliable power by merging nuclear engineering with artificial intelligence. The source details the reactor's innovative design, featuring liquid sodium cooling and molten salt energy storage, highlighting i…

1
Sand Batteries: Finland’s Weird Solution to Seasonal Energy Storage 14:49

1M ago14:49

14:49

This podcast episode examines Finland's innovative use of sand batteries as a solution for seasonal energy storage, particularly for heating purposes. These systems function as thermal energy storage, converting surplus renewable electricity into heat stored in large volumes of sand. The text highlights the advantages of sand, such as its low cost,…

1
Solid-State Batteries: Will They Kill Gasoline Cars by 2030? 14:24

1M ago14:24

14:24

This episode examines solid-state battery technology as a potential advancement for electric vehicles, noting its promise for increased energy density, enhanced safety, faster charging, longer lifespan, and wider operating temperature range compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. However, the source also highlights significant challenges to …

1
AI-Powered Exoskeletons: Restoring Mobility or Military Tool? 26:22

1M ago26:22

26:22

AI-powered rehabilitation exoskeletons help users retrain their muscles, correct posture, and gradually rebuild strength, reducing the risk of long-term mobility issues. Robotic rehabilitation systems also provide real-time feedback, allowing therapists to track progress and customize recovery plans.…

1
Robot Teachers in Classrooms: Japan’s Experiment. 18:23

1M ago18:23

18:23

The Japanese government has announced plans to use robots in school classrooms as part of a new approach to improve its population's English proficiency, and take advantage of an expected increase in tourism.

1
Sex Robots: Ethical Implications and Societal Impact. 17:45

1M ago17:45

17:45

Critics argue that sex robots present a clear risk to real persons and a social degradation that will increase sexual violence, objectify women, encourage pedophilia, reinforce negative body images, increase forms of sexual dysfunction, and pass on sexually transmitted disease.

1
Warehouse Automation: Amazon Job-Killing Machine. 13:45

2M ago13:45

13:45

Unpack the controversial question: Is warehouse automation at giants like Amazon truly a "job-killing machine"? Explore how Amazon's extensive use of robots impacts human workers, from displacement to the creation of new roles. Delve into the perspectives of workers and experts, examining the changing nature of work and broader societal implication…

1
Robotic Pollinators: Saving Bees or Creating Dependency? 14:41

2M ago14:41

14:41

Explore how robotic pollinators are being developed to address pollinator decline, like Edete, Olombria, and RoboBee. We discuss if these technologies offer a genuine solution or lead to uncertain futures and dependency, neglecting root issues like habitat loss. Consider the environmental, economic, and ethical concerns, and whether a turn towards …

1
Self-Replicating Robots: Sci-Fi Dream or Existential Threat? 9:18

2M ago9:18

9:18

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of self-replicating robots through the lens of science fiction and real-world anxieties. Are they the key to revolutionizing industries and space exploration — or a threat to humanity’s survival? Join us as we dive into their portrayal, potential, and risks.…

1
AI Surgeons: Da Vinci System’s Successes and Failures. 14:21

2M ago14:21

14:21

The Da Vinci Surgical System has transformed minimally invasive surgery with enhanced precision and control. In this episode, we explore its major successes, ongoing AI-driven advancements, and the challenges still facing the future of autonomous robotic surgery.

1
Robot Rights: Should Androids Have Legal Protections? 15:52

2M ago15:52

15:52

Should intelligent robots have rights? In this episode, we explore proposals for granting legal status to androids, the arguments for and against it, and what it could mean for the future of AI and society. Dive into one of the most fascinating debates in tech ethics.

1
Humanoid Robots: Will Tesla’s Optimus Replace Workers? 12:44

2M ago12:44

12:44

Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus, aims to take on dangerous, repetitive tasks, with plans to deploy it across factories by 2025. CEO Elon Musk believes Optimus could become bigger than Tesla’s car business. While it promises greater efficiency and cost savings, concerns about job displacement remain. Some see Optimus as a partner to human workers, f…

1
Militarizing Space: The New Cold War. 12:41

2M ago12:41

12:41

Is space becoming the next battlefield? In this episode, we explore how outer space is emerging as a key front in a new era of global power rivalry, echoing the original Cold War. From anti-satellite weapons and military space forces to spy satellites and dual-use technologies, the militarization of space is accelerating—and raising serious questio…

1
Space-Based Solar Power: Beam Energy to Earth by 2030? 15:35

2M ago15:35

15:35

What if we could beam clean, constant energy from space—day and night, rain or shine? In this episode, we explore the bold vision of Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP): collecting solar energy in orbit and wirelessly transmitting it to Earth using microwaves. It’s a high-tech solution to a grounded problem—how to deliver 24/7 carbon-free power at scale…

1
3D-Printing Habitats on Mars: Feasible or Fantasy? 15:15

2M ago15:15

15:15

Could the first homes on Mars be 3D-printed? In this episode, we explore the cutting-edge concept of building Martian habitats using autonomous 3D printers and local resources like regolith and basalt. From NASA’s 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge to radical designs like the Mars Ice House and MARSHA, we break down how innovators are tackling the challe…

1
Space Tourism: Environmental Cost vs. Scientific Value. 13:08

2M ago13:08

13:08

Space tourism is taking flight—but it’s not all rocket fuel and wonder. Every launch pumps black carbon into the upper atmosphere, accelerating climate change and threatening the ozone layer. In this episode, we weigh the environmental toll of space travel against its potential benefits—from climate-monitoring satellites to the “overview effect” th…

1
Asteroid Mining: The Trillion-Dollar Gold Rush. 16:17

2M ago16:17

16:17

Imagine the next gold rush—only this time, it’s in space. Asteroids, those seemingly lifeless rocks drifting through the solar system, could be worth trillions. Packed with rare metals like platinum, palladium, rhodium, nickel, and even gold, some of these space rocks may hold more wealth than has ever been mined from Earth. Add to that their suppl…

1
Satellite Mega-Constellations: Internet for All or Night Sky Ruin? 20:59

2M ago20:59

20:59

Thousands of satellites are being launched into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in a race to blanket the planet with high-speed internet. Projects like SpaceX’s Starlink, Amazon’s Kuiper, and OneWeb are building massive mega-constellations, aiming to connect even the most remote corners of the world. On the surface, it sounds like a technological leap—global…

1
Astrobiology: AI’s Role in Searching for Alien Life. 11:15

2M ago11:15

11:15

Is the universe teeming with life—or are we truly alone? In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating intersection of astrobiology and artificial intelligence. From scanning distant exoplanets to decoding mysterious signals from space, AI is rapidly becoming humanity’s most powerful tool in the search for extraterrestrial life. Join us as we …

1
Privatizing the Moon: Legal Loopholes and Ethical Risks. 14:09

2M ago14:09

14:09

In this episode, “Privatizing the Moon: Legal Loopholes and Ethical Risks,” we explore the growing influence of private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin in lunar exploration — and the thorny legal and ethical questions that come with it. Can the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which bans national claims on celestial bodies, keep up with the commercia…

1
Space Junk: Can We Clean Up Earth’s Orbit? 26:32

2M ago26:32

26:32

In this episode, we tackle a growing crisis above our heads: space junk. As Earth's orbit becomes crowded with defunct satellites, rocket remnants, and debris fragments, our dependence on space for communication, weather tracking, and navigation is at risk. Can we clean up the mess? Or is this orbital pollution already out of control? We explore cu…

1
Mars Colonization: SpaceX vs. NASA’s Competing Visions. 17:17

2M ago17:17

17:17

In this episode, “Mars Colonization: SpaceX vs. NASA’s Competing Visions,” we dive into the contrasting approaches of two space pioneers. SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, aims to build a self-sustaining Martian city with its reusable Starship, driven by the vision of making humanity a multiplanetary species. Its approach is bold, fast-moving, and steeped …

1
The Unseen Dangers of Export Restrictions on Battery Technologies 18:29

2M ago18:29

18:29

Batteries power the clean energy transition—but what happens when key countries start locking down access? In this episode, we unpack the hidden risks of export restrictions on critical battery materials and tech. From rising EV costs to disrupted supply chains and geopolitical rifts, these trade barriers carry serious consequences. You'll learn ho…

1
What If Renewable Resources Completely Replaced Fossil Fuels? 14:42

2M ago14:42

14:42

What would it take to power the entire planet with nothing but renewables—no coal, no oil, no gas? In this episode of Emerging Tech Debates, we unpack the bold vision of a world fully fueled by solar, wind, hydro, and emerging clean tech. Could we realistically replace fossil fuels—still responsible for 83% of global energy—with renewables by 2050?…

1
WHAT ABOUT WAR? Essential for security or a dangerous distraction from climate action? 37:44

2M ago37:44

37:44

War engages our fight or flight instincts. When immediate threats like conflict arise, they often overshadow slower-burning, long-term crises like climate change. In this episode, James and Daisy talk about war. How does climate change fuel conflict? How does war, in turn, hinder efforts to combat the climate crisis? How do we avoid trading one exi…

1
Smart Grids: Preventing Blackouts in the Climate Crisis. 20:22

2M ago20:22

20:22

How can we protect our power systems in an era of climate extremes? In this episode, we unpack the role of smart grids in preventing blackouts—from microgrids and AI-driven optimization to wildfire risk models and hydrogen backups. We explore real case studies, like Victoria, Australia, and tackle key issues like grid stability, cybersecurity, and …

1
The Role of Mushrooms in Future Space Agriculture 10:53

2M ago10:53

10:53

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the surprisingly essential role mushrooms may play in the future of space exploration and off-world agriculture. Spoiler: they’re not just for space stroganoff. Mushrooms are gaining serious attention as key players in building sustainable life beyond Earth. From their rich nutritional value—packed with pro…

1
Algae Biofuel: Why Hasn’t It Taken Off? 30:24

2M ago30:24

30:24

Welcome to Emerging Tech Debates, the show where we explore the promises—and the pitfalls—of tomorrow’s technologies. In this episode, we’re diving into a green energy dream that’s yet to take flight: Algae Biofuel—Why Hasn’t It Taken Off? For years, algae have been pitched as a biofuel breakthrough. They don’t compete for farmland, they grow fast,…

1
Nuclear Fusion Breakthroughs: 30 Years Away… Forever? 11:30

2M ago11:30

11:30

For decades, the promise of clean, limitless energy through nuclear fusion has intrigued both scientists and the public. Repeatedly pegged as "just 30 years away," has this revolutionary energy source remained elusive, or are recent advancements finally bringing us closer to unlocking the power of the stars? In this episode, we dive deep into the w…

1
Vertical Farming in Megacities: Feeding the Future. 17:11

2M ago17:11

17:11

Welcome to Vertical Farming in Megacities: Feeding the Future, a podcast dedicated to exploring how vertical farming can transform food production in our rapidly growing urban landscapes. As the global population rises and cities expand, the need for sustainable, efficient food systems has never been more urgent. This podcast takes you inside the w…

1
Blockchain for Carbon Credits: Transparency or Scam? 15:20

2M ago15:20

15:20

Can blockchain bring real transparency and accountability to the carbon credit market—or is it just the latest tool for greenwashing and hype? In this episode, we dive deep into the promise and pitfalls of using blockchain to fix one of climate action’s most controversial tools: carbon credits. Supporters say blockchain’s decentralized and tamper-p…

1
Solar Panel Waste Crisis: Can Recycling Innovations Help? 26:05

2M ago26:05

26:05

As solar energy surges worldwide, there's a hidden environmental problem quietly building up—what happens when solar panels reach the end of their life? With most panels lasting 25 to 30 years, experts warn we could see 8 million metric tons of solar waste by 2030, ballooning to 80 million tons by 2050. These panels aren't just glass and metal—they…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Fossil Vs Future Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen