Best Direct Air Capture Podcasts (2025)

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How Emera is rising to meet shifting energy expectations 10:56

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24m ago10:56

10:56

Amid soaring electricity demand and the imperative for decarbonization, energy companies are also being expected to deliver reliable and affordable supplies. Emera has both goals in hand, according to Scott Balfour, CEO and President of the Canada-based utilities provider. In this episode of RBC Capital Markets’ Powering Sustainable Ideas podcast, …

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Unlocking private capital for carbon removal – one mill at a time 22:43

4d ago22:43

22:43

What happens when you design a carbon removal business around the needs of real industries and real customers – rather than new tech? CO280’s Natalie Khtikian and Jon Rhone explain how their project development approach is transforming pulp and paper mills into high-quality, high-volume CDR hubs. Speaking with Jonathan Sisto, Managing Director at R…

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BONUS: Climate Book Reviews with author Ashley Shelby on Honeymoons in Temporary Locations 46:00

4d ago46:00

46:00

In this latest episode of Ed’s occasional podcast Climate Book Reviews, we dive into the wildly imaginative and disturbingly plausible world of Ashley Shelby’s acclaimed story collection, Honeymoons in Temporary Locations. Recently named one of Fresh Energy’s Favorite Climate Books of 2025 and shortlisted for the Janet Heidinger Kafka Prize, Shelby…

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Cold comfort: How to keep cool without destroying the planet 27:13

11d ago27:13

27:13

David MacMillan is a manager in the City of Toronto’s Environment, Climate and Forestry division. He and his team are focused on planning for low-carbon development and energy systems, which includes implementing the Toronto Green Standard, which aims for net-zero new buildings by 2028, and renewable energy programs such as SolarTO and Wastewater E…

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Seizing the green iron opportunity with ZESTY 50:44

14d ago50:44

50:44

The Innovating for Earth podcast series returns to discuss the green iron opportunity. Steel is the backbone of modern society, yet conventional steelmaking is one of the world's largest sources of industrial emissions. Green iron therefore offers a large opportunity to contribute to both global decarbonisation and development. If Australia can tak…

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Energy security is reshaping sustainable investing 11:28

18d ago11:28

11:28

Despite political headwinds, targeted climate transition investments continue to show resilience while broader sustainable equity funds face challenges. Meanwhile, energy security concerns are reshaping exclusion policies and nuclear power is gaining acceptance. Sara Mahaffy, Head of Global Sustainability Strategy Research at RBC Capital Markets, e…

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EP: 38 The Rock-Solid Future of Carbon Removal w/ Enhanced Weathering 32:07

18d ago32:07

32:07

In this episode of Catching Carbon, we dive into a carbon removal method that's moving fast from theory to large-scale deployment: enhanced rock weathering (ERW). Our guest, Ryan King from UNDO, walks us through the science, economics, and real-world application of this XPRIZE-recognized technology. Ryan helps us understand why enhanced rock weathe…

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From Doom to Hope: Katharine Hayhoe on Bridging the Climate Gap 1:01:56

19d ago1:01:56

1:01:56

David & Ed chat with renowned scientist, author and Canadian, Dr. Katharine Hayhoe who argues that hope—not doom—is what drives action. Dr. Hayhoe is one of the world’s most prominent climate communicators and known for crossing political, religious, and cultural lines to connect with audiences that most climate advocates can’t or won't reach. It's…

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Building a capital strategy to support decarbonization at scale 17:03

26d ago17:03

17:03

How does a traditional oil and gas producer position itself to be simultaneously a leader in carbon capture and storage technology? In this episode of RBC Capital Markets’ Powering Sustainable Ideas podcast – CFO Clio Crespy explains how California Resources Corporation aims to do just that. CRC has gained the go-ahead for the first project of its …

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Accelerating Capital Deployment in Distributed Renewable Energy: Odyssey’s Product Market Fit 30:50

27d ago30:50

30:50

In this episode, we sit down with Emily McAteer, CEO and Co-founder of Odyssey Energy Solutions, one of the most influential startups in the climate tech space for emerging markets. Odyssey is transforming how Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) projects are financed, procured, and managed—especially in emerging markets across countries in Africa, a…

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Tamboran’s strategy to unlock Australia’s natural gas potential 17:37

1M ago17:37

17:37

Australia's energy landscape is experiencing a transformation as unconventional gas development moves from exploration to commercial production. How are pioneering companies adapting proven U.S. shale technologies while meeting stringent net zero requirements? In this episode, Joel Riddle, CEO of Tamboran Resources, discusses the company's integrat…

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BONUS: Canada’s Carbon Edge - How We Can Lead in Carbon Removal with Na'im Merchant & Grégoire Baillargeon 34:35

1M ago34:35

34:35

LIVE from the Montreal's Climate Solutions Prize Festival 2025 Na'im Merchant, Executive Director of Carbon Removal Canada and the host of The Carbon Curve podcast, and Grégoire Baillargeon, President of BMO Quebec and Vice Chair of BMO Capital Markets join Ed Whittingham for a panel discussion exploring how Canada can become a global leader in car…

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Heat warning: Are we ready for a hotter climate? 34:23

1M ago34:23

34:23

Eleni Myrivili is the United Nation’s first-ever global chief heat officer. An anthropologist by training, Myrivili understands how heat waves discriminate against older, less-wealthy and under-served demographics. Before being named to her UN post in 2022, Myrivili was Athens’ heat officer, where she coordinated the capital’s response to heat wave…

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EP 37: Driving Decarbonization by Rail with Josh Raglin, CSO of Norfolk Southern 25:25

1M ago25:25

25:25

In this episode of Catching Carbon, we sit down with Josh Raglin, Chief Sustainability Officer at Norfolk Southern Corporation, one of the largest freight railroads in North America. With over two decades of experience in nature-based sustainability solutions, Josh shares how Norfolk Southern is leading the charge to decarbonize rail transport and …

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

2M 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…

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Energy Transition in Africa & its Climate Dilemma with Dr. Rose Mutiso 50:05

2M ago50:05

50:05

David & Ed chat with Dr. Rose Mutiso about the tension between energy, climate, and economic development in Africa and the global south. They touch on many topics to do with sub-Saharan Africa, including energy production & consumption, electricity and power grids, and the vast economic inequity that still exists between the global north & south. A…

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Regrowth strategy: To adapt to a changing climate, restoring nature is critical. But do we have the seeds we need? 34:00

2M ago34:00

34:00

Featured in this episode: Martina Albert is a technician with the National Tree Seed Centre, based in Fredericton, N. B. The NTSC’s library holds more than 13,000 seed collections, with the purpose of protecting them from invasive pests, disease and climate change. Albert works on the Centre’s Indigenous Seed Collection Program, working with First …

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Has the World Surrendered to Climate Breakdown? Andreas Malm, author of How to Blow Up a Pipeline 55:25

2M ago55:25

55:25

Ed and David chat with special guest Andreas Malm, author of How the World Surrendered to Climate Breakdown and How to Blow Up a Pipeline: Learning to Fight in a World on Fire. They discuss Malm’s critiques of climate inaction—how liberal democracies, fossil capital, and the Global North have collectively abandoned meaningful efforts to stop climat…

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

2M 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…

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

2M 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…

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EvC BONUS: Upton Sinclair's Oil! - Climate Book Reviews Podcast with Michael Tondre 47:09

2M ago47:09

47:09

Ed Whittingham & Roger Thompson discuss Upton Sinclair's classic novel - Oil! We're sharing another episode of Ed's occasional podcast, Climate Book Reviews, this time discussing the book that was the inspiration for the critically acclaimed 2007 movie, There Will Be Blood, starring Daniel Day-Lewis. Ed and co-host Dr. Roger Thompson (Associate Dea…

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Enhanced Weathering: Grinding Rocks to Absorb CO2 14:10

3M 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 …

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

3M 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…

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

3M 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…

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

3M 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…

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

3M 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…

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

3M 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…

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

3M 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…

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

3M 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…

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

3M 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…

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

3M 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…

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

3M 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…

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

3M 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…

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

3M 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,…

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

3M 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 …

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Power Hungry: Can Our Grids Evolve Fast Enough for AI's Appetite? | with Amy Myers Jaffe 51:10

3M ago51:10

51:10

Energy expert Amy Myers Jaffe returns to EvC to chat with Ed about Energy and Artificial Intelligence. Nearly every aspect of the economy seems to be impacted by the stunningly rapid development of AI. Energy is no exception. Ed and Amy have a wide-ranging discussion that covers a lot of ground and touches on several hot topics, including: How AI i…

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

3M 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.…

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

3M 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.

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

3M 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.

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Waste heat recovery powers Zibi's sustainable future 17:17

3M ago17:17

17:17

At RBC’s 2024 Carbon Conference, Sarah Thompson, Global Head of Sustainable Finance at RBC Capital Markets, sat down with Lee Hodgkinson, Head of Sustainability and Technical Services, Dream, and Maxime Cossette, SVP, Kruger, to discuss their roles in the net zero community, Zibi.By RBC Capital Markets

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

3M 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…

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

3M 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 …

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

3M 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.…

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

3M 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.

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

3M 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.

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

3M 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…

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Militarizing Space: The New Cold War. 12:41

3M 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…

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

3M 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…

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

3M 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…

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

3M 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…