The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty: Why Climate Policy Must Tackle Supply, Not Just Demand
Send me a messageMost climate policies focus on cutting emissions. But what if the real issue is what’s being left off the table, fossil fuel production itself?In this week’s episode of Climate Confident, I speak with Tzeporah Berman, Chair of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, about why global climate goals are doomed if we keep expanding fossil fuel supply while trying to cut demand.Tzeporah explains how the Paris Agreement never once mentions the words “oil,” “gas,” or “coal”, despite 86% of emissions coming directly from them. She lays out the case for a global treaty to phase out fossil fuel production, how countries like Colombia are already stepping up, and why we need a just transition framework that includes debt relief and international cooperation.We discuss:Why fossil fuel expansion continues despite climate pledgesThe $7 trillion in annual subsidies distorting energy marketsThe role of Global South nations and equity in the energy transitionHow “net zero” has been weaponised as a delay tacticAnd why renewables alone won’t solve the crisis unless we stop digging the hole deeperThis is a frank look at what it really takes to deliver on climate targets, and why we can’t keep ignoring the supply side of the problem.🔗 Learn more at fossilfueltreaty.org🎧 Listen and subscribe at climateconfidentpodcast.com#climatepolicy #fossilfuels #justtransition #energytransition #climateconfident #carbonemissions #netzero #sustainability #supplysideclimatepolicyDigital Disruption with Geoff Nielson Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters: Jerry Sweeney Andreas Werner Stephen Carroll Roger Arnold And remember you too can Support 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.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/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. CreditsMusic credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper
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The Climate Cost of the Internet—and What Ad Tech Is Doing About It
Send me a messageMost people don’t think about carbon emissions when they think about the internet—let alone digital advertising. But here’s the kicker: the ad tech ecosystem is responsible for roughly the same emissions as the global aviation sector. Yes, really.In this episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I spoke with Frank Maguire, SVP of Product Marketing & Sustainability at Equativ (formerly Sharethrough), about the often-overlooked climate impact of digital ads. We broke down how every impression, bid, and page refresh contributes to a complex, energy-intensive infrastructure—and what’s actually being done to clean it up.Frank shared how programmatic advertising works, why the auction-based model generates such high emissions, and what’s being done to make ad delivery more efficient. We explored GreenPMPs (Private Marketplaces) that strip out high-emission inventory while improving performance, the role of AI in optimising and complicating emissions, and why industry collaboration is key.We also discussed how regulation like the EU’s CSRD is pushing companies to measure and act on their digital carbon footprint—and why that matters for brands, platforms, and consumers alike.If you’ve ever wondered how something as invisible as online ads can have a tangible climate impact—or how business can respond—this episode unpacks it all.Listen now to learn how the ad tech world is confronting its emissions problem, and what it means for sustainability in digital infrastructure. Digital Disruption with Geoff Nielson Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Digital Disruption with Geoff Nielson Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters: Jerry Sweeney Andreas Werner Stephen Carroll Roger Arnold And remember you too can Support 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.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/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. CreditsMusic credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper
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How to Decarbonise Industry Without Breaking the Grid (or the Bank)
Send me a messageIn this episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I sat down with Stuart Thompson, President of ABB Electrification Service, to unpack one of the most overlooked but critical fronts in the climate transition: industrial decarbonisation.Industry accounts for around a quarter of global energy-related carbon emissions, and much of that stems from outdated infrastructure, unreliable grids, and a historic reliance on cheap fossil fuels. Stuart leads a $1.4 billion division with 5,000 engineers working across 50 countries to modernise that very infrastructure, and in this conversation, he shared exactly what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change.We explored:Why energy security, cost, and carbon goals often pull in different directionsHow modernising old assets can cut both emissions and costs - without ripping everything outWhy battery storage “as-a-service” is taking off, especially when paired with AI for energy optimisationThe role of the circular economy in electrification, from recycling components to extending asset lifeWhat’s holding companies back (hint: underinvestment and inertia), and how ABB is helping them move fasterIf you’re a business leader navigating energy volatility, emissions targets, and infrastructure risk, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at how to align climate goals with operational needs.Listen now to hear why electrification isn’t just about new tech - it’s about rethinking ownership models, resilience, and risk.Digital Disruption with Geoff Nielson Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters: Jerry Sweeney Andreas Werner Stephen Carroll Roger Arnold And remember you too can Support 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.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/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. CreditsMusic credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper
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Short Break, Big Plans - Back Next Week with More Climate Confidence
Send me a messageHi folks, Tom Raftery here.Just dropping into your feed to let you know there’s no new Climate Confident episode this week - I’m taking a short break to recharge and get ready for some brilliant conversations I’ve got lined up in the coming weeks.But don’t worry, the podcast will be back next Wednesday at 7am CEST, as always, with another inspiring story of climate action and innovation.In the meantime, if you’re missing your climate fix, remember there’s a massive back catalogue of over 220 episodes to explore, from cutting-edge carbon removal tech to climate policy deep dives, it’s all there and ready for you to binge.And if you’ve been getting value from the show, consider supporting the podcast. For as little as €3 or $3 a month, you can help keep Climate Confident independent. You’ll find the link to become a supporter below.Thanks so much for listening — and I’ll see you next week!👉 Explore past episodes: https://www.climateconfidentpodcast.com👉 Support the podcast: Support Climate ConfidentSupport the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters: Jerry Sweeney Andreas Werner Stephen Carroll Roger Arnold And remember you too can Support 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.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/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. CreditsMusic credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper
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The Future of Sustainable Data Centres: Grid Stability, Digital Twins and AI
Send me a messageIn this episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I sit down with Ciaran Flanagan, who leads Siemens’ Global Data Centre business, to unpack the evolving role of data centres in our energy and climate systems.We dig into the data centre’s journey from a “sausage machine” of power-hungry servers to a potential hero in grid stability and renewable energy adoption. Ciaran shares how data centres in Ireland, despite consuming up to 20% of national electricity, are driving economic growth and pioneering greener practices.We explore why digital twins are more than a buzzword, enabling smarter design and cutting resource waste. Ciaran also explains how AI’s explosive demand pressures the grid while offering real-time energy optimisations to make data centres more sustainable.Key highlights:The role of data centres as catalysts for renewable energy growthHow digital twin technology can cut construction emissions and energy useAI’s double-edged impact on data centre sustainabilityThe regulatory shift pushing data centre operators to report and reduce emissionsWe also touch on the often-overlooked economic benefits of data centres, from direct jobs to the broader tech ecosystem.The report I referred to in the podcast is available here.Listen in to learn how the data centre industry is pivoting from climate problem to climate solution.Digital Disruption with Geoff Nielson Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters: Jerry Sweeney Andreas Werner Stephen Carroll Roger Arnold And remember you too can Support 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.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/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. CreditsMusic credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper
Climate Confident is your go-to podcast for the latest in climate innovation and sustainable solutions. Hosted by Tom Raftery, this weekly series explores the cutting-edge strategies and success stories driving our global journey toward a cooler planet.Every Wednesday at 7 AM CET, Tom engages with senior industry executives, climate scientists, and sustainability pioneers to uncover actionable insights and transformative approaches to reducing emissions and revitalising our environment. Whether you're a business leader, policy maker, or simply passionate about climate action, Climate Confident provides the inspiration and knowledge you need to make a real difference.Subscribe now to stay informed, inspired, and ready to contribute to a sustainable future. Let's turn every episode into a step closer to a greener, more resilient world.
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