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In this episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sandhya Sabapathy, Global Head of Environment and Net Zero at Entain, about the evolving role of sustainability in business – and what it truly takes to make climate action effective, strategic, and inclusive.

We discussed how sustainability has moved from the sidelines to the boardroom, driven not only by regulation but by clear commercial logic. Sandhya pointed to examples like IKEA – reducing emissions by 24% while growing revenue by 30% – as proof that climate strategy and profitability can go hand in hand.

We explored the growing influence of mandatory ESG reporting, the shift of climate accountability to audit committees, and how these trends are forcing businesses to be more transparent, not just more ambitious.

Sandhya also reflected on how to avoid burnout in purpose-driven work, why inclusivity leads to more resilient climate solutions, and the critical need to include marginalised voices in the climate conversation.

Listen in to hear why manufacturing might be further ahead on sustainability than you’d think, what we can learn from companies like Philip Morris (yes, really), and how even small actions can build corporate momentum for meaningful change.

Whether you’re leading a sustainability team, looking to influence from within, or just starting your climate journey – there’s something here for you.

🎧 Tune in now to learn, question, and push the dial forward.

#ClimateAction #SustainabilityLeadership #ESG #NetZero #CorporateSustainability #ClimateConfidentPodcast

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• Lorcan Sheehan
• Jerry Sweeney
• Andreas Werner
• Stephen Carroll
• Roger Arnold

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Music 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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In this episode of Climate Confident, I sit down with Chris Doherty, CEO of Joulen, to discuss how data, AI, and battery storage are changing the way homes and businesses interact with renewable energy. With energy costs fluctuating and grid constraints becoming more of a challenge, the role of smart energy management has never been more important.

Chris explains how virtual power plants (VPPs) allow households and small businesses to collectively act as a large-scale power provider, reducing costs and generating income. We explore how AI-driven algorithms optimise energy use, ensuring that people buy low and sell high—maximising savings and revenue.

We also break down the regulatory barriers that prevent wider adoption of decentralised energy and discuss what governments can do to speed up the transition. From Germany’s success in residential battery storage to the UK’s evolving energy market, we look at how different countries are tackling these challenges.

Other key topics:

• Why EVs with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology could replace home batteries
• How energy storage can help stabilise the grid and reduce investment in new infrastructure
• The financial incentives needed to scale solar and battery adoption in homes and businesses
• The growing role of demand-side management in balancing electricity supply

If you’re wondering how to make the most of your renewable energy system—or how policy can unlock wider adoption—this episode has you covered.

📩 Get in touch: tomraftery@outlook.com
💡 Follow for more insights on the clean energy transition.

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I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:

• Lorcan Sheehan
• 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.

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If 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.

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Music 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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In this episode of Climate Confident, I sit down with Jenny Morgan, author of Cancel Culture in Climate, to explore how public shaming and polarisation are holding back real progress on climate solutions.

We already have the tools and technologies needed to reduce emissions, yet fear of criticism—whether from activists, media, or the public—often paralyses businesses and leaders. Jenny explains how cancel culture leads to three major pitfalls:

• Greenwashing – Overstating sustainability efforts to avoid backlash.
• Greenhushing – Staying silent about genuine climate initiatives to escape scrutiny.
• Green recanting – Companies reversing climate commitments due to heightened pressure.

Rather than tearing down imperfect efforts, Jenny advocates for empathetic accountability—holding organisations to account while keeping the door open for progress. We discuss how companies like Patagonia and Allbirds have embraced transparency over perfection, and how social media can be both a force for good and a major obstacle to climate communication.

Key takeaways:
✔ Why fear of being “called out” prevents meaningful climate action.
✔ How businesses can regain trust after sustainability missteps.
✔ Practical strategies to foster productive climate conversations.

Tune in to rethink how we approach climate accountability—and why working with people is more effective than working against them.

🔗 Listen now and subscribe in your favourite podcast app.

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Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:

• Lorcan Sheehan
• 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.

Contact
If 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.

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Music 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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In this episode of Climate Confident, I sit down with Puja Balachander, CEO and co-founder of UpGreen, to explore how commercial landlords and asset managers can accelerate energy efficiency retrofits while keeping costs down.

Buildings account for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, yet many remain inefficient due to financial and logistical barriers. UpGreen tackles this by reducing upfront retrofit costs and enabling landlords to recapture savings from tenants, turning sustainability upgrades into a viable business strategy.

We discuss:

• Why 87% of UK commercial buildings must undergo energy upgrades within the next five years to meet regulations.
• How UpGreen's model cuts retrofit costs by up to 80% while recovering 60% of expenses through tenant savings.
• The hidden inefficiencies preventing widespread adoption of energy retrofits, despite their cost-effectiveness.
• The challenges of scaling retrofits across different markets, from the UK’s public energy performance data to Germany’s fragmented regulations.
• The future of retrofits beyond energy efficiency, including climate adaptation measures for flood and heat resilience.

This episode offers practical insights for commercial landlords, sustainability professionals, and policymakers looking to unlock the full potential of building decarbonisation.

🎧 Listen now and subscribe to Climate Confident to stay ahead of the latest sustainability trends.

🔗 Show links:
🌍 Learn more about UpGreen: getupgreen.com
📩 Contact me: tomraftery@outlook.com

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Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:

• Lorcan Sheehan
• 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.

Contact
If 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.

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Music 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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In this episode of Climate Confident, I sit down with Dr. Jemma Green, Co-Founder and Chairman of PowerLedger, to explore how blockchain technology is reshaping the energy sector. We discuss the shift towards peer-to-peer energy trading, how utilities can adapt to a decentralised grid, and what role blockchain-backed renewable energy certificates can play in ensuring transparency and accountability.

Dr. Green explains why traditional feed-in tariff models are becoming unsustainable, how local energy autonomy can reduce grid congestion, and why distributed energy solutions are key to managing growing electricity demand. We also dive into the economics of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology and the impact of Europe’s Clean Energy Package on decentralised energy markets.

Takeaways from this episode:

• Why utilities need to move beyond traditional energy supply models
• How blockchain ensures trust and efficiency in energy trading
• The economic incentives driving distributed renewables adoption
• What energy prosumers (like EV owners) can do to optimise costs

We also touch on India’s approach to energy decentralisation, regulatory hurdles slowing adoption in Europe, and how businesses can benefit from corporate renewable energy trading.

Tune in to understand how technology is driving the future of sustainable energy.

🔗 Listen now and subscribe!

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Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:

• Lorcan Sheehan
• 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.

Contact
If 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.

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Music 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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In this episode of Climate Confident, I sit down with Annalisa Bracco, a physical oceanographer and climate scientist at the Georgia Institute of Technology, to explore how our oceans are changing—and why it matters.

The ocean is a critical carbon sink, absorbing vast amounts of CO₂, but it’s also warming at an alarming rate, driving more extreme weather events and disrupting marine ecosystems. Annalisa explains how rising sea temperatures are fuelling stronger hurricanes, shifting rainfall patterns, and devastating biodiversity—particularly in coral reefs, where we’ve already lost up to 75% in the Atlantic alone.

We also discuss the role of marine protected areas, the surprising impact of sea cucumbers on coral survival, and how AI and machine learning are helping scientists map oceanic ecosystems. Annalisa shares insights on potential solutions, including ocean-based carbon sequestration, enhanced weathering, and the challenge of safely storing CO₂ at depth.

Key takeaways from this episode:
✅ Warming oceans are intensifying weather patterns and reducing freshwater availability.
✅ Coral bleaching threatens food security for over a billion people.
✅ AI is revolutionising how we track biodiversity and predict climate impacts.
✅ Marine conservation efforts can rapidly restore ecosystems and improve fisheries.

The health of our oceans is deeply intertwined with the future of our planet. Listen now to understand what’s at stake—and what we can do about it.

🎧 Tune in now on your favourite podcast platform!

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Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:

• Lorcan Sheehan
• 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.

Contact
If 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.

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Music 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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In this episode of Climate Confident, I sit down with Jarand Rystad, CEO of Rystad Energy, to take a hard look at where we are in the global energy transition and whether we’re moving fast enough to meet climate targets.

We discuss:

• How disruptive technologies are reshaping the energy landscape – and why the transition would happen even without climate concerns.
• Why solar, wind, and battery technologies are now economically outcompeting fossil fuels.
• The China paradox – leading the world in renewables while still expanding coal power.
• Whether current momentum is fast enough to keep warming below 1.5°C.
• The overlooked challenges – from sustainable aviation fuel to long-duration energy storage.
• The role of policy and regulation in shaping the speed and direction of the transition.

We also touch on AI’s rising energy demand, how agrivoltaics and floating solar could resolve land use concerns, and why hydrogen won’t be the all-encompassing energy solution some envision.

Rystad brings data-driven insights into what’s working, where we’re lagging, and the key economic and technological trends shaping the future of energy. If you want a clear-eyed analysis of the energy transition, this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Listen now!

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Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:

• Lorcan Sheehan
• 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.

Contact
If 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.

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Music 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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Factory farming isn’t just an animal welfare issue—it’s a major driver of climate change, biodiversity loss, and public health risks. In this episode of Climate Confident, I speak with Thom Norman, co-founder of FarmKind, to break down the true environmental costs of industrial animal agriculture and explore solutions.

We discuss:
✅ How factory farming contributes up to 19% of global greenhouse gas emissions, primarily through methane, deforestation, and fertiliser use.
✅ The inefficiencies of animal agriculture—80% of cropland is used to feed livestock, yet it provides only 17% of global calorie intake.
✅ The role of antibiotic overuse in factory farming and its link to rising antimicrobial resistance.
✅ Why shifting to alternative proteins—such as plant-based and cultivated meat—could significantly reduce emissions and land use.
✅ The effectiveness of corporate campaigns in driving industry-wide change, such as the transition away from caged eggs.

We also discuss consumer choices and why the focus shouldn’t just be on individuals but on systemic change—better policies, clear food labelling, and investment in sustainable food innovation.

If you’re interested in supporting impactful organisations tackling factory farming, Thom shares how FarmKind helps direct funding to the most effective charities.

🎧 Tune in to learn how rethinking food production can cut emissions and improve global health.

🔗 Links & Resources:
FarmKind: FarmKind.Giving
Compassion Calculator: CompassionCalculator.org

👉 Follow the podcast for new episodes every Wednesday!

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Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:

• Lorcan Sheehan
• 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.

Contact
If 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.

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Music 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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In this episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I’m joined by Ollie Burch, a communications strategist and co-founder of Among Equals, to dive into the thorny but crucial issue of climate communications. How can we engage more people in the fight against climate change, and why are so many efforts to do so falling flat? Ollie, with his background in behavioural science and sustainability communications, offers fresh insights into what’s gone wrong—and, more importantly, how we can fix it.

One of the key takeaways from our conversation is that much of the current climate messaging is preaching to the choir. Ollie argues that climate communications have been framed largely through a progressive lens, unintentionally alienating large segments of the population. The solution? A shift towards messaging that resonates across political and cultural divides, leveraging behavioural psychology to make climate action feel relevant to everyday lives.

We also discuss the critical concept of psychological distance. Many people see climate change as a distant issue—whether geographically, socially, or temporally—making it difficult to inspire meaningful action. Ollie suggests that communicators need to focus on the here and now: how climate impacts things people care about, like their local environment, daily routines, or even their morning coffee.

Other highlights include:

• Why reframing climate action as patriotic or grounded in personal values can bridge political divides.
• The importance of moving from anxiety-inducing messaging to practical, solution-oriented communications.
• How simplifying messages (think: “Get Brexit Done”) and tapping into social norms can be powerful tools for change.

If you’re involved in climate communications, policymaking, or simply trying to make a difference, this episode offers actionable advice and a critical lens on how to communicate effectively about the most pressing issue of our time. Give it a listen, and let me know what you think!

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Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:

• Lorcan Sheehan
• 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.

Contact
If 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.

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Music 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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In this episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I’m joined by Angelo Campus, the CEO and co-founder of BoxPower, to explore the transformative potential of microgrids in building resilient and sustainable energy systems.

Angelo shares his journey from growing up at the edge of the grid in rural Northern California to founding a company that develops microgrids powered by solar, batteries, and backup generators. These systems are delivering power to underserved communities, disaster-stricken regions, and rural areas where traditional grid infrastructure is too costly or unreliable.

We delve into the surprising shift that brought BoxPower’s solutions back to the US, where ageing grid infrastructure and rising wildfire risks have utilities rethinking their approach to energy delivery. Angelo explains how microgrids can replace end-of-line infrastructure, reduce wildfire risks, and cut costs for utilities—all while increasing renewable energy use.

Key takeaways from the conversation include:

• The economic tipping point where microgrids become more cost-effective than traditional distribution systems.
• The role of microgrids in improving energy access for tribal communities and disaster relief efforts.
• Why current battery technologies, though promising, still require complementary solutions like backup generators in certain climates.
• How utility collaboration and regulatory reform are essential to scaling distributed energy solutions.

Angelo also provides a frank critique of clean tech investment trends, calling for more focus on infrastructure innovation over pure software solutions. His pragmatism about integrating existing technologies to combat climate change is refreshing.

Tune in to hear how microgrids could redefine our approach to energy in a rapidly warming world.

Links and Resources:

• Visit BoxPower for more on their microgrid solutions.
• Connect with Angelo on LinkedIn or follow BoxPower on social media.
• Don’t forget to follow this podcast and leave a review!

Let me know what you think of this episode—get in touch via LinkedIn or email at tomraftery@outlook.com.

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Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:

• Lorcan Sheehan
• 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.

Contact
If 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.

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Music 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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In this week's episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I’m joined by Anders Lindberg, President of Wärtsilä Energy, to unpack the complexities of the global energy transition. Wärtsilä has a wealth of insight into how we can move towards a 100% renewable energy future—without breaking the bank.

Anders and I dive into the often-overlooked need for flexibility in energy systems. While solar and wind energy have become cheaper and more widespread, integrating them effectively into existing grids is far from straightforward. Anders explains how Wärtsilä’s grid-balancing engines and battery storage solutions can work together to stabilise energy supply, preventing curtailment and ensuring renewables deliver maximum impact.

We explore why relying solely on renewables and battery storage leads to significantly higher costs, using Chile as a case study where a more balanced system could save $17 billion in investment. Anders also tackles the future of green hydrogen, acknowledging its promise while stressing it won’t scale up meaningfully until 2035 or later. In the meantime, he makes the case for natural gas as a transitional fuel, with Wärtsilä’s engines already primed to run on sustainable fuels when they become viable.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Flexibility is critical: Balancing technologies like batteries and flexible engine power plants are essential for integrating renewables efficiently.
• Curtailment hurts progress: Inflexible grids force renewables offline, undermining their financial viability and prolonging fossil fuel reliance.
• Future-proof investments: Wärtsilä’s hydrogen-ready engines ensure today’s investments won’t become stranded assets tomorrow.
• Policy matters: Anders highlights how regulatory environments, like Texas' nodal pricing and the Texas Energy Fund, can either accelerate or hinder the energy transition.

If you’re interested in how we can accelerate decarbonisation while maintaining energy security and controlling costs, this conversation offers plenty to consider.

For more on Wärtsilä’s work in shaping the future of energy, check out their website [insert link], or connect with Anders Lindberg on LinkedIn.

Thanks for tuning in—let’s stay climate confident!

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Podcast supporters
I'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters:

• Lorcan Sheehan
• 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.

Contact
If 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.

Credits
Music credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper