We Got $9.99 Problems, and Energy is One

The war in Iran and closure of the Strait of Hormuz created a global energy supply crisis. And while gasoline prices didn’t reach the extreme highs some predicted a few months ago, the global markets are still in flux.  “What has been disrupted most is the confidence in the old energy system where you could reliably and affordably dig up a source of energy thousands of kilometers away from where you expected to ignite it and expect that process to be smooth,” says Gerald Butts, chairman of political risk consultancy the Eurasia Group.  What has the war in Iran meant for energy markets? How much have shortages and price spikes pushed more companies and countries toward renewable energy? As China reaps the benefits of decades of investment in clean tech and renewable energy, will the U.S. be left behind? Guests: Gerald Butts, Chairman and Senior Advisor, The Eurasia Group Scott Marlow, Founder and CEO, Long Rows Consulting; Agricultural policy expert Alex Wang, Law Professor, UCLA; Faculty Co-Director, Emmett Institute on Climate Change & the Environment Highlights: 00:00 – Introduction 02:00 – Last decade of geopolitical turmoil on energy markets 07:00 – Responses of countries like Canada, China 13:30 – Risks of the U.S. being “Overpowered” according to The Eurasia Group 17:30 – Decarbonization is happening but it’s going to be slower than science demands 21:00 – How high diesel prices impact farmers 27:00 – How farmers cope with all the pressures of their business plus climate impacts 33:00 – We’re on the cusp in major change in how we farm in U.S. – Scott Marlow 42:00 – Alex Wang on China’s pivot towards pollution reduction and investments in clean tech 49:45 – How China flexed its oil demand during recent global energy crisis 54:00 – Last few months showcase two different paths towards energy supplies between China and U.S.  For show notes, transcripts, and related links, visit ⁠⁠our episode page. *** Join us on October 14 at 6 p.m. for a conversation with PG&E CEO Patti Poppe on energy affordability, outages, and public outrage. Tickets available at climateone.org/events  *** On October 20 at 6 p.m. join us, in partnership with The Redford Center, for a screening of the short film In Earth We Trust, followed by a conversation with the filmmaker, the film’s central figure, and other faith leaders. Tickets available at climateone.org/events  *** On November 5 at 5:30 p.m., join Climate One and the Children & Nature Network for an evening with Richard Louv, the internationally bestselling author of Last Child in the Woods. Tickets available at climateone.org/events  *** Support Climate One by going ad-free! Subscribe to Climate One on Patreon for exclusive access to all future episodes, free of ads. Sign up today. *** Ad sales by Multitude. Contact them for ad inquiries at multitude.productions/ads Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices