Episode 11 - Challenges Facing Industrial Decarbonization and the Imperative to Act

Perspectives on Sustainable Development

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For this episode, Chris was joined by two colleagues to continue a discussion that the three of them started over breakfast in Minneapolis earlier this year. Michael Jung, Government Affairs & Public Policy at Modern Hydrogen, and Madeline Urbish, Orsted Head of Public Affairs for the Americas Region, both live these issues every day. Our climate is changing, impacts are stacking up, the cost of business is rising (as is associated uncertainties), and most importantly, health impacts are expected to also rise...unless we do something about it.
But these are really heavy issues and progress can be difficult to see at times. I'd like to list Hannah Ritchie's "Six Things to Keep in Mind" from her excellent book, Not the End of the World. Thanks Maddie for the great recommendation.

1. We face big and important environmental challenges
2. The fact that our environmental issues aren't humanity's largest existential risk doesn't mean we shouldn't work on them.
3. You will have to hold multiple thoughts at the same time.
4. None of this is inevitable, but it is possible.
5. We cannot afford to be complacent.
6. You are not alone in this.

It was a fantastic discussion among friends, hearing from two people who know this stuff darn well, and who are actively trying every day to do difficult legacy projects, and make a positive impact. That's laudable and I hope you enjoy what they had to say.