Hal Hodson, The Economist: Dawn of the Solar Age

Join us for an exciting episode of Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations as host Richard Delevan dives into the intricate world of climate tech. This week, we have two insightful interviews that explore the frontiers of clean energy and the political landscapes shaping its future.

Sign up for our UK election night livestream at 9pm UK time with a great panel including Sarah Mackintosh, Rupert Read, Prashant Rao, Ben Cooke, Colin Mahoney, Allister Thomas, and Ben Kilbey - with more guests to be announced soon!

Part 1: Interview with Hal Hodson

Guest: Hal Hodson, Americas Editor of The Economist

Hal Hodson discusses his recent deep dive into solar energy, exploring the rapid advancements and exponential growth in the sector. He emphasises the importance of solar energy in the global energy transition and shares insights into the positive feedback loops driving solar's expansion. Hal also touches on the misconceptions about exponential growth and the durable adoption of solar technologies regardless of political landscapes.

Key Points:

• The role of solar energy in the energy transition

• Positive feedback loops in solar energy adoption

• The challenges and future potential of solar energy

• Comparison to information processing technologies

Read more from Hal Hodson: The Economist - Solar Special Issue

Part 2: Interview with Sarah Mackintosh

Guest: Sarah Mackintosh, Director of Cleantech for UK

Sarah Mackintosh provides an analysis of the different party manifestos in the UK, focusing on their support for innovation and the growth of the climate tech sector. She highlights the strengths and weaknesses of Labour's manifesto, emphasising the need for detailed plans and ambitious policies. Sarah also discusses the importance of cross-party collaboration and the potential for the UK to regain its leadership in climate tech.

Key Points:

• Analysis of party manifestos and their support for climate tech - co-written with Startup Coalition,  Tech Nation, techUK, Undaunted, Tech Zero.

• Labour's framing of climate tech as an economic opportunity

• The need for detailed plans and ambitious policies

• The importance of skills transition and workforce planning

Learn more about Cleantech for UK: Cleantech for UK

Catalysts

In this segment, Hal Hodson shares the key influences that have shaped his views on climate and climate tech:

1. Oliver Morton - Editor and author known for his works on climate and energy. Recommended books:

   • Eating the Sun

   • The Planet Remade

2. Science Fiction Classics - Authors like Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke, whose imaginative works have inspired Hal's thinking about technological unlocks and future possibilities.

3. James Gleick - Nonfiction author known for his precise and holistic approach to fundamental issues. Notable works:

   • The Information

   • Chaos

Closing Remarks

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Wicked Problems. Be sure to join us for our election night live stream on the 4th of July, featuring special guests and in-depth analysis.

Sign up for the live stream: Election Night Live Stream

Theme Music by Suncharmer. Find more music from Suncharmer and other tunes from the show on our playlist:

We hope you enjoyed the conversation! Send us feedback at info@wickedproblems.uk.

Catch up with our interview with Jenny Chase of BNEF: