Earth Set Q1 Climate Review: What Just Happened

This week’s episode takes a step back from individual topics to look at the bigger picture: a Q1 2026 review of the climate and energy stories that have defined the year so far — and what they mean for what comes next.Hosted by Amy Rennison, the conversation brings together three returning perspectives spanning analysis, politics and capital. Lucy Shaw, energy analyst and advisor, breaks down the system-level dynamics shaping energy markets and infrastructure. Luke Shore, from Project Tempo, explores how these shifts are landing politically, and how voters are responding. And Max Bray, partner at Kindred Capital, offers a view from the investment side, tracking where capital is flowing and where confidence is changing.Across five fast-moving topics, from AI-driven energy demand to US climate policy, capital flows, the Iran crisis, and UK energy strategy, the discussion builds a picture of a system under pressure from multiple directions at once.What emerges is a transition no longer defined by a single narrative. Instead, it’s shaped by competing forces: rapid demand growth, geopolitical instability, political backlash, and uneven progress across technologies and regions.At the centre is a familiar tension, now more visible than ever: the need to move quickly, and the growing risk that rising costs, infrastructure constraints, and political resistance could slow things down.If the transition is no longer just about decarbonisation, but about affordability, security and public consent, the question becomes: can the system adapt fast enough to hold all three together?In this episode you’ll learn:Why AI has rapidly shifted from a tech story to an energy and infrastructure storyHow Europe’s economic fundamentals are affecting its ability to scale climate technologiesWhether we are actually on track for net zero — and how that depends on how you define “on track”Why electrification — not just clean power — is now the critical missing pieceHow the Iran crisis is affecting global energy markets, supply chains and pricingHow high energy prices are affecting UK industry — from steel to ceramicsWhy delivery — not just policy — is now the key challenge for governmentsHow crises like today’s energy shock compare to historical moments like the 1970s oil crisisWhy moments of disruption can either accelerate change — or be missed entirelyResources & LinksProject Tempo – Research on public attitudes to climate and energy policyKindred Capital – Early-stage investment across deep tech and energyCornish Lithium – UK-based lithium extraction and geothermal developmentGridserve – UK EV charging and renewable energy infrastructureFuse Energy – Vertically integrated energy company model🎟️ Join Earth Set LiveWe host monthly live events in London featuring founders, investors and policy leaders shaping the transition to a resilient, regenerative economy. First Tuesday of every month.Grab tickets here:👉 earthset.coIf you enjoyed this episodePlease take a moment to:Leave 5 starsWrite a quick reviewShare the episode with someone interested in climate, energy or public policyIt helps more people discover the show. Thanks for listening — see you at the next live event or in your feed soon.