Episodes
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NN#10: A Noble Cause
Advocates and researchers of the energy transition are woefully ill-equipped to do battle with the fossil fuel industry. In this monologue, Chris identifies what’s needed and what’s missing, then reinforces those points with excerpts from a recent conversation with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse...
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NN#9: Organizing for Power
In NN#9, we welcome Steve McBee, founder of AMPED, “the political and cultural infrastructure the clean energy industry never built.” We discuss how the clean energy industry needs to organize to do battle with the fossil fuel industry and win on every level—from popular opinion to federal…
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NN#8: Realistic Modeling
In NN#8, Chris finally invites a guest to join the podcast rather than just sharing his own views. He cordially welcomes Dr. Emily Grubert to the show to discuss their respective complaints about deficiencies in energy and climate modeling, and how they might be cured. Sources Emily Grubert’s...
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NN#7: A New Climate Catechism
It’s time for energy and climate modelers to start trying to tell the world what’s likely to happen, and show them how to phase out fossil fuels completely. Sources Emily Grubert’s personal website Emily Grubert, “The state of energy transition research and the need for fossil phase-out: evidence...
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NN#6: Backsliding on Climate
Much of the world is backsliding on their climate commitments just when we need them to be increasing their ambition, but taking action when it’s difficult is the name of the game. Sources Jan Rosenow, “Is electrification happening fast enough?” Bright Spots, June 14, 2026. Valerie Volcovici…
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NN#5: The Rise of the Asian Century
The American Century is over and the Asian Century is rising rapidly. But much of the Western policy establishment still hasn’t noticed. Show notes Episode 238 – Transition in Europe 2024, Energy Transition Show, December 4, 2024. Daan Walter, Sam Butler-Sloss, Antoine Issac, Kingsmill Bond, and...
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NN#4: Carbon Capture Follies
Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) is suddenly vogue again. But its business case is as bad as it’s ever been. So why now? Show notes Nicola Clarke, “383 million tonnes of CO2 permanently stored underground, a new report shows,” IEAGHG, November 17, 2025. Carbon Capture Utilisation and…
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NN#3: Data Center Revolt
We’ve been told that we have to accept data centers being located in our communities and on our grids, and to suffer higher grid power costs and noise and disruption, and that the emissions from the data centers’ power plants are no big deal. But before we grant them social license to do those...
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NN#2: The Trump Paradox
The Jevons Paradox explained how an effort to reduce energy consumption could actually result in increasing it. The Trump Paradox explains how an effort to kill the energy transition is actually accelerating it. Show notes Wikipedia contributors, “Jevons paradox”, Wikipedia, accessed May 13…
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NN#1: Protecting yourself from the Global Energy Crisis
In this audio version of Nelder Notes #1, we give listeners some ideas on how to reduce their personal exposure to the costs and risks of the global energy crisis stemming from the 2026 war in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Links Sam Meredith, “Oil markets are underestimating the...