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106 | Steve Discusses the "Tribes of the Climate Realm" on the Smarter Markets Podcast

Bionic Planet: Reversing Climate Change by Restoring Nature

Release Date: 07/04/2024

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Bionic Planet: Reversing Climate Change by Restoring Nature

In Episode 112 of Bionic Planet, titled "Fantasy Football and Dynamic Baselines: New Tools for Impact Assessment," we unpack the often misunderstood concept of dynamic baselines and its origin in synthetic controls, using fantasy football as an analogy. The episode begins with a clear and relatively simple explanation of dynamic baselines, which have emerged as a valuable tool in climate finance. Unlike traditional static baselines, which rely on fixed reference points, dynamic baselines adapt to changing conditions and provide a more accurate measure of impact. We discuss the importance of...

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Bionic Planet: Reversing Climate Change by Restoring Nature

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Bionic Planet: Reversing Climate Change by Restoring Nature

Support Bionic Planet:   Guests: Jim Pittman ( Matt Orsagh ( Steve Rocco ( Books Referenced: Ecological Economics ( The Limits to Growth ( The Web of Life ( Thinking in Systems ( Energy and Civilization ( Sustainability is for Everyone ( Less is More ( Donut Economics ( Technical Revolutions in Financial Capital ( The End of Nature () In Season 9, Episode 110 of Bionic Planet, titled "Ecological Economics, Systems Thinking, and the Limits to Growth," we delve into a thought-provoking discussion with ecological economists Jim Pittman, Matt Orsagh, and Steve Rocco. The episode explores the...

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Bionic Planet: Reversing Climate Change by Restoring Nature

Support Bionic Planet:   In episode 109 of Bionic Planet, we learn how the Quilombola people of Brazil are blending the IPCC Livelihood Vulnerability Index Assessment with soil carbon methodologies developed under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) to save themselves and their soil from urban expansion and agricultural encroachment.  We begin with Sandra Pereira Braga, a descendant of enslaved peoples who has been farming on her family's land for almost 300 years. Sandra's story highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing the traditional practices and accumulated carbon...

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Bionic Planet: Reversing Climate Change by Restoring Nature

Photo by on Support me at patreon.com/bionicplanet Related Links to Follow In episode 108 of Bionic Planet, I delve into a recent article published by the Washington Post that is riddled with inaccuracies, false premises, and misleading information. The episode serves as a critical analysis of the article, highlighting the importance of fact-checking and the credibility of mainstream media in reporting on complex issues such as climate change and carbon finance. The episode begins with a passionate rant about the Washington Post's story, titled "How Carbon Cowboys Are Cashing In on...

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Support Bionic Planet: Books referenced in this episode: "The Discovery of Global Warming" by Spencer Weart (Hypertext version): "Lavoisier in the Year One" by Madison Smartt Bell: "The Life and Letters of Joseph Black, M. D." by William Ramsay (Hypertext version):     In this episode of Bionic Planet, we delve into the history of the science underpinning Nature-based Climate Solutions (NbCS), beginning in the 1620s, in the Flemish village of Vilvoorde. The episode kicks off with the story of Jan Baptist van Helmont, a physician who conducted an experiment planting a five-pound...

info_outline 106 | Steve Discusses the 106 | Steve Discusses the "Tribes of the Climate Realm" on the Smarter Markets Podcast

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This episoed of Bionic Planet is technically an episode of Andrew Greely’s podcast, Smarter Markets, where I appeared as a guest to discuss my new vertical "The Tribes of the Climate Realm." It’s not a series but a vertical, where episodes will drop intermittently over the remainder of the year and probably for years to come.  If you're sharing or referencing the show, please reference the original at The discussion revolves around the historical context of the first generation of REDD projects and the media criticism they have encountered. Steve Zwick emphasizes the importance of...

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Bionic Planet: Reversing Climate Change by Restoring Nature

In Episode 103 of Bionic Planet, titled "Purists, Pragmatists, and the Science-Based Targets Initiative," we delve into the complex world of emission reduction targets and the challenges companies face to reach net zero emissions by 2050. The episode explores the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTI), a program designed to assist companies in setting emission reduction targets aligned to achieve net zero emissions. The episode begins by highlighting the significant increase in companies committing to SBTI since January 2023, with many not submitting their plans until January 2025. We learn...

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This episoed of Bionic Planet is technically an episode of Andrew Greely’s podcast, Smarter Markets, where I appeared as a guest to discuss my new vertical "The Tribes of the Climate Realm."

It’s not a series but a vertical, where episodes will drop intermittently over the remainder of the year and probably for years to come. 

If you're sharing or referencing the show, please reference the original at https://www.smartermarketspod.com/carbon-frontiers-2024-episode-10-steve-zwick/

The discussion revolves around the historical context of the first generation of REDD projects and the media criticism they have encountered. Steve Zwick emphasizes the importance of understanding the different ideological factions within the climate community and the need to communicate the history and tribes within this realm to combat misinformation and cherry-picking.

Throughout the episode, Steve Zwick provides insights into the development of methodologies, the role of verification and validation bodies (VVBs), and the criticisms faced by projects like Cordillera Azul. He highlights the need for balanced evaluations and constructive critiques to drive progress in the voluntary carbon markets.

The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by journalists and market participants in accurately covering and communicating the complexities of carbon markets. Steve Zwick emphasizes the importance of thorough research, understanding uncertainty, and questioning preconceptions to provide accurate and insightful coverage of projects and methodologies.

Overall, the episode serves as a deep dive into the intricacies of voluntary carbon markets, shedding light on the evolution of methodologies, the role of VVBs, and the need for balanced and informed reporting in this complex and evolving landscape.

Timestamps

  • Introduction to the Podcast Episode: 00:00:00-00:00:10

  • Discussion on the New Vertical "The Tribes of the Climate Realm": 00:00:10-00:00:31

  • Introduction to Smarter Markets Podcast: 00:00:42-00:00:52

  • Exploring the Crisis of Information or Trust: 00:00:52-00:01:03

  • Sponsorship Message by Base Carbon: 00:01:03-00:01:14

  • Introduction to Carbon Frontiers 2024: 00:01:22-00:01:33

  • Guest Introduction - Steve Zwick: 00:01:34-00:01:44

  • Discussion on REDD Projects and Media Criticism: 00:01:44-00:01:55

  • Questioning the Focus on First Generation REDD+ Projects: 00:01:55-00:02:05

  • Exploring the Ideological Factions in the Climate Realm: 00:02:05-00:02:16

  • Importance of Understanding the History of Markets: 00:02:16-00:02:26

  • Benefits and Critiques of First Generation REDD+ Projects: 00:02:26-00:02:37

  • Discussion on Baselines in REDD+ Projects: 00:02:37-00:02:47

  • Criticism of Baselines and Media Misinterpretation: 00:02:47-00:02:57

  • Challenges in Estimating Baselines: 00:02:57-00:03:04

  • Critique of REDD+ Baselines and Media Interpretation: 00:03:04-00:03:14

  • Discussion on Verification and Validation Bodies (VVBs): 00:03:15-00:03:25

  • Role of VVBs in Auditing REDD+ Projects: 00:03:25-00:03:36

  • Addressing Weaknesses in VVBs: 00:03:36-00:03:46

  • Lessons from Credit Rating Agencies: 00:03:46-00:03:56

  • Addressing Issues with VVBs: 00:03:56-00:04:07

  • Evaluation of REDD+ Projects and Baselines: 00:04:07-00:04:18

  • Discussion on Cordillera Azul Project Criticism: 00:04:18-00:04:28

  • Critique of Cordillera Azul Project: 00:04:28-00:04:38

  • Analysis of Media Criticism on Cordillera Azul: 00:04:38-00:04:47

  • Evaluation of Project Achievements: 00:04:47-00:04:57

  • Exploring Misinterpretations in Project Critiques: 00:04:57-00:05:07

  • Discussion on Nikkei Asia's Critique: 00:05:07-00:05:17

  • Importance of Balanced Reporting: 00:05:17-00:05:27

  • Guidelines for Journalists Covering Climate Markets: 00:05:27-00:05:37

Quotes

  • "We have to keep developing new methodologies, but we can't assume the old ones are bad... the old methodologies were much better than people give them credit for." - 00:30:07-00:30:18

  • "The whole point of an evolutionary process is figuring out what works, what doesn't, and moving forward." - 00:39:06-00:39:18

  • "It's not a one and done thing. Don't think you can drop in, do a piece that's accurate on this and be finished." - 00:44:17-00:44:30

  • "Don't think you can drop in, do a piece that's accurate on this and be finished." - 00:44:17-00:44:30

  • "We need to do a much better job of explaining... the history of these markets and the science that underpins them." - 00:42:54-00:43:04

  • "The old methodologies were much better than people give them credit for." - 00:30:07-00:30:18

  • "We have to acknowledge that the whole point of an evolutionary process is figuring out what works, what doesn't, and moving forward." - 00:39:18-00:39:29

  • "The whole point of an evolutionary process is figuring out what works, what doesn't, and moving forward." - 00:39:06-00:39:18

  • "We need to do a much better job of explaining... the history of these markets and the science that underpins them." - 00:42:54-00:43:04

  • "The old methodologies were much better than people give them credit for." - 00:30:07-00:30:18