7: The Challenges and Opportunities of Medical Plastic Waste Management
Release Date: 04/03/2025
12: 2025 Oil Prices and Demand Outlook: OPEC+, Shale, and Global Supply Trends
The Energy Forum
In this episode of “The Energy Forum,” we explore what’s shaping the global oil market as we head into the second half of 2025 and beyond. Center for Energy Studies nonresident fellows and break down why oil demand surprised to the upside in early 2025, how OPEC+ is phasing out production cuts, and why non-OPEC supply growth is slowing. They examine the factors influencing prices through 2026 and what global demand might look like heading toward 2030 and beyond. This conversation was recorded on July 22, 2025. Follow Abhi Rajendran on and . Follow Skip York on . You...
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11: Can Hospitals Be Sustainable? Rethinking Plastics in Health Care
The Energy Forum
The health care sector produces a significant amount of plastic waste, much of it non-contaminated and potentially recyclable. In this episode of “The Energy Forum,” , deputy director of the Center for Energy Studies and fellow in energy and sustainability, speaks with , steering committee chair at the CPHI Sustainability Collective and former executive director of the Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council, about opportunities for the industry to advance sustainability while maintaining patient safety. They discuss the challenges of recycling medical plastics, the potential of...
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10: Texas Grid Evolution and Its Intersection with Hurricanes, Demand Growth, and Resilience
The Energy Forum
In this episode of “The Energy Forum,” sits down with , a Center for Energy Studies (CES) nonresident scholar and research historian, and , CES research manager, to explore how the Texas electric grid is adapting to compounding risks from storms, demand growth, and new technologies. They trace the evolution of ERCOT, unpack the dynamics of solar inverters and grid stability, and introduce a new CES dashboard that visualizes 75 years of disaster exposure alongside population growth and critical energy infrastructure. Key topics include: Why the Texas grid is an island — and why it...
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9: The Israel-Iran Conflict and Oil Market Uncertainty
The Energy Forum
Conflict in the Middle East is shaking the global oil market. In this episode of “The Energy Forum,” , a nonresident fellow at the Baker Institute Center for Energy Studies and director of research and advisory at Energy Intelligence, speaks with , a Center for Energy Studies nonresident fellow and expert in global market dynamics and upstream strategy, about how escalating geopolitical risk has elevated concerns about global oil supply and is driving oil price volatility. Together, they discuss this and more to facilitate a better understanding of a very dynamic market. Topics include: ...
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8: The Future of Critical Minerals and Materials
The Energy Forum
This episode of “The Energy Forum” takes a deep dive into critical minerals and materials geoeconomics, a space where national security, industrial policy, and global competition intersect. Featuring Michelle Michot Foss, Baker Institute fellow in energy, minerals, and materials; Gabriel Collins, the institute’s Baker Botts Fellow in Energy and Environmental Regulatory Affairs; and Vinod Veedu, assistant vice president of Rice University’s Office of Research, the conversation builds on a new exploring how past wars and strategic competitions can inform today’s mineral...
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7: The Challenges and Opportunities of Medical Plastic Waste Management
The Energy Forum
Medical plastic waste is a growing environmental and public health concern, yet only a small percentage is recycled, with the majority ending up in landfills or incinerators. In this episode of “The Energy Forum,” Rachel Meidl, Center for Energy Studies deputy director and fellow in energy and sustainability at the Baker Institute, sits down with Linette Leadon, director of environmental health and safety at MD Anderson, to explore the complexities of medical plastic waste management. They discuss regulatory challenges, innovative solutions, and the need for systemic change to...
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6: The Role of Ammonia in the Future of Fuels
The Energy Forum
Can ammonia be the next big fuel for transportation? In this episode of “The Energy Forum,” sits down with , chief executive officer of First Ammonia LLC, to explore the potential of ammonia as a scalable, low-carbon energy source. They discuss the technology behind ammonia fuel, its advantages over other alternatives, and the hurdles that must be overcome for widespread adoption. With industries looking for cleaner fuel solutions, could ammonia be a key player in the future of shipping, heavy transport, and beyond? Tune in for an insightful conversation on the road ahead for...
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5: Exploring the Future of the Middle East Energy Transition (Part 2)
The Energy Forum
In Part 2 of their two-part discussion, Baker Institute experts , , and continue to explore the evolving energy landscape of the Middle East. They further examine the region’s approach to balancing economic growth with environmental priorities, assess OPEC’s evolving role in global energy markets, and explore the long-term economic and policy implications of Kuwait’s heavily subsidized electricity. This episode was recorded on Jan. 24, 2024. Discussants Visiting Research Scholar, Baker Institute Center for Energy Studies Nonresident Fellow, Baker Institute Center for...
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4: Exploring the Future of the Middle East Energy Transition (Part 1)
The Energy Forum
In this episode of “The Energy Forum,” Baker Institute experts , , and explore the dynamic energy landscape of the Middle East. Together, they examine how the region balances economic growth with environmental priorities, the influence of OPEC on global energy markets, and the economic impacts of Kuwait’s heavily subsidized electricity. This episode is Part 1 of a two-part discussion. This episode was recorded on Jan. 24, 2024. Discussants Visiting Research Scholar, Baker Institute Center for Energy Studies Nonresident Fellow, Baker Institute Center for Energy...
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3: Securing Texas’ Future Through Smart Water Investments
The Energy Forum
In this episode of “The Energy Forum,” we delve into a pivotal authored by Gabriel Collins, Baker Botts Fellow in Energy and Environmental Regulatory Affairs at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, and commissioned by Texas 2036. The study outlines the immense economic risks posed by prolonged droughts and emphasizes the critical need for strategic investments in water infrastructure to protect Texas’ $2.5 trillion economy. Join host as he engages in a thought-provoking conversation with , director of infrastructure and natural resources policy at Texas 2036....
info_outlineMedical plastic waste is a growing environmental and public health concern, yet only a small percentage is recycled, with the majority ending up in landfills or incinerators.
In this episode of “The Energy Forum,” Rachel Meidl, Center for Energy Studies deputy director and fellow in energy and sustainability at the Baker Institute, sits down with Linette Leadon, director of environmental health and safety at MD Anderson, to explore the complexities of medical plastic waste management. They discuss regulatory challenges, innovative solutions, and the need for systemic change to create a more sustainable and resilient health care system. Tune in for a critical conversation on the intersection of health care, waste management, and sustainability.