Earthlings 2.0 Podcast

Hosted by Lisa Ann Pinkerton

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173

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Aug 2026

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About the show

The Earthlings Podcast takes a look at the big issues facing humanity in the early 21st century and our relationship to our environment, technology, and each other. Each episode, award-winning journalist, and former NPR reporter Lisa Ann Pinkerton hosts experts, scientists, and leaders working to solve the world’s biggest challenges. Together, they cover wide-ranging topics including environmental solutions, emerging technologies, what the future might look like, and more. Support us on Patreon and receive exclusive content and benefits.

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August 18, 202624 min

#174: Rethinking What It Takes to Electrify Fleets with NCSU

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0 , we speak with John Bonitz, Clean Transportation Project Manager at the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center and one of the organizers behind the Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference & Expo. The conversation explores how commercial fleet electrification is moving beyond pilot projects and into real-world deployment. As fleet operators face rising fuel costs, evolving regulations, new charging technologies, and growing amounts of operational data, the conversation is shifting from whether to electrify to how to build fleets that are reliable, resilient, and cost-effective. John discusses fleet electrification, EV charging infrastructure, telematics, AI-powered fleet management, smart charging, alternative fuels, and why understanding each fleet's unique duty cycle is essential for making sustainable transportation work in practice. Key Points: Fleet electrification is entering a new phase of practical deployment – Operators are focused on proven technologies that reduce operating costs, improve reliability, and increase resilience rather than simply testing new concepts. The conversation has shifted from pilot projects to implementing solutions that deliver measurable results. Charging strategy is just as important as vehicle selection – Smart charging, telematics, and even Level 1 overnight charging can significantly reduce costs while making fleet electrification more accessible for municipalities, small businesses, and commercial operators. No single technology can meet every fleet's needs – John emphasizes that successful fleet electrification starts with understanding each fleet's duty cycle and operational requirements. Whether the best solution is battery electric vehicles, biodiesel, propane, compressed natural gas, ethanol, or another alternative fuel depends on the specific application, making a technology-neutral approach essential for long-term success. John Bonitz, Clean Transportation Project Manager at the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center , LinkedIn Sarah Malpeli , Earthlings 2.0 Guest Host, Vice President of Client Services and Growth at Technica Communications , LinkedIn 🚀 Calling all Earthlings… Visit our website for more episodes! Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be! Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our website Thanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page . Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook Page Follow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!

August 11, 202636 min

#173: Active Diesel Particulate Filters: Unlocking Cleaner Growth for Data Centers With Rypos

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0 , we speak with Thomas Babineau, Senior Emissions and Technology Advisor at Rypos, about one of the least discussed environmental challenges surrounding AI data centers: diesel backup generators. As data centers expand to support artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure, most continue to rely on diesel generators to provide emergency backup power during grid outages. Thomas explains why diesel remains the most reliable option for mission-critical facilities such as data centers and hospitals, and explores how advanced diesel particulate filter technology can reduce harmful particulate emissions by up to 95%. The conversation examines diesel emissions, public health, backup power, data center sustainability, emissions regulations, and practical pathways to reducing air pollution while maintaining grid resilience. Check out our previous episodes on the AI build-out: #170 - Turning Grid Transformers into Intelligent Infrastructure with Ionate Energy #168 - Cracking the Code on Building Energy Costs With Edgecom Energy #164 – How the Grid Could Survive the AI Boom with Solid State Transformers With DG Matrix Key Points: Diesel backup generators remain essential for critical infrastructure – Data centers, hospitals, ports, and other mission-critical facilities rely on diesel generators because they can start within seconds, operate for extended periods, and provide reliable backup power when electricity is unavailable. Particulate matter from diesel engines is an overlooked environmental challenge – Diesel generators produce fine particulate matter linked to respiratory illness and other health risks. Advanced diesel particulate filters can significantly reduce these emissions without replacing existing backup power systems. Cleaning existing diesel infrastructure can support more sustainable data center growth – As AI drives rapid expansion of data centers, emissions-control technologies offer a practical way to improve local air quality while maintaining the reliability required for critical digital infrastructure. Thomas Babineau, Senior Emissions and Technology Advisor at Rypos , LinkedIn Luis de Leon , Earthlings 2.0 Guest Host

August 4, 202639 min

172: Why Stopping Climate Change Means Fixing Democracy First With the Sunrise Movement

On this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Sunrise Movement Executive Director Aru Shiney-Ajay about the future of youth climate organizing and why action depends on building a more representative democracy. Aru explains how the climate movement is connecting emissions reduction with green jobs, healthcare, public transit, economic security, and fossil fuel accountability. The conversation also explores the Make Polluters Pay campaign, the climate impact of AI data centers, corporate control of social media, and how young organizers can turn protest into lasting political power. At the center of the discussion is a more hopeful vision of climate action. A vision that focuses not only on stopping environmental harm but also on building a healthier, fairer, and more livable future. Also, check out our episode on navigating the polycrisis mentioned in the show: https://earthlingspodcast.com/episodes/103-navigating-polycrisis/ Key Points: Climate action can improve everyday quality of life – The transition away from fossil fuels can support well-paying green jobs, stronger public transit, healthier food systems, better economic mobility, and more affordable communities. Youth climate organizing requires both public pressure and political power – Sunrise combines protest, grassroots organizing, electoral engagement, and leadership development to help young people influence institutions and shape public policy. AI is creating a new challenge for the climate movement – Data center growth could increase fossil fuel demand, but public policy could also require AI companies to invest in clean energy, improve energy and water efficiency, and support green job creation. Aru Shiney-Ajay, Executive Director of the Sunrise Movement , LinkedIn Lisa Ann Pinkerton , Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications , and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability , LinkedIn 🚀 Calling all Earthlings… Visit our website for more episodes! Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be! Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our website Thanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page . Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook Page Follow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!

July 28, 202637 min

#171: Turning Ports Into Power Stations for Clean Shipping with Climate Edge

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0 , we speak with Hendrik Tiesinga, founder and CEO of Climate Edge. Maritime shipping is one of the world's biggest decarbonization challenges and is responsible for moving roughly 80% of global trade. The shipping industry is under increasing pressure to reduce emissions while continuing to power the global economy. Hendrik explains why scaling clean shipping requires more than new fuels; it also depends on financing, improved energy efficiency, and faster deployment of proven technologies. The conversation explores maritime decarbonization, alternative marine fuels, electric ships, battery technology, port electrification, and how innovation can help move the industry beyond pilot projects toward large-scale adoption. Check out a few of our previous maritime episodes, including: #46 – Sailing the Silent, Solar-Powered Seas #52 – Zeroing in on Hydrogen for Marine Transportation Key Points: Decarbonizing shipping requires more than replacing fossil fuels – Clean fuels such as green methanol, ammonia, and biofuels all have tradeoffs, making energy efficiency, electrification, and new financing models critical alongside fuel innovation. Many of today's clean shipping technologies are ready to deploy – Hull-cleaning robots, wind-assisted propulsion, AI route optimization, battery-electric vessels, and port electrification can reduce fuel consumption and emissions today while the industry prepares for longer-term fuel transitions. Getting beyond pilot projects will require new investment models – Maritime decarbonization depends on connecting climate technology startups, infrastructure investors, ports, and shipping companies so proven technologies can scale across the global shipping industry. Hendrik Tiesinga, founder and CEO of Climate Edge , LinkedIn Lisa Ann Pinkerton , Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications , CEO and Founder of PRVIEW , and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability , LinkedIn 🚀 Calling all Earthlings… Visit our website for more episodes! Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be! Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our website Thanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page . Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook Page Follow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!

July 21, 202624 min

#170: Turning Grid Transformers into Intelligent Infrastructure with Ionate Energy

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0 , we speak with Matthew Williams, Founder and CEO of Ionate Energy, about why electric grid modernization is becoming just as important as building more renewable energy. As AI data centers, electric vehicles, distributed energy resources, and electrification place unprecedented demands on aging electricity infrastructure, utilities are facing a growing need for greater visibility, flexibility, and control across the electric grid. Matthew explains how Ionate's Hybrid Intelligent Transformers (HIT) combine advanced hardware and software to improve power quality, optimize grid capacity, integrate more renewable energy and EV charging, and help utilities modernize existing distribution networks. The conversation explores intelligent transformers, smart grid technology, distributed energy, AI-driven electricity demand, and the future of electricity infrastructure. Key Points: Electric grid modernization is essential for AI, EVs, and renewable energy – Today's electric grid was built for centralized power generation, not AI data centers, electric vehicle charging, rooftop solar, battery storage, and distributed energy resources. Supporting the next generation of electricity demand requires a smarter, more flexible, and more resilient power grid. Hybrid Intelligent Transformers help utilities optimize grid capacity – By combining advanced transformer hardware with real-time software and monitoring, these transformers can improve voltage regulation, reduce energy losses, enhance power quality, and enable utilities to connect more renewable and distributed energy resources using existing grid infrastructure. The future of the electric grid will be built through incremental modernization – Rather than replacing the power grid, utilities can deploy intelligent infrastructure that improves resilience, interoperability, energy efficiency, and reliability while preparing the electricity network for continued electrification and future energy demands. Matthew Williams, Founder and CEO of Ionate Energy , LinkedIn Sarah Malpeli , Earthlings 2.0 Guest Host, Vice President of Client Services and Growth at Technica Communications , LinkedIn 🚀 Calling all Earthlings… Visit our website for more episodes! Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be! Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our website Thanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page . Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook Page Follow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!

July 14, 202648 min

#169: How NASA is Growing Food in Space with Gioia Massa

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0 , we speak with Gioia Massa, Senior Project Scientist for Space Crop Production at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, about how NASA is preparing to grow food on the Moon, Mars, and future deep-space missions. As human space exploration moves beyond short-duration missions, reliable food production will become a critical component of life support systems. Gioia explains the science behind space agriculture, including how researchers are overcoming challenges such as microgravity, radiation, water management, and limited resources while testing crops aboard the International Space Station and developing future lunar and Martian growing systems. The conversation explores how plants can provide food, oxygen, and psychological benefits for astronauts, as well as how technologies developed for space farming are already influencing vertical farming and sustainable food production on Earth. Check out NASA’s show: Houston, We Have a Podcast More episodes from Earthlings 2.0 on space exploration: #55 – Hyperspectral Satellite Data Putting Many Eyes on the Earth #18 – The Recycler for Spaceship Earth with Brittany Zimmerman #15 – Space Inc. Key Points: NASA is developing agricultural systems for future Moon and Mars missions – Researchers are testing how crops grow in microgravity and preparing experiments to support long-duration human exploration beyond Earth. Plants serve as more than just food in space habitats – Crops can help absorb carbon dioxide, produce oxygen, and support astronaut well-being, making them an important part of future life support systems. Space agriculture is shaping the future of farming on Earth – Research conducted for space missions has contributed to advances in LED grow lights, hydroponics, vertical farming, controlled environment agriculture, and resource-efficient food production. Gioia Massa, Senior Project Scientist for Space Crop Production at NASA's Kennedy Space Center , LinkedIn Lisa Ann Pinkerton , Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications , CEO and Founder of PRVIEW , and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability , LinkedIn

July 7, 202634 min

#168: Cracking the Code on Building Energy Costs With Edgecom Energy

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0 , we speak with Behdad Bahrami, CEO of Edgecom Energy, about how artificial intelligence is changing the way industrial facilities manage electricity. As energy prices become more volatile, AI data centers drive unprecedented demand on the electric grid, and utilities introduce increasingly complex pricing structures, manufacturers and other large energy users need better visibility into how and when they consume electricity. Behdad explains how Edgecom's AI-powered energy management platform combines utility billing, real-time energy monitoring, grid signals, and predictive analytics to help industrial facilities reduce costs, improve operational efficiency, and make smarter energy decisions. The conversation explores industrial energy management, demand response, grid modernization, AI-powered energy optimization, and why energy should be treated as a controllable business cost rather than a fixed expense. Key Points: AI is making industrial energy management more proactive – By combining real-time facility data with utility pricing, demand response programs, and predictive AI models, industrial facilities can identify inefficiencies, automate energy decisions, and reduce electricity costs. Industrial facilities have significant untapped opportunities to improve energy efficiency – Many manufacturers still rely on fragmented utility bills and limited energy monitoring, making it difficult to understand where electricity is being used or where savings can be achieved. Greater visibility enables better operational and financial decisions. The growth of AI data centers is accelerating the need for a smarter electric grid – As electricity demand rises, utilities, manufacturers, and large commercial facilities will need better energy orchestration, flexible demand, and intelligent software to optimize existing grid infrastructure before building new capacity. Behdad Bahrami, CEO of Edgecom Energy , LinkedIn Luis de Leon , Earthlings 2.0 Guest Host

June 30, 202632 min

#167: How Quantum Hydrogen Can Clean Up Industrial Heat Production With Clean Planet Inc.

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0 , we speak with Masami Hayashi, Global Strategy Director at Clean Planet Inc., about the company's work developing solid-state fusion technology for industrial heat. While electricity often dominates clean energy discussions, industrial heat remains one of the largest sources of global energy consumption and emissions. Hayashi explains that Clean Planet's Quantum Hydrogen Energy (QHE) technology uses hydrogen and proprietary metal catalysts to generate heat via solid-state fusion, potentially producing significant thermal energy from minimal fuel inputs. The conversation explores industrial heat decarbonization, hydrogen energy, fusion commercialization, and the potential role of this technology in factories, commercial buildings, and other heat-intensive industries. Check out a few of our episodes on the built environment: #159 – Combining Robotics and Mass Timber For Modular Urban Buildings with Intelligent City #131 – Why AI + Robotics Could Be The Future of Reclaimed Lumber with Urban Machine #108 – Autonomous Robots Driving Down Costs for Sustainable Infrastructure with Civ Robotics #29 – Living, Breathing, Beautiful Buildings with Lindsay Baker Key Points: Industrial heat is a major climate challenge that receives less attention than electricity generation – Manufacturing, commercial buildings, refrigeration systems, logistics facilities, and data centers all require large amounts of thermal energy, much of which is still produced using fossil fuels. Solid-state fusion could provide a new pathway for clean industrial heat – Clean Planet's Quantum Hydrogen Energy technology uses hydrogen and engineered metal catalysts to generate excess heat through a low-temperature fusion process, potentially delivering significantly more energy from hydrogen than combustion-based approaches. Commercial deployment is focused on real-world industrial applications – Clean Planet is working with industrial boiler manufacturer Miura to develop heat modules for factories, supermarkets, commercial buildings, and logistics facilities as it moves from laboratory research toward commercialization. Masami Hayashi, Global Strategy Director at Clean Planet Inc. , LinkedIn Lisa Ann Pinkerton , Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications , CEO and Founder of PRVIEW , and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability , LinkedIn

June 23, 202637 min

#166: How Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement Removes Carbon from our Oceans with Planetary Technologies

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0 , we speak with Michael Kelland, CEO and Co-Founder of Planetary Technologies, about whether the ocean could play a much larger role in helping remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. For decades, the ocean has served as one of Earth's largest carbon sinks, absorbing roughly a quarter of human-generated CO2 emissions. But that service comes at a cost: ocean acidification, which threatens coral reefs, shellfish, and marine ecosystems worldwide. Michael explains how Planetary Technologies is using a climate solution known as coastal seawater restoration, also called ocean alkalinity enhancement, to restore ocean chemistry, increase the ocean's natural ability to absorb carbon dioxide, and provide long-term carbon removal. The conversation explores how ocean carbon removal works, the science behind ocean alkalinity enhancement, the challenges of measuring and verifying carbon removal, and what it will take to scale climate technologies that can help the world reach net-zero emissions. Key Points: The ocean is already one of the world's largest carbon removal systems – The ocean naturally absorbs vast amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, but growing CO2 levels are increasing ocean acidification and putting stress on marine ecosystems. Ocean alkalinity enhancement helps restore seawater chemistry – By adding alkaline minerals to seawater, Planetary Technologies aims to increase the ocean's capacity to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide while helping counter the effects of acidification. Ocean carbon removal could help address hard-to-decarbonize sectors – Industries such as aviation may continue producing some emissions even in a net-zero future, creating a need for durable carbon removal solutions that can offset emissions that are difficult or expensive to eliminate. Mike Kelland, CEO and co-founder of Planetary Technologies , LinkedIn Luis de Leon , Earthlings 2.0 Guest Host, Sr. Public Relations Account Executive at Technica Communications 🚀 Calling all Earthlings… Visit our website for more episodes! Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be! Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our website Thanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page . Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook Page Follow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!

June 16, 202644 min

#165: Bonus Episode: Looking Back on 15 Years of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability with Lisa Ann Pinkerton

In this special bonus episode of Earthlings 2.0 , we feature WCS Talks Unplugged , the podcast from Women in Cleantech & Sustainability (WCS). Host Sara Fuentes sits down with our very own Lisa Ann Pinkerton to discuss the origins of one of the largest global networks supporting women in cleantech, renewable energy, sustainability, and climate technology. Lisa Ann reflects on how a simple decision to stop waiting for change and start building community grew into an organization that has connected more than 20,000 women worldwide. The conversation explores climate leadership, professional networking, sustainability careers, entrepreneurship, and the role of community in advancing women across the energy transition and climate innovation sectors. Lisa Ann also shares lessons learned from building a mission-driven organization over the past 15 years and why hope, authenticity, and persistence remain essential for anyone working to create a more sustainable future. Previous Earthlings episodes mentioned in the show include Carbon Price, Power, and Politics with Neal Dikeman ( Part 1 & Part 2) . Key Points: Women in Cleantech & Sustainability began with a simple decision to take action – Lisa Ann shares how identifying a gap in the industry led to the creation of a global network supporting women across climate, energy, and sustainability sectors. Strong communities are built through consistency and shared purpose – The conversation explores lessons learned from growing a mission-driven organization over 15 years and the importance of creating spaces where people can connect, collaborate, and advance their careers. Hope and persistence remain critical climate leadership skills – Lisa Ann discusses why long-term progress in climate and sustainability requires resilience, authenticity, and a willingness to keep showing up. Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications , and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability , LinkedIn Sara Fuentes, Chair of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability , CEO and Founder of SmartWaste , LinkedIn 🚀 Calling all Earthlings… Visit our website for more episodes! Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be! Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our website Thanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page . Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook Page Follow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!

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