In this episode, CSN publisher Dominic Shales speaks with Mitesh Jagatia, founder of Eco Ventures Counsel, the UK initiative connecting early-stage climate startups with free, full-service legal support. Confirmed participating firms include Ashurst, BCLP, Dentons, Gowling WLG, Kirkland & Ellis,  Linklaters, and Squire Patton Boggs, alongside Stephenson Harwood and others, giving startups access to advisers who routinely act for the world’s largest financial institutions and corporations. The IP firms Appleyard Lees and Keltie are also among the partners.

Mitesh spent sixteen years as a senior in-house lawyer at Sky, Bloomberg and Moody's before leaving to build something he believed in more. He explains why legal infrastructure can determine whether a promising climate technology ever reaches the market, how his pro bono model works in practice, and why the value of what his cohort companies receive — often hundreds of thousands of pounds of expert advice — is one of the most overlooked advantages in the UK climate tech ecosystem.

He also shares his candid view on using AI for legal advice, the specific pitfalls facing university spinouts, and his plans to expand Eco Ventures Counsel into Europe in 2027.

Applications for cohort four are open now at ecoventurescounsel.com.

The full Climate Solutions News article is at https://climatesolutions.news/spotlight/legal-support-is-crucial-but-often-ignored-by-climate-startups

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In this interview, Hildebrand explains how Greenlyte's Liquid Solar platform uses cheap intermittent renewable energy as its organising principle, why the company has deliberately walked away from the carbon credit market, and how a tolling model built around existing industrial infrastructure could bridge the gap between small-scale pilots and meaningful fuel volumes.

We also discuss Greenlyte's strategic partnership with Rheinmetall, INERATEC and Sunfire under the GigaPtX initiative, the lessons the industry should draw from Climeworks' experience of premature scaling, and why Hildebrand believes 2040 is the realistic horizon for a substantial market shift in hard-to-abate sectors including aviation and shipping.

Greenlyte was founded in 2022 in Essen, in Germany's Ruhr industrial region, and has raised just over €55 million to date. Its first commercial eMethanol facility is planned for deployment by the end of 2026.

Climate Solutions News covers climate policy, technology and finance for professionals working on the energy transition. New interviews and analysis every week.

🌐 climatesolutions.news

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Construction and the wider built environment account for close to 40 percent of global carbon emissions, yet many projects still rely on paper tickets, estimates and fragmented reporting. Harris explains how capturing verified materials and waste data directly from construction sites can prevent rework, reduce embodied carbon and improve financial performance. Drawing on her background as a civil engineer, she describes how seemingly minor material substitutions can trigger delays, cost overruns and avoidable emissions.

The discussion examines whether these failures stem from mistakes, broken information flows or structural incentives within the construction supply chain, and why technology works best as an early warning system rather than an automated decision-maker. Harris also discusses the impact of regulation, including sustainability reporting and building safety requirements, and how different regions are responding to similar data challenges through the lenses of carbon, cost, resilience and quality.

The episode focuses on execution rather than ambition, and on how making construction data visible and verifiable is becoming central to delivering both climate and commercial outcomes.

Keywords

construction, carbon emissions, sustainability, data technology, Qflow, rework, regulatory pressures, construction industry, Brittany Harris, environmental impact

Takeaways

The built environment is responsible for nearly 40% of carbon emissions.

Embodied carbon from construction materials accounts for about 11% of emissions.

Qflow aims to make construction more transparent and efficient.

Sound Bites

"We founded Qflow to make construction sustainable."

"Data visibility can prevent construction delays."

"30% of rework is due to materials mismanagement."

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Peatlands store more carbon than all the world’s forests combined, yet when degraded they become major sources of emissions. Ingleby explains what peatlands are, why Scotland is globally significant, and how restoring damaged bogs can deliver long-term emissions reductions, biodiversity recovery, and improved water security.

The conversation explores how peatland restoration works on the ground, from re-wetting landscapes to reshaping eroded peat, and why these projects require decades-long monitoring. Despite appearing low-tech, the sector is increasingly using digital mapping, sensors, and artificial intelligence to improve accuracy, integrity, and investor confidence.

Ingleby also discusses the role of private finance in scaling nature-based solutions, including Caledonian Climate’s recent partnership with Diageo, and what landowners gain from restoring peatlands.

A practical, grounded discussion on how nature, science, and technology intersect in the fight against climate change.

You can also check out our full article at: https://climatesolutions.news/spotlight/peatlands-carbon-and-the-climate-power-of-scotlands-bogs

Keywords:

peatland restoration, carbon storage, climate change, Caledonian Climate, biodiversity, technology in restoration, corporate partnerships, landowner benefits, environmental impact, sustainability

Takeaways:

Peatlands are crucial for carbon storage, holding more carbon than all forests combined.

Caledonian Climate aims to restore peatlands at scale, having restored 10,000 hectares since 2021.

Restoration projects can lead to over 2.1 million tonnes of carbon reductions.

The restoration process involves re-profiling land, re-vegetating, and re-wetting peatlands.

Technology, including GIS and AI, is enhancing restoration efforts and monitoring.

Corporate partnerships, like the one with Diageo, are vital for funding restoration projects.

Landowners can benefit from restoration through improved biodiversity and potential carbon credits.

Public support for peatland restoration is high, with over 75% in favour.

Modelling carbon output and benefits is essential for project success.

Engagement and education about peatlands are important for public understanding.

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We discuss Mission Zero’s electrochemical DAC system, the company’s pilot deployments in the UK and Canada, the challenges of scaling energy-efficient removal technologies and the evolving policy landscape across the US, UK and Canada. Rollason also reflects on market signals, financing gaps, long-term offtake demand and the implications of Breakthrough Energy winding down its policy work.

This conversation offers a clear, grounded look at the future of engineered removals as governments confront overshoot, adaptation and the need for durable carbon solutions.

Watch the full interview to understand where direct air capture is heading and why the next few years will be decisive for the sector.

Also check out the article on Climate Solutions News: https://climatesolutions.news/spotlight/direct-air-capture-moves-from-the-margins-to-the-main-stage

Topics covered:

• Introduction to Climate Solutions and Mission Zero Technologies
• Understanding Direct Air Capture Technology
• Applications and Uses of Captured CO2
• Insights from COP 30 and Carbon Dioxide Removals
• Barriers to Scaling Direct Air Capture
• Financing and Market Dynamics in Carbon Removal
• Future Outlook for Direct Air Capture

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We discuss:

• The $28m Series B funding round and OXCCU’s investors
• Plans for the next demonstration plant at Oxford Airport
• How OXCCU’s catalyst turns waste carbon and hydrogen into jet fuel
• The challenge of sustainable feedstocks
• Why SAF costs about 2x fossil jet fuel, and how that gap can close
• The role of airlines, mandates, and government policy in accelerating SAF

✈️ Aviation accounts for 2–3% of global CO₂ emissions, and demand is growing fast. SAF is one of the few near-term solutions that can make a difference.

📌 Read more at https://climatesolutions.news/business/oxccu-secures-28m-to-scale-sustainable-jet-fuel-production

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Fraser explains how TerraSet channels philanthropic capital into early stage carbon removal projects through strategic pre-purchases, supporting a diverse portfolio that includes Climeworks, Heirloom, Octavia Carbon, TerraFixing, and Carbon Run.

Key topics covered:

• Why less than 0.1% of global philanthropy goes to carbon removal
• How pre-purchases provide catalytic funding for startups
• Addressing skepticism and raising awareness of carbon removal
• Examples of innovative projects across Africa, Canada, and beyond
• The role of governments alongside private donors
• Why “everyone can play a role” in climate solutions

🔗 Learn more: https://www.terrasetclimate.org/

Subscribe to Climate Solutions News for interviews, analysis, and reporting on the technologies driving the net-zero transition.

#CarbonRemoval #ClimateSolutions #Philanthropy #CarbonCapture

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In this episode of the Climate Solutions News podcast, we speak with Alexis Normand, CEO of carbon accounting platform Greenly, about their new report Rearming Europe: Counting the Carbon Bootprint. The report reveals how NATO’s growing military budgets—and the EU’s €800 billion ReArm Europe initiative—could generate emissions rivaling the annual carbon footprint of the Netherlands, yet remain almost entirely unreported.

Alexis explains why military emissions are such a major blind spot in climate policy, how Greenly calculated the scale of the problem, and what steps governments could take to decarbonise defence without compromising security.

🎧 A must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of geopolitics, emissions accountability, and climate action.

Keywords

military emissions, carbon footprint, climate change, NATO, Greenly, emissions reporting, defense spending, EU Green Deal, decarbonization, climate policy

Takeaways

The military accounts for approximately 5.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

NATO's emissions are projected to reach 256 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2024.

Military emissions are often unreported and unregulated, creating a significant loophole in climate commitments.

Greenlee aims to simplify emissions reporting for businesses, including those in the defense sector.

The EU's rearmament initiative could lead to an additional 150 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Security concerns should not overshadow the need for emissions reduction in military operations.

Comprehensive emissions reporting is essential for understanding military impacts on climate change.

Innovative solutions like virtual training can help reduce military emissions.

There is a need for binding emissions targets and transparency in military budgets.

The military sector's spending surge presents an opportunity for broader decarbonization efforts.

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The report, produced by the Grantham Research Institute at LSE and Systemiq, finds that AI applications in power, transport and food systems could reduce emissions by 3.2 to 5.4 billion tonnes of CO₂ annually by 2035 — more than the current emissions of the entire EU.

Dr Romani breaks down the five key ways AI can support climate action:

• Optimising complex systems (like energy grids and transport networks)
• Accelerating technology discovery (especially in batteries and alternative proteins)
• Nudging low-carbon behaviour
• Modelling climate systems and policy impacts
• Enhancing resilience and disaster preparedness

He also addresses AI’s own energy footprint, the need for intentional public policy, and why this moment is a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” for governments and tech leaders to align climate and digital strategies.

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In this Climate Solutions News interview, host Dominic Shales speaks with Kelly Wanser, Executive Director of SilverLining, about the critical loss of atmospheric monitoring capabilities in both the US and UK. From NOAA’s potential lab closures to the UK Met Office dropping key aerosol programmes, these decisions are creating dangerous blind spots at the worst possible time.

Kelly explains why this data matters—not just for weather forecasts, but for everything from AI-driven climate modelling to preparing for future climate interventions like solar radiation modification (SRM). She also breaks down what SRM is, what it isn’t, and why research—not deployment—is where SilverLining is focused.

📌 Subscribe for more interviews on real-world climate tech

📰 Read the full article: https://climatesolutions.news/spotlight/losing-sight-of-the-sky-why-data-cuts-threaten-climate-innovation

🌐 Learn more about SilverLining: https://www.silverlining.ngo/

Takeaways

Kelly Wanser emphasizes the importance of atmospheric monitoring.

NOAA cuts could severely impact climate data and innovation.

The US has unique capabilities in atmospheric research.

Solar radiation modification is a potential quick response to climate change.

The UK Met Office has also faced cuts in climate-related programs.

Aerosols play a significant role in climate regulation.

Data is crucial for AI-driven climate solutions.

The future of climate innovation depends on sustained research funding.

There are opportunities for innovative approaches in climate science.

Public-private partnerships could drive future climate solutions.

#ClimateTech #AtmosphericScience #Geoengineering #ClimateInnovation #SolarRadiationModification

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Dr Elliott discusses promising approaches like cloud-seeding and sea ice thickening, their feasibility, scalability, and potential to make a meaningful difference. He also examines more controversial geoengineering methods, including stratospheric aerosol injection, weighing their benefits against critical environmental and geopolitical risks.

Listen now to understand the urgent reality of Arctic ice depletion, explore cutting-edge solutions, and find out whether technology can deliver answers fast enough to protect our planet’s future.

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In this episode, we explore three practical, science-backed approaches to managing nuclear waste around the world. We begin in Finland, where engineers are preparing to open the world’s first deep geological repository, a facility designed to keep spent fuel isolated for 100,000 years. Then we look at how the U.S. is funding a new wave of companies aiming to make nuclear waste treatment safer, faster, and more affordable. Finally, we head to Australia, where researchers at CSIRO are turning radioactive byproducts into a durable ceramic that could offer a long-term storage solution.

Together, these stories show how science, engineering, and public policy are converging to tackle one of nuclear energy’s most persistent challenges.

🔗 Read the full stories at climatesolutions.news/tag/nuclear-waste

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In this insightful conversation, Mike Barry, former Head of Sustainability at M&S and co-founder of The Planeatry Alliance, discusses how retailers and food companies can align human and planetary health. He breaks down the complexities of the food system, explains why retailers hold the key to large-scale change, and explores the role of technology, data, and AI in making sustainable shopping effortless.

Barry also highlights the biggest challenges facing the food industry, the importance of government intervention, and why businesses need to move beyond ESG targets to deliver real impact.

🔍 Topics Covered:

✅ How food choices affect both personal and environmental health

✅ The role of retailers in making sustainability simple

✅ Why technology (AI, digital twins, and data platforms) is key to change

✅ The future of sustainable food shopping

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Charlie highlights key findings from the report From Words to Actions: Reducing the Climate Impact of Your PR and Digital Marketing Activity, co-authored by Exceptional and Thinking Hat Media. He emphasizes the need for marketers to rethink strategies, focusing on efficiency and sustainability. Key topics include:

•The environmental cost of data centers in digital campaigns.

•How to make marketing campaigns more efficient and impactful.

•Avoiding greenwashing and embracing transparency in sustainability claims.

•Practical steps for reducing the carbon footprint, such as using energy-efficient formats and targeting high-engagement platforms.

Charlie also explores the dual role of PR in influencing behavior and amplifying positive change while addressing its potential misuse in greenwashing.

Listen to the full interview to learn actionable steps marketers can take to make their campaigns more sustainable while driving results.

Link to Report:

Download From Words to Actions here: exceptional.marketing/digital-sustainability

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Europe’s transition to clean energy faces a major obstacle: dependence on imported critical raw materials (CRMs) like lithium, copper, and graphite. A new report, A Critical Raw Material Supply-Side Innovation Roadmap for the EU Energy Transition, highlights how Europe’s share of global mineral production has dropped from 25% to under 7% over 40 years, intensifying the need for domestic supply.

The EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) sets ambitious targets: 10% of mining, 40% of refining, and 25% of recycling to be met domestically by 2030. However, progress has stalled due to permitting delays and local opposition.

Technological innovation offers hope. Geothermal direct lithium extraction projects by Vulcan Energy in Germany and Eramet in France could meet 7% of Europe’s lithium demand. Low-carbon graphite production could supply 40% of EU needs while cutting emissions by 90%. Advanced technologies like bio-leaching for copper, AI-powered exploration, and tailings reprocessing could further boost domestic production while reducing environmental impacts.

Key environmental concerns include high GHG emissions, water-intensive mining, and waste from tailings. The report urges EU policymakers to accelerate funding, streamline permits, and support innovation to reduce import reliance and secure a sustainable clean energy future.

The full article on which this discussion is based can be found at https://climatesolutions.news/news/europes-critical-minerals-crunch-can-innovation-bridge-the-supply-gap. It also contains a link to the original, detailed research document.

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Hitting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals will require investment in over 100,000 startups, according to Elizabeth Kleinveld, Head of Acceleration at Startupbootcamp. The organisation is the largest accelerator in Europe. It has run more than 150 accelerators in 20 countries since 2010 and has worked with a portfolio of over 1700 companies so far.

Visit www.climatesolutions.news/spotlight for more interviews and climate tech innovator overviews.

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Today, with climate change accelerating and the world grappling with the consequences of rising sea levels, the Dutch are once again stepping up. Their long history of battling water has made them natural leaders in climate tech innovation, creating a vibrant ecosystem where startups can develop groundbreaking solutions to global environmental challenges.

In modern times the Netherlands has transformed into a hub for cutting-edge climate tech startups, with Dutch innovators at the forefront of this essential industry.

The discussion is based around the following Opinion piece authored on Climate Solutions News by Jaap Bastiaansen from Nexus Climate:

https://climatesolutions.news/opinion/be-more-dutch-climate-innovators-can-learn-from-the-netherlands

This discussion is created by AI using NotebookLM.

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The rise of AI, in particular the power-hungry generative AI technologies, is driving a demand for more and more energy, producing increasing emissions. In fact, data centres are already responsible for around 3% of global emissions.

We dig into the companies' decisions to invest in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). We also hear about Microsoft's plan to restart generation at Three Mile Island nuclear plant.

For more information, check out the original article on Climate Solutions News.

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