Fact: According to an IRENA report on Reuters from mid-July, over 90% of new renewable projects are now cheaper than fossil fuel alternatives. Solar is 41% cheaper, and onshore wind is 53% cheaper than fossil fuel energy. The consumers are speaking up, and market dynamics are pushing the growth of renewables. In this episode of A Climate Change, host Matt Mattern speaks with Dr. Gernot Wagner, climate economist at Columbia Business School, and author of Climate Shock, to unpack how economics and policy are reshaping the global energy transition.
They discuss why renewables like wind and solar are now cheaper than fossil fuels despite political headwinds, how carbon pricing systems, from California to Uruguay, drive emissions cuts, and why electrifying buildings offers the fastest decarbonisation gains.
Dr. Wagner also explores the promise of green hydrogen for industry, the rise of small modular nuclear reactors, and the strategic need for domestic solar manufacturing. This insightful conversation reveals how market forces and smart policy design can accelerate the shift to cleaner, more affordable, and resilient energy systems.
Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more.
Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
Watch the full conversation: https://www.youtube.com/@aclimatechange/?sub_confirmation=1
Dr. Gernot Wagner Bio
Dr. Gernot Wagner is a climate economist at Columbia Business School and faculty director of the Climate Knowledge Initiative. He is the author of several influential books, including Climate Shock and Geoengineering: The Gamble. A leading voice in climate policy and clean energy economics, Dr. Wagner frequently contributes to The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Project Syndicate, offering practical, data-driven insights on how markets and policy can accelerate the global transition to a low-carbon economy.
Episode Resources
- Dr. Gernot Wagner on LinkedIn
- CBS Website
- Matt Matern on LinkedIn
- A Climate Change on Apple
- A Climate Change on Spotify
- A Climate Change on YouTube
More About A Climate Change with Matt Matern
A Climate Change with Matt Matern is a podcast dedicated to addressing the pressing issue of climate change while inspiring action and fostering a sustainable future. Each episode dives deep into the environmental challenges of our time, rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and resource degradation, breaking down complex topics into digestible insights.
The podcast goes beyond merely raising awareness. It serves as a trusted resource for practical, actionable solutions that empower listeners to reduce their carbon footprint and drive change in their communities. With a strong focus on environmental science and expert perspectives, host Matt Matern brings influential voices to the forefront, highlighting innovative ideas and collaborati
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Paper Ghosts: The Texas Teen Murders
Paper Ghosts: The Texas Teen Murders takes you back to 1983, when two teenagers were found murdered, execution-style, on a quiet Texas hill. What followed was decades of rumors, false leads, and a case that law enforcement could never seem to close. Now, veteran investigative journalist M. William Phelps reopens the file — uncovering new witnesses, hidden evidence, and a shocking web of deaths that may all be connected. Over nine gripping episodes, Paper Ghosts: The Texas Teen Murders unravels a story 42 years in the making… and asks the question: who’s really been hiding the truth?
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com