Gridlocked: Why the 21st Century is Broken and How to Fix It

Mark Havenner, Nick O'Hara, Rolake Ojo

Systems across the industrialized world are broken, but who knows how to fix them? Many of us are tired of living in divided societies, tired of the constant sense of drama and angst in our media and public discourse. Gridlocked is a docuseries podcast that moves debate beyond current division, focusing on big issues causing societal ‘gridlock’ and solutions on how to fix them. So, if you feel confounded by challenges seemingly much bigger than ourselves, with society unable to move forward while we are left as bystanders, then this is the podcast for you. Join the Gridlocked team as they bring together leading experts with real-world solutions that go above and beyond politics.

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Society & CultureSociety & Culture

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Episode 10: Tomorrow’s World

Episode 10: Tomorrow’s World

Welcome to the last documentary-style package show of Season 1. Welcome to the world of tomorrow … which starts today.This episode, Tomorrow’s World, discusses how a path to combatting climate change can be made possible through the linchpin of dense and clean energy – an abundance of it, supplied through new and advanced energy technologies.Podcast host Rolake Ojo is joined by Gridlocked creators Nick O’Hara and Mark Havenner who, through presenting a mixture of guest expert contribution alongside their own narration, introduce listeners to some of the key issues in breaking the ‘gridlock’ to a clean energy future.The episode starts with contributions from the planet’s most prominent architect, Lord Norman Foster, together with space architect, Guillermo Trotti. They discuss some of the ways in which design has always been at the heart of human progress, pivotal to creating a better tomorrow. We hear from Jacopo Buongiorno, MIT Professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering, who introduces listeners to a new, advanced microreactor nuclear energy system, also known as the nuclear battery. This innovative new technology could provide the option to move away from an electrical grid model that is the product of a century-long co-evolution of markets, fossil fuels, and centralized power production.Jacopo and Norman Foster discuss nuclear batteries and their possible applications in delivering advanced industrial production systems – a combination that can transform the way we produce and consume energy, as well as transform our economies … creating tomorrow’s world, today.Leading meteorologist and climate scientist, Kerry Emanuel, discusses his optimism for the future decarbonization of our economies as we push for clean energy solutions – a theme picked up by civil engineer and environmental advocate, Kristin Zaitz.We hear one final time from former NASA deputy administrator and current director of MIT Media Lab, Dava Newman. The show ends with Dava and Nick O’Hara issuing a call to action for humanity, for us to meet the greatest challenge we’ve ever faced: to ensure that our children and grandchildren can inherit a liveable planet. Suggested Links:GridlockedRenovataJacopo BuongiornoCenter for Advanced Nuclear Energy SystemsMothers for NuclearMIT Media LabNorman Foster FoundationMIT Lorenz Center

Episodes

Episode 10: Tomorrow’s World

Episode 10: Tomorrow’s World

Welcome to the last documentary-style package show of Season 1. Welcome to the world of tomorrow … which starts today.This episode, Tomorrow’s World, discusses how a path to combatting climate change can be made possible through the linchpin of dense and clean energy – an abundance of it, supplied through new and advanced energy technologies.Podcast host Rolake Ojo is joined by Gridlocked creators Nick O’Hara and Mark Havenner who, through presenting a mixture of guest expert contribution alongside their own narration, introduce listeners to some of the key issues in breaking the ‘gridlock’ to a clean energy future.The episode starts with contributions from the planet’s most prominent architect, Lord Norman Foster, together with space architect, Guillermo Trotti. They discuss some of the ways in which design has always been at the heart of human progress, pivotal to creating a better tomorrow. We hear from Jacopo Buongiorno, MIT Professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering, who introduces listeners to a new, advanced microreactor nuclear energy system, also known as the nuclear battery. This innovative new technology could provide the option to move away from an electrical grid model that is the product of a century-long co-evolution of markets, fossil fuels, and centralized power production.Jacopo and Norman Foster discuss nuclear batteries and their possible applications in delivering advanced industrial production systems – a combination that can transform the way we produce and consume energy, as well as transform our economies … creating tomorrow’s world, today.Leading meteorologist and climate scientist, Kerry Emanuel, discusses his optimism for the future decarbonization of our economies as we push for clean energy solutions – a theme picked up by civil engineer and environmental advocate, Kristin Zaitz.We hear one final time from former NASA deputy administrator and current director of MIT Media Lab, Dava Newman. The show ends with Dava and Nick O’Hara issuing a call to action for humanity, for us to meet the greatest challenge we’ve ever faced: to ensure that our children and grandchildren can inherit a liveable planet. Suggested Links:GridlockedRenovataJacopo BuongiornoCenter for Advanced Nuclear Energy SystemsMothers for NuclearMIT Media LabNorman Foster FoundationMIT Lorenz Center

Episode 9: The Scientists

Episode 9: The Scientists

In the podcast’s fourth panel discussion show, Gridlocked writer and producer Nick O’Hara is joined by:Kerry Emanuel, professor emeritus of meteorology and co-founder of the MIT Lorenz Center; andJacopo Buongiorno, MIT professor of nuclear science and engineering and director of the Center for Advanced Nuclear Energy Systems.The panel builds on many of the issues raised in the previous Inflection Point episode of Gridlocked, addressing key considerations of how to decarbonize societies and combat climate change.In the show, Kerry and Jacopo cover different approaches to tackling climate change from a scientific perspective. They discuss the importance of cleaning up energy production and why popular approaches favored by some environmentalists – such as energy ‘demand reduction’ – do not work. They also discuss the importance of empirical evidence in environmental academic research.Our panelists discuss the costs and economic opportunities presented in efforts to clean up energy generation, together with examples of countries successfully reducing harmful emissions and the best energy mixes for achieving this.Jacopo and Kerry talk about the considerations at play in communicating science to the wider public and what types of messaging resonates (or not) with audiences, noting the current challenges in public discourse with many folks being mistrustful of ‘experts’. The show ends with our guests talking about their levels of optimism for the future, and how hopeful they are that humanity will rise to the challenges presented by a changing climate.Suggested Links:Gridlocked RenovataJacopo BuongiornoCenter for Advanced Nuclear Energy SystemsKerry Emanuel with the Dalai LamaMIT Lorenz Center

Episode 8: Inflection Point

Episode 8: Inflection Point

Humanity is at a juncture in history requiring us to make a fundamental shift to clean energy, in order to decarbonize our societies and combat climate change. The global economy needs to transition out of its current fossil fuel dependency … but how can this best be achieved?This episode, Inflection Point, discusses how advanced energy technologies – including small modular and micro nuclear reactors, together with renewables – can enable us to ‘turn the corner’ on climate change. Podcast host Rolake Ojo is joined by Gridlocked creators Nick O’Hara and Mark Havenner who, through presenting a mixture of guest expert contribution alongside their own narration, introduce listeners to some of the key issues in unlocking a clean energy future.In this episode we hear more from Joshua Goldstein, who co-wrote the film Nuclear Now with Oliver Stone.Leading meteorologist and climate scientist, Kerry Emanuel, offers insights on potential energy mixes that can help us decarbonise our economies as we push for clean energy solutions. He is joined by civil engineer and environmental advocate, Kristin Zaitz. Together with Goldstein, they cover the theme of public acceptance for different energy sources, and how to discuss, debate and advocate energy policy issues.The show ends with insights from two contributors we heard from in the earlier Spaceship Earth episode: former NASA deputy administrator and current director of MIT Media Lab, Dava Newman, together with International Space Station architect Guillermo Trotti.This is the penultimate documentary show of the season and prepares the ground for the final show, in which we cover how to build a world for our children and grandchildren that is worth inheriting … how, if we seize this moment, we can create a brighter future. Suggested Links:GridlockedRenovataCenter for Advanced Nuclear Energy SystemsMothers for NuclearMIT Media Lab

Episode 7: The Advocate and the Professor

Episode 7: The Advocate and the Professor

In the podcast’s third panel discussion show, Gridlocked writer and producer Nick O’Hara is joined by:Isabelle Boemeke, founder and executive director of Save Clean Energy and creator of online persona Isodope; andJacopo Buongiorno, MIT professor of nuclear science and engineering and director of the Center for Advanced Nuclear Energy Systems.The panel builds on many of the issues raised in the previous And Now for Nuclear episode of Gridlocked, addressing key considerations of nuclear energy and the role it can play in helping us ‘solve’ climate change.In the show, Isabelle and Jacopo discuss some of the perceived drawbacks of nuclear energy and the extent to which common objections to nuclear might be justified. These standard criticisms levelled at nuclear include the cost of building new nuclear plants, fears of radiation exposure and how nuclear waste (spent fuel) is handled and stored. Our panellists also talk about security and the current hot topic of the war in Ukraine and whether it should give us pause for thought: should we be concerned that nuclear facilities might be vulnerable to attack/ sabotage from either state or non-state actors? The show ends with Jacopo and Isabelle discussing the possibilities for nuclear and the extent to which right now might be considered to be nuclear energy’s “moment.”Suggested Links:GridlockedRenovataJacopo BuongiornoCenter for Advanced Nuclear Energy SystemsSave Clean EnergyIsodope

Episode 6: And Now for Nuclear

Episode 6: And Now for Nuclear

Back in the 1950s, the world looked set to chart a course to a low carbon clean energy future, through the deployment of nuclear power. But humanity turned back from the future by curtailing nuclear expansion, and that one decision, above all others in living memory, almost certainly precipitated the climate crisis we now face.This episode, And Now for Nuclear, covers the reasons why many of us continue to oppose nuclear energy, despite the fact that it is the only energy source that is both clean and reliable, and can be deployed at large, strategic scale. Podcast host Rolake Ojo is joined by Gridlocked creators Mark Havenner and Nick O’Hara who, through a mixture of narration and discussion, introduce listeners to some of the key issues when considering the matter of nuclear energy.In this episode we hear more from Joshua Goldstein, who co-wrote the film Nuclear Now with legendary director Oliver Stone.The show explains how nuclear energy works, and covers key considerations including safety, waste, cost and efficiency of nuclear energy. These matters are expertly presented by contributors to previous episodes of Gridlocked, including Kerry Emanuel, Jacopo Buongiorno and Kristin Zaitz. We also hear for the first time from Charlyne Smith, senior energy analyst at The Breakthrough Institute.Making an appearance once again is the planet’s leading living architect, Lord Norman Foster, who talks about nuclear energy’s safety record compared to those of other energy sources, together with nuclear waste. Foster argues that, “The big advantage of nuclear is the fact that the waste is tiny, and it’s controllable.” He goes on to say, “to separate facts from prejudice, the potential for clean energy is staring us in the face. We don’t need to cover the planet with solar panels.” Humanity’s future hangs in the balance, and much depends on the energy technologies we decide to prioritize in facing a climate emergency against the backdrop of increasing global demand for energy. So, why have we been overlooking nuclear?Suggested Links:GridlockedRenovataJacopo BuongiornoCenter for Advanced Nuclear Energy SystemsMothers for NuclearThe Breakthrough InstituteNorman Foster Foundation

Episode 5: The Problem Solver

Episode 5: The Problem Solver

“Reliable power where and when it is needed will always and everywhere rank higher than emissions and pollution.”—Staffan QvistIn the podcast’s second panel discussion show, Gridlocked host Rolake Ojo is joined by special guest Staffan Qvist, CEO of tech consultancy, QuantifiedCarbon, and Gridlocked writer and producer, Nick O’Hara.The panel builds on some of the key issues raised in the previous Running into Reality episode of Gridlocked, addressing key issues on how to build a clean energy future.In the show, Staffan shares insights from his industrial decarbonization work, together with some reflections on his co-authored book, A Bright Future: How Some Countries Have Solved Climate Change and the Rest Can Follow.The conversation focuses on the need to shift away from humanity’s reliance on combustible fossil fuels, and on to hydrogen and electro-fuels coupled with direct low-carbon heat supply. The discussion covers Staffan’s groundbreaking ‘repowered fossil’ work. This includes looking at transforming coal and other power plants around the world, taking into account the significant vested interests associated with assets amounting to trillions of dollars, together with the value to local economies and jobs.The show ends with Staffan sharing what gives him cause for optimism about the future, as we focus our efforts on meeting the climate emergency facing humanity. Suggested Links:GridlockedRenovataQuantifiedCarbonRepower CoalA Bright Future

Episode 4: Running into Reality

Episode 4: Running into Reality

After every ‘green’ initiative in recent decades, humanity is still not on track to solve climate change. Despite this, many of us unquestionably support renewable energy sources like wind and solar, believing that they hold the key to combatting climate change.This episode, Running into Reality, delves into some key considerations in contemporary energy policy that most commentators hide away from. We question whether renewables are really such a good idea, and why it is that fossil fuel companies are among renewables’ biggest cheerleaders.Podcast host Rolake Ojo is joined once again by Gridlocked creators Mark Havenner and Nick O’Hara who, through a mixture of narration and discussion, explore the realities of what prevailing preferences for renewable energy sources can actually deliver.In this episode we hear more from Joshua Goldstein, who co-wrote the newly released film Nuclear Now with legendary film director Oliver Stone.Listeners also hear contributions from Kristin Zaitz, who is a civil engineer working in California’s energy sector and co-founder of advocacy group Mothers for Nuclear. Also featured are renewable energy entrepreneur, Rob Freda, together with leading meteorologist and MIT professor emeritus, Kerry Emanuel. The show’s contributors discuss a number of key considerations, including: meeting the demands of electricity grids; pricing and subsidies; logistical capacity and acreage requirements, amongst others. If you’re ready to challenge everything you thought you knew about renewables, then ‘buckle up’ and tune in to Running into Reality.Suggested Links: GridlockedRenovataMothers for NuclearGenH

Episode 3: The Economist and the Engineer

Episode 3: The Economist and the Engineer

In the podcast’s first ever panel discussion show, Gridlocked writer and producer Nick O’Hara is joined by:Pia Malaney, senior economist at the Institute for New Economic Thinking and co-founder of the Center for Innovation, Growth and Society – who features in the previous Spaceship Earth episode; andKristin Zaitz, civil engineer and co-founder, Mothers for Nuclear – who features in the Running into Reality episode that follows this panel show.The panel discusses some of the key issues raised in the previous episode of Gridlocked, addressing questions such as how we can all elevate our perspective to a Spaceship Earth mentality.The clear link between access to energy and economic development/ poverty reduction is discussed, including whether we should seek to ‘energy conserve’ our way out of climate change.The guests consider the question of agency and collective action, sharing their reflections on effective climate advocacy approaches to mobilizing action to flatten the curve on greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.The show ends with Pia and Kristin sharing what gives them cause for optimism about the future, as we focus our efforts on meeting the climate emergency facing humanity.Suggested Links:GridlockedRenovataMothers for NuclearInstitute for New Economic ThinkingCenter for Innovation, Growth and Society

Episode 2: Spaceship Earth

Episode 2: Spaceship Earth

Energy is the key driver of climate change. This episode, Spaceship Earth, introduces listeners to the current worldwide energy context, focusing on the climate emergency against the backdrop of increasing global energy demand. Podcast host Rolake Ojo is joined by Gridlocked creators Mark Havenner and Nick O’Hara who, through a mixture of narration and discussion, explore key climate science and economic themes in global energy... from a non-science viewpoint.In this episode, we hear from Joshua Goldstein, who co-wrote the newly released film Nuclear Now with legendary film director Oliver Stone.The show starts by looking at planet Earth from the perspective of outer space, with insights from former NASA deputy administrator, Dava Newman, and International Space Station architect Guillermo Trotti. Both go on to talk about the importance of respecting nature and preserving biodiversity on land and in our oceans. Listeners will then hear contributions from world-leading atmospheric scientist, Kerry Emanuel, as well as leading nuclear science professor, Jacopo Buongiorno. Together with renowned economist Pia Malaney, co-founder and director of The Center for Innovation, Growth and Society, they provide an overview of key issues in climate change from an energy policy perspective. The episode also features the planet’s most prominent living architect, Lord Norman Foster, who talks about the critical role energy plays in improving the quality of our lives– especially for those currently living in developing countries. Foster argues that, “the quality of our lives is at stake, and being challenged by climate change.”Suggested Links:GridlockedRenovataJacopo BuongiornoCenter for Advanced Nuclear Energy SystemsMIT Media LabNorman Foster Foundation

Episode 1: Introducing Gridlocked

Episode 1: Introducing Gridlocked

This episode introduces Gridlocked, the new docuseries podcast exploring ‘why the 21st Century is broken and how to fix it.’ Podcast host Rolake Ojo is joined by Gridlocked creators Mark Havenner and Nick O’Hara, co-founders of global thought leadership consultancy Renovata, who provide an overview of Season One: Energy, before going on to discuss their wider ambitions for future seasons of the show.Through a mixture of narration and discussion, the episode covers how Gridlocked gives voice to those with the ideas and solutions to deliver change, starting in Season One with the one issue underpinning so many others today: energy. This episode covers how the season shifts conversation away from the current debates about ‘net zero’ and climate ‘fatigue’ to examine the possibilities for better outcomes new ‘energy mixes’ involving clean technologies like nuclear and renewables can achieve.One of the things setting Gridlocked apart from other podcasts is the caliber of its contributors, and this episode highlights who listeners can look forward to hearing from in Season One. This includes the planet’s most prominent living architect, Lord Norman Foster, together with a world-leading atmospheric scientist and a designer for the International Space Station, who will cover how innovative design can help us combat the climate emergency, and get real about decarbonization.Season One also features Joshua Goldstein who co-wrote the new film out with director Oliver Stone, which releases in US cinemas April 2023, called Nuclear Now.Gridlocked Season One: Energy has been produced in association with the Center for Advanced Nuclear Energy Systems at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), led by Professor Jacopo Buongiorno.Suggested Links:GridlockedRenovata Jacopo BuongiornoCenter for Advanced Nuclear Energy SystemsNorman Foster Foundation