The Clean Energy Show – Details, episodes & analysis

Australia's new "solar sharer" program will give every household three hours of free solar power a day—even if they don't have panels! It's a bold experiment to shift energy use to the middle of the day when the sun is strongest.

In California, the state quietly pulled the plug on its long-delayed e-bike rebate program, shuffling the remaining funds into clean car subsidies instead. The hosts argue it's a short-sighted move that favors more expensive solutions over the most efficient ones.

Meanwhile, South Korea now requires solar canopies over large parking lots nationwide—providing clean power, shade, and EV charging. The hosts also mark ten years since the Paris Accord and look back at how renewables blew past early forecasts.

Other stories include Kia's big EV push into Japan, Chery's 800-mile solid-state battery breakthrough, and listener mail about Chinese automakers.

The Lightning Round:
Waymo expands robotaxis to new cities, Hyundai's global EV sales surge 47%, France tops global energy efficiency rankings, and a shocking stat—rising heat now kills one person every minute.

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European automakers are scrambling to form new alliances to dodge massive EU fines for missing EV targets. Tesla sits at the center of an ever-growing web of carbon-credit partnerships, giving traditional automakers a lifeline as they rush to electrify.

In the courts, youth-led climate lawsuits are heating up on both sides of the border. Canada is seeing its first-ever federal climate trial — La Rose v. His Majesty the King — arguing that government inaction violates young people's Charter rights. And in the U.S., a recent dismissal of the "kids versus Trump" case may still pave the way for future climate victories after a judge called climate change a "children's health emergency."

Plus, a new company wants to store clean energy under the sea using giant saltwater bladders — like a pumped hydro system without the mountains. Google also backs plans to restart an old nuclear plant in Iowa to secure 25 years of zero-carbon power.

And in the Lightning Round:

• Two proposed AI data centers would use as much energy as five cities.
• North Dakota's power prices fall as coal declines.
• China rebrands "semi-solid-state" batteries.
• The last coal plant in New England shuts down — for good.

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Copyright 2025 Sneeze Media.

Kiké Dueck, a twelve-year-old climate activist from Canada who is already making waves in the fight for a sustainable future, sits down with James. Kiké shares what inspired them to take action at such a young age, the challenges of being a youth voice in a world dominated by adults, and the creative ways young people can make a difference. From school strikes to community organizing, to suing your government, Kiké proves that no one is too young to speak up for the planet.

We also discuss the role of education, how family and friends react to activism, and Kiké's vision for a cleaner, more just world. Their passion and determination are a reminder that the next generation isn't waiting for change—they're creating it.

Listen in for an inspiring conversation full of honesty, courage, and hope for the future.

Topics:

• Saskatchewan Bill 137, pronouns in schools
• Suing the Saskatchewan SaskParty Government - TikTok
• CBC feature: Kiké's Climate strike

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How Big Oil is fueling much of the legal opposition to offshore wind in the U.S.—using environmental laws to stall clean energy progress. We break down who's behind the lawsuits, why they matter, and how they threaten America's climate goals.

We also look at new research showing that riding a bicycle could reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia, thanks to the unique brain benefits of cycling. Meanwhile, here at home in Saskatchewan, the provincial government wants to extend coal power until 2050. But one of our listeners is fighting back with a court challenge, demanding accountability and a livable future.

Plus, updates on U.S. tax credits for clean appliances and EVs, listener mail from Europe on smart charging apps, and Mark Jacobson's thought experiment on how little it would cost to power the entire world with solar panels.

We begin with a conversation about our weekend which included musician Emm Gryner!

And in the Lightning Round:

• Beyond Meat rebrands to "Beyond"

• And a Canadian Tesla owner proves you can drive electric all the way to the Arctic

Links from this episode:

• Offshore wind lawsuits and oil ties

• Cycling and Alzheimer's risk study

• Rewiring America tax credit hub: https://rewiringamerica.org

• Saskatchewan climate lawsuit: https://cpj.ca/saskatchewan-legal-action/

• Wisconsin youth climate lawsuit: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/22/young-climate-activists-sue-wisconsin

Support the show now:

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E-transfer whittingham.james@gmail.com

James takes us on his 4,000 km electric vehicle odyssey to the West Coast—an audio vacation slideshow with EVs, chargers, and road trip surprises. Brian dives into the strange story of Russian hackers seizing control of a Norwegian dam, while James shares a shocking climate realization from salmon on the Pacific coast. Plus, we unpack the dangers of gas station neurotoxins, and Colorado's new law requiring health warning labels on gas stoves.

• Support The Clean Energy Show on Patreon.

Episode Highlights:

• Colorado requires air quality warning labels on gas stoves.

• Gas station neurotoxins and neurological health risks.

The Lightning Round:

• Ukraine hits Russia's Druzhba oil pipeline.

• Nepal's EV share of new car sales reaches 87.6%.

• And: in April, China installed more solar than Australia has in its entire history (abc.net.au).
  
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The devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, focusing on the Pacific Palisades community and the implications for urban areas as climate change intensifies. Actor Martin Short's love for that community and how James feels connected to it. Alongside an in-depth look at John Vaillant's book Fire Weather, we uncover the growing wildfire threat to cities and practical ways to safeguard homes and lives.

Encore episode that followed the Pacific Palisades Fires in Los Angeles, January 2025. We will be back on August 14th with our Patreon episode and August 20th with a new regular episode.

UPDATE: CAL FIRE has marked Martin Short's home as 'undamaged'! This is contrary to the previous report by The Wrap.

CORRECTION on the size of screen to protect attic vents. It should be no bigger than 1/8" opening (we said 1/4" which is an out-dated guideline.)

Episode Highlights:

• Los Angeles Wildfires: Examining the catastrophic fires in Pacific Palisades, where a tight-knit, picturesque community was largely destroyed. We discuss the human stories, the risks of living in fire-prone areas, and the role of climate change in escalating wildfire events.
• Author John Vaillant: Insights from Fire Weather and Vaillant's analysis of urban wildfires as a dire climate threat, with compelling clips from his talks and audiobook.
• The Cost of Fire Risk: Why insurers are pulling out of high-risk areas, leaving homeowners scrambling for alternatives like the FAIR Plan.
• Tokyo's Disaster Preparedness: A spotlight on Tokyo's remarkable infrastructure designed to mitigate natural disasters, from flood tunnels to seismic standards for buildings.
• Home Fire Safety Tips: Learn critical steps to reduce the risk of your home catching fire in a wildfire, including creating defensible spaces, fireproofing materials, and evacuation best practices.

Key Links Mentioned:

• Fire Weather by John Vaillant: Audiobook available here
• Induction Cooktop Review on Wirecutter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/copper-charlie-induction-stove-review/
• Raw video of Pacific Palisades fire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt7VVdGcDzE

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We love hearing from our listeners! Share your thoughts and questions at CleanEnergyShow@gmail.com.

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David Suzuki stuns with a message of climate defeat—but is he right? Brian and James unpack Suzuki's pessimism and a powerful rebuttal from climate politics professor Donald Wright, who says the fight is not over.

Also this week:

• Germany hits a heat pump milestone, surpassing gas boiler sales for the first time.

• 🚴‍♀️ E-bike rebate programs are spreading fast across the U.S., from Rhode Island to Oregon to Washington D.C.

• Listener Tim follows up with insights on passive solar, geothermal, and his DIY sand battery project.

• 🚗 James prepares for an all-EV family vacation and shares why even an 87-year-old former gas junkie loves his Bolt EV..

Lightning Round ⚡

• ☀️ Transparent solar windows installed in Santa Barbara

• ⚡ EV price parity hits Thailand; major drops in Brazil

• 🤯 CES Fast Facts™: Microplastics in your brain & deadly cooking fuels in Africa

• 🧾 Oil & gas write Ohio's carbon capture law

• ☢️ Renewables add more than nuclear—every two days

• 📉 Tesla ranks as America's least trusted car brand

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Perks include:

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• 🙌 Shoutouts on the podcast

🎙️ A rerun is coming next week while James is on vacation, but look out for a new Patreon episode Thursday!🎄 See you for the next regular show August 20.

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A viral meme claims Norway installed sea-life-friendly underwater turbines. It's AI-generated nonsense—though there have been real tidal power projects in Norway and Scotland. We unpack the truth behind the clickbait.

The United Nations' top court declares a clean, healthy environment a human right. But what does it really mean for international law and fossil fuel development?

Wildfire smoke chokes Saskatoon in record amounts. And we hear from Aiden, a listener in Lytton, B.C.—a town still devastated from climate disaster four years ago.

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Also on the show:
🎬 Brian re-views the original Naked Gun 2½ and previews the new reboot.

Lightning Round Highlights ⚡

• Formula 1 to use electric/sustainable hybrid engines starting in 2026.

• Huawei patents a 2,900 km EV battery (wait, what?).

• California's bullet train project gets a surge of public support.

• Australia installs over 11,000 grid-scale batteries—in one month.

• Tesla survives a brutal Chinese real-world ADAS test (barely).

• And: Greenpeace's lawsuit against Eni over climate damage goes to court in Italy.

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UN Secretary General António Guterres proclaims that the fossil fuel era is fading and the clean energy age is rising. Vietnam is banning gas-powered motorcycles in downtown Hanoi by 2026. Meanwhile, a new electric scooter hits 100 mph, and China begins building the world's largest hydroelectric dam.

• Support The Clean Energy Show on Patreon for exciting perks!

Also on the show:

• 🚗 James's son's car-buying journey ends terribly—but he gets approved for car share in just two hours!

• 🏠 Brian explores in-floor hydronic heating after a listener recommendation.

• 🛵 Vietnam aims to eliminate all gas-powered two-wheelers by 2045—bold for a country with 72 million bikes.

• 🌍 UN says 90% of renewable projects are now cheaper than fossil fuels.

• ⚡ China's new megadam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River will generate 300 million MWh/year—more than 3× the Three Gorges.

• 🛴 Bo's new "Turbo" electric scooter can hit a stunning 100 mph—but it'll cost you $29,500! And your life!

• Listener Tim from northwest of Edmonton writes in with advice on radiant heating systems—highlighting both efficiency and comfort.

🌩️ The Lightning Round

• 🔋 China activates its largest lithium iron phosphate battery project: 2 GWh capacity.

• 🌊 2025 is now "The Year of the Flood" in the U.S., with record-breaking flash flood warnings.

• 🐟 Lab-grown salmon arrives at a Seattle oyster bar—cheaper for the planet, not your wallet.

💬 Contact Us:
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See you next week for another electric episode! ⚡

A Canadian Football League game was cancelled after fans waited six hours in thick wildfire smoke—smoked sausages, indeed. We dig into why air quality is getting worse and how it's connected to climate change.

Plus, surprising new research shows that diesel generators are allowed to emit 48 times more nitrogen oxides than natural gas boilers. We explore the shocking pollution double standards that exist across industries.

Meanwhile, in Northeast Calgary, homeowners are struggling to get insurance due to a rise in extreme hail. Some insurance companies are pulling out entirely. What's behind this localized crisis—and why it's a warning for the rest of the country.

And in Reno, Nevada, a startup has installed the world's largest second-life battery grid using hundreds of used EV battery packs. It's powering a data center and showing a viable path for battery reuse.

Also in this episode:

• Water use restrictions in England as drought conditions worsen

• U.S. Republicans blame Canada for wildfire smoke ruining their summer (but not climate change)

• Scientists say cleaning up air pollution might be making global warming worse in the short term

Contact Us

cleanenergyshow@gmail.com or leave us an online voicemail: http://speakpipe.com/clean

Support The Clean Energy Show

Join the Clean Club on our Patreon to receive perks for supporting the podcast and our planet!

PayPal Donate offers one-time or regular donations.

Store

Visit The Clean Energy Show Store for T-shirts, hats, and more!.

Copyright 2025 Sneeze Media.