Is net zero possible — and what’s really holding us back?

In this second part of his conversation with Mark Lynas, clean energy expert Michael Liebreich dives deep into the technologies, policies, and economics of the energy transition. Together they explore Bad Idea #29: “The Green transition is failing.”

Liebreich, founder of Bloomberg New Energy Finance and host of the Cleaning Up podcast, challenges magical thinking in climate policy and explains why achieving net zero demands realism, not slogans. From grid build-out and nuclear revival to hydrogen hype and global energy justice, this episode tackles the messy, pragmatic side of decarbonisation — and why optimism grounded in physics, finance, and fairness is our best bet for a sustainable future.

🧠 Topics Discussed:

● ⚡ The myth of an easy energy transition

● 🌍 Global energy inequality and why the Global South matters

● ☢️ The comeback of nuclear and the politics of fear

● 🔋 The limits of batteries and why grids need diversity

● 🌬️ Wind, solar, and the real bottlenecks of scaling clean power

● 🛢️ Fossil fuel phase-out: economics vs. ideology

● 🧮 The physics of net zero and why “energy realism” matters ● 💰 How finance, markets, and policy must align for decarbonisation

● 🚀 Why clean energy innovation — not austerity — is the path forward

👨‍🏫 Guest Bio:

Michael Liebreich is the founder of Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF), a leading provider of strategic research on the energy transition, and host of the influential podcast Cleaning Up. A former Olympic skier, investor, and advisor to the UK government on clean growth, Liebreich is known for his pragmatic, data-driven approach to climate and energy issues. Follow him on X/Twitter: @MLiebreich

📚 Recommended Reading & Resources:

● Bloomberg New Energy Finance – Market intelligence on the global energy transition

● Cleaning Up Podcast – Conversations with leaders in clean energy and climate policy

● The Liebreich Lecture (London Climate Week) – Annual keynote on energy and sustainability

● Mission Innovation – International initiative to accelerate clean energy innovation

● International Energy Agency (IEA) Net Zero Roadmap – Data and analysis on pathways to global net zero

● WePlanet – Global citizen movement advocating evidence-based solutions for climate and development

💬 Quote Highlights:

“Physics doesn’t negotiate. You can’t get to net zero by passing a law — you have to build stuff.” — Michael Liebreich

“The energy transition is happening, but it’s not happening fast enough — and not fairly enough.” — Michael Liebreich

“We need to be hard-headed about technology, but soft-hearted about people.” — Michael Liebreich

🌐 About WePlanet:

WePlanet is a global citizen and science movement challenging bad ideas and championing evidence-based solutions for climate, nature, and human development.

📥 Join the Conversation:

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👁️ Follow us on X/Twitter: @weplanetint