In a series of podcast episodes on The 360 On Energy and Carbon, guest Phil De Luna, chief carbon scientist and head of engineering at Deep Sky, takes listeners on a deep dive into the cutting-edge world of carbon capture and removal. The episode, aptly titled "Carbon Capture and Removal," not only sheds light on Deep Sky's mission to revolutionize carbon removal infrastructure, but also explores the innovative technologies that are at the forefront of this critical environmental challenge.

Deep Dive into carbon capture with Deep Sky

De Luna shares an insider's perspective on the mission and goals of Deep Sky, emphasizing the company's technology-agnostic approach to developing carbon removal solutions. From direct ocean capture to electrochemical carbon dioxide (CO2) direct air capture, he explains the science and strategy behind selecting the most effective methods for carbon capture and storage, particularly highlighting Canada's potential as a prime location for these initiatives due to its unique geographical and geological advantages.

The economic landscape of carbon capture

A significant portion of the discussion is dedicated to unravelling the economics behind carbon capture and the pivotal role of carbon credits in making these technologies viable. De Luna's insights into the financial aspects of carbon capture provide a compelling overview of the challenges and opportunities within the industry, offering a glimpse into the innovative projects and initiatives underway at Deep Sky.

Following this comprehensive exploration of carbon capture technologies and strategies, De Luna returns with a focused discussion on leadership and decarbonization. This episode shifts the lens towards the broader implications of climate change, the critical role of leadership in sustainability, and the urgent need for action within the business community.

Leadership and decarbonization

In this enlightening conversation, the hosts address the crucial need for business leaders to confront climate risks head-on and integrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles into their core operations. Dispelling the myth that ESG is merely a trend or a "woke" issue, De Luna underscores its importance as a fundamental aspect of modern business strategy and responsibility.

Challenges and opportunities for business leaders

The episode highlights the obstacles that leaders face in prioritizing sustainability, from engaging with the concept of decarbonization, to implementing actionable strategies within their organizations. Despite these challenges, the hosts note a positive shift in the business landscape, with an increasing number of companies recognizing the importance of and taking steps toward sustainability.

A call to action for carbon removal and ESG integration

Highlighting the urgency of adopting carbon removal technologies, business leaders need to act swiftly and decisively in the fight against climate change. The hosts point to the evolution of revolutionary ideas and the potential for significant environmental impact through adopting such technologies, emphasizing Canada's role as a potential leader in this global effort.

Why these episodes are a must-listen

Together, these episodes offer a rich tapestry of insights into the technological, economic and leadership dimensions of tackling climate change. Listeners are provided with a rare opportunity to understand the intricacies of carbon capture and removal from one of the field's leading voices, alongside a powerful message on the imperative of climate leadership and action within the business community.

Tune into both episodes of The 360 On Energy And Carbon, "Carbon Capture and Removal" and "Leadership and Decarbonization", for a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in achieving carbon neutrality and the critical role of leadership in driving forward the sustainability agenda. De Luna's expert insights serve as a clarion call to action, urging all of us, especially business leaders, to rise to the occasion and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future.

Speakers

• Phil De Luna: De Luna currently holds the position of chief carbon scientist and head of engineering at Deep Sky, a pioneering carbon removal project in Canada, where he spearheads the development and deployment of innovative direct air and ocean capture technologies. His prior roles include serving as an expert in sustainability at McKinsey & Company, where he was instrumental in guiding a diverse set of clients through the carbon tech landscape and making history as the youngest-ever director at the National Research Council of Canada, leading a significant research program aimed at net-zero emissions by 2050. An esteemed Governor General gold medal-winning scientist and a distinguished member of the Royal Society of Canada, he also enriches the academic world as an adjunct professor at the University of Toronto.His research, particularly in CO2 conversion and materials discovery, has not only been published in top-tier journals but also earned him recognition among the top 0.01 per cent of researchers globally. Beyond his academic and professional achievements, he chairs the CMC Research Institutes, has co-founded a successful carbon tech startup, and actively contributed to public policy and science advocacy, including running for the Green Party in the 2021 federal election. His commitment to science and innovation extends to mentoring roles and public speaking, where he passionately discusses climate change, innovation, and the importance of diversity in leadership.

• David Arkell: President and CEO of 360 Energy
• John Pooley: Vice-president – program development
• Lysandra Naom: Executive producer of The 360 On Energy and Carbon Podcast