In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we connect with Wayne McIntyre, CEO of Relocalize, about how autonomous microfactories placed at distribution centers could revolutionize food production by eliminating transport emissions and reducing costs. They explore why packaged ice was the ideal starting point for helping this idea become reality, how robotics and AI streamline operations to make decentralized food production and distribution possible, and why reimagining the entire supply chain, not just improving individual links, is critical for building a more sustainable and resilient food system.

Key Points:

• Food Supply Chains Are a Major Climate Contributor: Nearly 18% of food-related greenhouse gas emissions come from packaging, transport, and processing — underscoring the need to rethink how food gets from farm to plate.
• Relocalize Pioneers Autonomous Microfactories: By installing small, fully automated factories at distribution centers, Relocalize eliminates most transportation and cold storage, reducing emissions and costs.
• Better Economics and Sustainability for Retailers: Retailers benefit from dedicated supply, lower shrink and waste, reduced emissions, and better product quality — all while improving their bottom line.

• Wayne McIntyre, CEO and co-founder of Relocalize, LinkedIn
• Luis de Leon, Senior Account Executive at Technica Communications, LinkedIn

🚀 Calling all Earthlings…

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In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we chat with Joe Castagneri, Director of Software at AMP, about why so much recyclable material still ends up in landfills, and how the economics of waste sorting are at the heart of the problem. Joe explains why recycling in rural areas often doesn’t pencil out, how the legacy systems incentivize hauling and burying waste, and how AMP’s computer vision and robotics are helping build a new model for diversion facilities that could finally scale circularity. Joe shares insights into the history of recycling, the limitations of current systems, and why the future may look like integrated diversion facilities rather than separate recycling programs.

Key Points:

• Recycling Only Works Economically Where Density Justifies It: Castagneri explains that recycling programs depend on having enough people generating waste in a concentrated area to offset the costs of sorting and transporting material. In rural regions or freight-constrained areas, recycling simply doesn’t pencil out, and landfilling becomes the default option.
• AI and Robotics Are Unlocking a Cheaper, Scalable Model: AMP’s approach replaces expensive optical sensors and manual labor with neural networks and low-cost vision systems that can sort materials with high speed and precision. By building facilities that cost less to construct and operate, this technology makes it possible to recycle more materials in more places profitably.
• Diversion Facilities Can Redefine Waste Management: Rather than maintain separate recycling and trash systems, AMP envisions integrated diversion facilities that automatically extract recyclables and organics from all waste streams. This shift could fundamentally change how landfills are used, increasing circularity while reducing methane emissions and disposal costs.

• Joe Castagneri, Director of Software at AMP, LinkedIn

• Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, LinkedIn

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In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we chat with Kieran Furlong, CEO and co-founder of Realta Fusion, about the promise and progress of nuclear fusion as a sustainable energy solution. The discussion touches on the mounting pressure of rising global energy demand and why nuclear, specifically fusion, could be a game-changing response. Kieran explains the fundamental differences between nuclear fission and fusion, the risks and legacy of fission reactors, and the promise of fusion technologies that don’t carry the same waste or meltdown threats. He also explains Realta’s modular, cylindrical “magnetic mirror” design that offers a simpler, more scalable path to fusion energy.

Key Points:

• Fusion Could Be the Energy Breakthrough the World Needs: With abundant hydrogen fuel, no long-term waste, and no risk of runaway reactions, fusion offers a clean, scalable solution to meet rising global energy demand.
• Realta Fusion Uses a Simpler, Cylindrical Magnetic Mirror Design: Unlike the complex donut-shaped tokamaks and stellarators, Realta’s straight-line magnetic mirror system is modular, easier to build, and designed for practical deployment.
• A Commercial Fusion Plant Is Targeted for the Mid-2030s: Realta aims to build its first commercial-scale system by the mid-2030s, with some other startups pushing for even earlier timelines.

• Kieran Furlong, CEO and co-founder of Realta Fusion
• Kieran’s LinkedIn
• Realta Fusion's LinkedIn
• Realta Fusion's Magnetic Mirror Technology

• Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, LinkedIn

• Previous episodes mentioned:
• #26: The Forever Fuel in Nuclear Fusion
• #6: To Nuclear or Not

🚀 Calling all Earthlings…

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In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Victor Gensini, professor of meteorology at Northern Illinois University, who explains how climate change is altering the frequency, intensity, and geographic reach of extreme weather events like hailstorms and tornadoes. He explains how the changing statistical distributions of climate make it harder to rely on historical models, and discusses his fieldwork through the ICECHIP hail research campaign. Gensini highlights the power of AI, Doppler radar, machine learning, and even drones to transform prediction, and stresses that exposure and development patterns are just as critical as climate change itself in determining damage.

Key Points:

• Extreme Weather Events Are Becoming More Frequent and More Damaging: Gensini explains that climate change is shifting the statistical distribution of weather, making extreme events like hailstorms and tornadoes more likely. Though rare in occurrence, these events now carry an outsized impact on society in terms of destruction, disruption, and insured losses.
• Tornado and Hail Risk Is Moving — and So Should Our Thinking: The classic idea of “Tornado Alley” is outdated. Gensini’s research shows that tornado and hail activity is shifting geographically, affecting new regions with greater intensity. Relying on outdated maps or assumptions could leave entire communities unprepared.
• Technology Is Rapidly Enhancing Our Forecasting Capabilities: From upgraded Doppler radar systems to AI, machine learning, and even drone-based atmospheric sampling, the tools available to meteorologists are evolving fast. These technologies allow for more precise and timely predictions, helping people make smarter decisions in the face of severe weather.

• Victor Gensini, Certified Consulting Meteorologist, Associate Professor for the Department of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment at Northern Illinois University
• LinkedIn
• X

Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, LinkedIn

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In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Bruce Anderson, CEO of 247Solar, about the next generation of Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) and how it’s being reimagined to overcome the challenges that have long held the technology back. Anderson explains why traditional CSP struggled with complexity, high costs, and molten salt storage, and how 247Solar’s modular, air-based systems are addressing those issues head-on. From a commercial demonstration plant in India to localized manufacturing in emerging markets, the conversation dives deep into how this technology can provide reliable, baseload clean energy and spur economic development.

Key Points:

• Concentrated Solar Power Has Deep Roots but Slow Growth: CSP dates back to ancient civilizations but has struggled in the modern era due to cost, complexity, and infrastructure demands.
• 247Solar’s Solution Is Modular, Air-Based, and Scalable: Bruce discusses how their systems use ambient-pressure hot air, not steam or salts, and are built in small, repeatable units — lowering cost and enabling fast deployment.
• Real-World Projects Are Already Underway: The company is building a 400 kW demonstration plant in India, with plans for larger installations and a growing global pipeline.

• Bruce Anderson, CEO of 247Solar, LinkedIn

• Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, LinkedIn

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we continue our conversation with technologist and author Daniel Doll-Steinberg, Co-Founder of EdenBase. This is part two of a two-part series exploring the societal transformations driven by six foundational technologies: AI, quantum computing, smart data (blockchain), always-on communications, immersive tech, and self-replicating systems. While part one focused on the technologies themselves, this episode zooms out to examine their global ripple effects—touching on geopolitics, economic inequality, cyber warfare, and the potential for techno-authoritarianism. Daniel also shares how developing countries may have an opportunity to get ahead by embracing new technologies, and why the next global superpowers may not be determined by industrial strength, but by who controls AI and quantum systems.

Key Points:

• Cyber Conflicts and Technological Arms Races Are Already Underway:
• The global competition over AI and quantum computing is not just economic, it's geopolitical. Daniel warns that we may already be engaged in a low-grade cyber war, where attacks on infrastructure and digital retaliation could escalate rapidly. He compares it to the nuclear arms race, but with fewer rules and far more participants.
• Tech May Displace Currency, Labor, and Democracy Itself:
• As technologies scale, traditional economic and political systems may struggle to keep up. If human labor becomes obsolete in many sectors, what happens to money? And if fear, inequality, or climate-driven instability take hold, will populations turn to authoritarian solutions for order and security?
• Now Is the Time to Engage, Before Systems Are Locked In:
• Daniel encourages listeners to stay involved, from understanding AI’s built-in biases to giving feedback and influencing tech development. He outlines five traits of the tech-driven future: persistent, personalized, immersive, predictive, and directed, and stresses that even small individual actions today can help shape a more inclusive tomorrow.
• Daniel Doll-Steinberg, Author of Unsupervised, LinkedIn, Co-Founder of EdenBase, LinkedIn

Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, LinkedIn

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In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we sit down with technologist Daniel Doll-Steinberg who is also Co-Founder of the active innovation and ecosystem fund, EdenBase. This special episode is part one of a two-part series on six foundational technologies shaping a new digital civilization: AI, quantum computing, smart data (blockchain), always-on communications, immersive tech, and self-replicating systems. Daniel argues we are witnessing the end of the Industrial Age, marked by geopolitical instability and outdated institutions. He explains how technologies now adopt instantly and dematerialize physical tools, raising concerns about persistent connectivity, data interpretation, and the emergence of AI agents that act autonomously.

Key Points:

• Six Foundational Technologies Will Reshape Society: Daniel identifies six core technologies — AI, quantum computing, smart data (blockchain), always-on communications, immersive technologies, and self-replicating technologies, as the key enablers of future change. These systems are converging to alter how we work, communicate, and organize society.
• The End of the Industrial Era Is Already Underway: Daniel argues that we are witnessing the end of the Industrial Age, with many of its systems — economic, political, and social — struggling to adapt. This transition is bringing geopolitical instability and societal confusion, as old institutions and rules no longer fit emerging realities.
• Technology Is Creating Massive Asymmetries in Power and Access: Tools like AI agents and immersive tech will create large gaps between adopters and non-adopters. For example, an individual using a contact lens interface could know everyone in a room by name, creating unfair advantages in both personal and professional interactions. Those who don’t adopt will be left behind or excluded.
• Daniel Doll-Steinburg, Author of Unsupervised, Co-Founder of EdenBase
• LinkedIn
• EdenBase
• LinkedIn

• Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, LinkedIn

🚀 Calling all Earthlings…

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In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Dana Clare Redden, founder of Solar Stewards, about the intersection of clean energy, equity, and community empowerment. Drawing from her Appalachian roots and years of experience in solar development, Dana shares how Solar Stewards is transforming the traditional solar model by ensuring frontline communities are not just included—but are leading and benefiting from the clean energy transition.

Key Points:

• Centering Communities in Climate Action: Dana founded Solar Stewards to ensure that clean energy benefits flow to the communities most impacted by climate change, rather than bypassing them. The model focuses on local wealth-building and co-ownership, not charity.
• Corporate Commitments with Real Impact: By linking corporate ESG and sustainability goals with community-led solar projects, Solar Stewards creates a win-win situation—helping companies meet their climate targets while advancing energy equity on the ground.
• The Power of Trust-Based Partnerships: Dana highlights how long-term relationships with grassroots organizations are essential for success. In contrast, larger institutions often struggle to cede power and collaborate authentically.

• Dana Redden, Founder of Solar Stewards
• LinkedIn
• Luis de Leon, Senior Account Executive at Technica Communications
• LinkedIn

• Solar Stewards
• LinkedIn

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