How could an organization called World War Zero (a name inspired by the World War II era’s spirit of invention used to win a global crisis) not love a new podcast series called The Arsenal of Clean Energy? But moreover, how important it is to tune in and listen to a podcast that asks the most critical questions of our time? Like this one: How can we walk the thin line between meeting today’s energy security needs, maintaining lower prices for consumers, and achieving our vital climate goals?

And, in the wake of Russia's war on Ukraine, the series explores how to strengthen clean energy markets to protect economies against volatile global oil and gas prices, while boosting national security.

The Arsenal of Clean Energy, a monthly series on the Political Climate podcast with support from WW0 partner and think tank Third Way, dives deep into such topics. Its premiere episode, "Building the Arsenal of Clean Energy," features a conversation with leading economists and energy policy experts Ellen Hughes-Cromwick of Third Way, Dana Peterson of The Conference Board, and Christy Goldfuss of the Center for American Progress. (Listen here.)

Why This Matters

As nations scramble to wean themselves off of Russian energy, the US has committed to support its European allies in their quest for energy security. At the same time, American consumers are confronting the highest rate of inflation in 40 years, paying more at the pump and for their utilities than ever before. Political Climate is a podcast that grapples with how to balance these critical issues.

Learning from the Past

This isn’t the first time the US has faced an energy crunch. As in past energy crises, today’s challenges could create new opportunities for climate action.

“Looking at top line oil, gasoline, and natural gas markets we’re seeing a shock effect. We’re seeing these price run-ups that look similar to what we saw when we had two oil shocks in the 1970s,” says Hughes-Cromwick, senior resident fellow for the climate and energy program at Third Way. “[The 1970s] spurred a shift to small fuel-efficient cars … A big movement toward energy efficiency. And as those fossil fuel prices go up it does make those alternatives more attractive.”

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The Arsenal of Clean Energy episodes are published monthly on Political Climate, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music or anywhere you like to listen. You can also catch them here at World War Zero or subscribe so you don't miss these timely conversations.