Sustainable Solutions, Global Challenges
In this episode of Three Degrees Apart, I spoke with Daniel Kammen, a physicist, energy researcher, and professor at the University of California, Berkeley. With experience as a former U.S. Science Envoy and advisor to multiple administrations, Kammen shared how working in diplomacy and research shaped his belief that climate solutions must combine strong science with cultural awareness and political understanding.
International Perspective
Kammen reflected on his international work in countries such as Ethiopia, Kuwait, and Mozambique, where he learned that clean energy projects often look very different from Western models. He emphasized that entering these spaces with humility and a willingness to listen is essential. He also discussed how marginalized communities, both in the U.S. and abroad, face similar barriers such as limited infrastructure, weak representation, and political exclusion, making energy justice a central issue in climate policy.
Energy Justice
One of the key examples he shared came from Kenya, where a proposed coal plant near Lamu threatened a culturally significant region. Working alongside regulators and groups like Save Lamu, Kammen helped present scientific and community-based evidence that led to the project’s cancellation. He explained that this success depended on combining research, activism, and legal action rather than relying on data alone.
The conversation also addressed political polarization and misinformation, particularly in the United States. Kammen argued that scientists have often failed to communicate beyond their own professional circles, limiting their influence. He stressed that climate advocates must learn to navigate finance, bureaucracy, and power structures to turn evidence into action.
Political Communication
Finally, Kammen reflected on generational leadership. He praised younger activists for their flexibility and creativity, pointing to figures like Greta Thunberg as proof that major change can start with individuals. He urged older leaders to share power and support new voices, even when it means giving up control. Overall, the episode highlighted how science, justice, and intergenerational collaboration are all essential to confronting the climate crisis.