Take a Break, We're on Smoko!

In this episode, I speak to Dr. Jessica Hinojosa, a geologist and climate scientist working in the energy transition field. Dr. Hinojosa works as a Nature-Based Solutions Lead in which she's tasked with unlocking high-quality carbon credits through nature-based solutions.

Dr. Hinojosa shares her journey from her childhood fascination with nature and her transition from political to environmental science. We speak to her graduate experience and her research into wind variability in the Southern Hemisphere and its impact on global climate. Jessica explains the importance of studying wind records, and their use as a proxy for CO2. She speaks to the dynamics of the Southern Ocean, and its impact on global climate.

Dr. Hinojosa works at Shell as a Nature-Based Solutions Lead, and she speaks to the energy transition, carbon credits, and nature-based solutions. We discuss the role of carbon credits within carbon sequestration or emission avoidance. Jessica explains the concept of novel ecosystems, such as terrestrial wetlands, agriculture, coastal zones, and the deep ocean, and highlights the importance of blue carbon projects like mangrove restoration in Senegal.

We discuss the significance of monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) technology in accurately measureing carbon stocks and fluxes in ecosystems. We speak to the deployment of flux towers within the Senegal project, and the impact this technology has had in providing real-time data on greenhouse gas movement. We emphasize the multiple co-benefits of nature-based solutions, including improved biodiversity and livelihoods.

Jessica also shares an insightful perspective on the energy transition, comparing the shift from the fast carbon cycle to the slow cycle to geologic processes. We discuss the high costs and capital-intensive nature of the energy transition and the need for extensive infrastructure changes. Get ready for a thought-provoking journey that will leave you inspired, informed, and motivated to be a part of the positive change our planet needs.

Take a Smoko here:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/65ig9NxQuZEUDPpG3nn8Tn?si=1be60c6ae09046d7