European Investment Bank

Climate Solutions

A Documentary , Society & Culture and History podcast

About the show

Climate change is humanity’s biggest problem. This podcast tells you exactly what you can do to fight climate change. From the way you heat your home to the food you eat and the digital devices you use, Climate Solutions is your checklist for climate action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Newest episodes

Invisible technologies: Amazing space tech you're yet to hear of

Nov 10, 2026 24 min

Rockets and satellites get the headlines. But what makes them work? Here are five technologies you've probably never heard of, but they're set to have a big impact on how rockets work and, even, on your electricity bill. We'll hear from the founders of companies working on: the pressure vessels inside every rocket and satellite; a green propellant to replace hydrazine, which can be stored for ten years and restarted in under thirty seconds; the aerospike engine, theoretically superior for sixty years and never yet demonstrated in flight; onboard software that lets satellites decide for themselves what to photograph; satellite data that helps power lines carry more electricity. Five technologies. None of them famous. All of them essential. Subscribe to Invested by Europe so you don't miss episodes like this one. From the team that brought you Climate Solutions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Satellites: The new infrastructure of everything

Oct 20, 2026 17 min

Satellites have become the invisible backbone of modern life, as essential as electricity or running water, yet almost entirely unnoticed. We explore how the next generation of satellite infrastructure is being built in Europe, connecting space to the phone in your pocket or the Internet of Things devices used by farmers in their fields. Featuring company founders and the institutions backing them, this is the story of how pressing a button in a small office in a European village changes the direction of a satellite in. space. From the team that brought you Climate Solutions. Subscribe to Invested by Europe so you don't miss any of the other episodes in our space and deep tech series. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Getting to space: Europe's rocket challenge

Oct 5, 2026 15 min

Come with us to the factory floor of PLD Space in Spain, where hundreds of engineers and technicians are putting together a rocket in a building that used to make shoes. We look at Europe's plan to launch more of its own rockets in a market now dominated by the US and meet the companies who aim to get that job done. From the team that brought you Climate Solutions. Subscribe to Invested by Europe for all our bonus episodes, including interviews with the people who run Europe's space companies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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All episodes

Invisible technologies: Amazing space tech you're yet to hear of

Nov 10, 2026 24 min

Satellites: The new infrastructure of everything

Oct 20, 2026 17 min

Getting to space: Europe's rocket challenge

Oct 5, 2026 15 min

The New Space Revolution

Sep 29, 2026 14 min

When Elon Musk founded SpaceX, he set off a chain reaction that reshaped the global space industry. A former SpaceX engineer turned European investor, a rocket founder in a converted shoe factory in Spain, a banker at the European Investment Bank and the Inspector-General of the European Space Agency explain how Europe is responding. From the team that brought you Climate Solutions. Subscribe to Invested by Europe for more like this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why space matters so much right now

Sep 7, 2026 16 min

Europe owns two of the world's most advanced space systems, Galileo and Copernicus, but it spends just 10% of what the US invests in space. Experts from the European Space Agency and the European Commission explain how satellites shape daily life in ways most people never notice. We also look at how Russia's invasion of Ukraine exposed Europe's dependence on foreign rockets, and why closing the investment gap is a strategic imperative. Subscribe to Invested by Europe for the rest of our series on space. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Euros in Space

Sep 7, 2026 1 min

Euros in Space is the latest season of Invested by Europe, from the European Investment Bank. It explores the people, the companies, and the money behind Europe's space economy. 30 episodes that follow the rocket builders, satellite makers, investors, and institutions working to secure Europe's place in the new space race. Subscribe so you don’t miss any of them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Invested by Europe: Why deep tech matters for Europe’s economy and everyday life

Jun 2, 2026 16 min

Deep tech is often described as the opposite of conventional or “shallow” technology. Rather than focusing on incremental improvements in software or business models, deep tech is driven by scientific breakthroughs aimed at solving real-world problems that persist over time. In this episode of Invested by Europe, Jussi Hätönen, head of European Innovation Council Fund investments at the European Investment Bank, explains: what deep tech really means how it differs from traditional tech innovation why it takes longer and costs more to develop why getting deep tech right is essential for Europe’s competitiveness, resilience and sovereignty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Invested by Europe: How sustainable liquid fuels will decarbonise aviation and shipping

Jun 2, 2026 10 min

Gasoline prices are rising, and while drivers can switch to electric cars, other sectors face fewer alternatives. Aviation, shipping and heavy transport still rely on liquid fuels — and electrification is not yet a realistic option for many of these fleets. In this episode of Invested by Europe, Tiago Lopes, a senior engineer at the European Investment Bank, explains: what sustainable liquid fuels are why they are critical for aviation and maritime transport what is preventing them from being produced at scale in Europe what is at stake for Europe’s energy security and strategic autonomy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Invested by Europe: How Cleantech is Driving Europe’s Energy Transition

May 19, 2026 18 min

Cleantech is no longer a niche sector. It is at the heart of a full‑scale industrial transformation, shaping how Europe produces energy, decarbonises industry and builds a more resilient economy. In this episode of Invested by Europe, Sofia Viola, an investment officer at the European Investment Bank, explains: What cleantech is today — a clue: it’s more than just renewable energy Why energy storage is critical to balancing renewable supply and demand Why batteries are crucial to stabilising the power system Why industrial decarbonisation is essential for competitiveness How the EIC Fund supports cleantech startups and scale‑ups Why access to long‑term capital remains a key challenge in Europe What makes her optimistic about the future of cleantech The conversation also explores why cleantech represents a major economic opportunity — and why scaling these technologies will be decisive for Europe’s energy transition. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Invested by Europe: Why Biotech is Vital to Europe’s Economy as well as its Health

May 12, 2026 14 min

Biotechnology is one of Europe’s most important — and most challenging — innovation sectors. From vaccines and drugs to medical devices and digital medicine, biotech underpins Europe’s health systems, competitiveness and economic sovereignty. In this episode of Invested by Europe, Antoine de Lachaux, head of the life science and biotech unit at the European Investment Bank, explains: What biotech means — from pharmaceuticals and vaccines to medical devices and digital health Why life sciences are strategically important for Europe Why biotech innovation takes time, carries high risk and requires patient capital How Europe’s fragmented market makes scaling more difficult than in the United States What the proposed Biotech Act could change for European companies How the EIB supports the sector, including its early investment in BioNTech Why artificial intelligence is set to accelerate drug development, diagnostics and regulatory processes The conversation also looks at why Europe needs a truly European investment ecosystem to help biotech companies grow to global scale — and why this is a sector Europe cannot afford to outsource. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Invested by Europe: Why Critical Raw Materials Are Key to Europe’s Future

May 5, 2026 23 min

Critical raw materials are everywhere — in your phone, in solar panels, in wind turbines, and in the batteries that power the energy transition. But where do these materials come from? Why does Europe depend so heavily on them? And how can we build more secure, sustainable, and diversified supply chains? In this episode of Invested by Europe, Lerato Kotelo, critical raw materials specialist at the European Investment Bank, explains: What is a critical or strategic raw material Why technologies like batteries, solar panels and wind turbines depend on them How Europe can diversify its supply and reduce dependence on fossil Why recycling and innovation are so important How do new approaches like extracting lithium from geothermal brines work How responsible partnerships with global producers can create win‑win outcomes Lerato also shares insights on Europe’s mining history, today’s rapidly changing extraction technologies, and how innovation is making mining safer, more efficient, and more sustainable. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Invested by Europe: Why Nuclear Fusion Could Change the Future of Energy

Apr 28, 2026 14 min

Nuclear fusion is the process that powers the sun. If it can be made to work efficiently on Earth, it could reshape global energy systems — offering a clean, abundant and stable source of power. In this episode of Invested by Europe, Franz Derler from the European Investment Bank explains how fusion works, why even a small amount of mass can produce an enormous amount of energy, and why fusion has so far only been achieved at laboratory scale. He discusses the two major technological approaches — magnetic confinement and laser fusion — and the rapid rise in private investment, with more than $10 billion committed in just five years. If fusion becomes a reality, the implications for the climate, the economy and even global geopolitics would be profound. Invested by Europe looks at the forces shaping the European economy — and how breakthrough technologies might define the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Invested by Europe: Why Quantum Computing is Crucial for Europe

Apr 21, 2026 10 min

Quantum computing is not about making today’s computers faster. It represents a fundamentally different way of solving problems — one that could unlock breakthroughs that are currently out of reach. In this episode of Invested by Europe, Nikolay Dimov, a European Investment Bank investment officer, explains what makes quantum computing different from classical computing, why its impact on everyday life will be indirect but significant, and how it could accelerate innovation in areas such as medicine, energy and advanced materials. The discussion looks at quantum from an investment and strategic perspective: why early, patient capital matters in a deeply capital‑intensive sector, how Europe can remain in the global race, and why quantum computing is not only a technological capability but also a geopolitical lever linked to Europe’s strategic independence. Invested by Europe explores the forces shaping the European economy — and how long‑term investment is helping Europe prepare for the technologies that will define tomorrow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Invested by Europe: How Climate Action Boosts Europe’s Competitiveness

Apr 14, 2026 10 min

Climate investment is often seen as a cost. But it’s a powerful driver of competitiveness, resilience and long‑term growth for Europe. In this episode of Invested by Europe, Fotios Kalantzis, senior climate economist at the European Investment Bank, explains why investing in climate is not only about cutting emissions. Climate action reduces Europe’s dependence on fossil fuel imports, improves energy efficiency, creates jobs and strengthens economic security. The conversation explores how the green transition opens new markets and how public investment and EU climate policies are driving demand for clean energy solutions. We also look at the importance of energy efficiency for smaller firms, and how tools such as the EIB’s Green Checker help companies identify and finance green investments. Invested by Europe explores the forces shaping the European economy — and how investment can turn climate ambition into economic opportunity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Invested by Europe: Why Space is the Backbone of Europe’s Economy

Apr 7, 2026 18 min

Space is often associated with rockets and missions to the Moon. But space technology underpins many of the services we rely on every day — from navigation and weather forecasting to communications, agriculture and secure financial transactions. In this episode of Invested by Europe, Pierre Limouzin, senior investment officer at the European Investment Bank, explains why space has become a strategic sector for Europe’s economy and security. He discusses how falling launch costs and new technologies have transformed the industry, what makes investing in space different from other tech sectors, and why strengthening Europe’s space ecosystem is essential for competitiveness and sovereignty. We also explore how satellite manufacturing is changing, the dual‑use nature of space technologies, and how space data could shape daily life in the years to come — from Earth observation to more futuristic applications such as manufacturing and healthcare research that’s carried out in space. Invested by Europe explores the forces shaping the European economy. In each episode, we hear from experts working on some of Europe’s most important long‑term challenges — and how investment is helping turn innovation into impact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Invested by Europe: How to Play Defence Against Climate Change

Mar 31, 2026 17 min

Climate action is about more than cutting emissions. Even if mitigation succeeds, societies and economies will continue to face climate risks for years to come. Climate adaptation is how those risks are managed. In this episode of Invested by Europe, we speak with Roman Röhrl, climate change specialist at the European Investment Bank, about what climate adaptation really means and how it works in practice. The conversation explores how adaptation helps protect people, infrastructure and economic activity from climate hazards such as flooding, heatwaves and drought. The episode looks at why adaptation needs to be built into investment decisions across sectors, how long‑term finance and clear standards can help scale up resilience, and the role that institutions, policymakers and the financial sector play in supporting climate‑resilient development. 🎧 Invested by Europe is the European Investment Bank’s video podcast exploring how Europe invests in its future — from climate and energy to housing, infrastructure and social cohesion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Invested by Europe: What Actually Makes Affordable Housing Possible?

Mar 24, 2026 16 min

Across Europe, affordable housing depends on more than construction alone. It requires long‑term finance, clear rules, access to land and careful urban planning. In this episode of Invested by Europe, we speak with Grzegorz Gajda, Senior Urban Specialist at the European Investment Bank, about what makes affordable housing work in practice. Drawing on experience from across Europe and beyond, the conversation looks at how governments, cities, investors and institutions can work together to increase supply, keep housing affordable and build sustainable urban communities. The episode explores how long‑term funding mechanisms, effective regulation, land recycling and mixed‑use development can help deliver housing that people can afford — and cities that function better for everyone. 🎧 Invested by Europe is the European Investment Bank’s video podcast, exploring how Europe invests in its future — from housing and energy to innovation, infrastructure and social cohesion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Invested by Europe: How Innovation Could Make Construction an Industry You’ll Want to Work in

Mar 17, 2026 25 min

Explore how innovation in construction materials, digital tools and industrialised processes could transform how Europe builds—and who works in construction. The conversation looks at why construction has changed so little for decades and how technologies such as digital twins, Building Information Modelling (BIM), robotics and artificial intelligence are reshaping design, production and collaboration. Industrialised, factory-based construction offers major gains in precision, cost control, waste reduction and worker safety. That will make construction attractive to young people and help solve the industry’s labour shortage. The episode argues for a life-cycle approach to buildings, from design and construction to operation and end-of-life reuse of materials. By combining innovation with circular thinking, Europe can deliver buildings that are both affordable and sustainable. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Invested by Europe: Why Social Investment Drives Europe’s Economic Success

Mar 10, 2026 17 min

Social investment shapes everyday life in Europe — from education and healthcare to childcare and housing. In this episode of Invested by Europe, we explore why investing in social infrastructure is not just about social protection, but a key driver of inclusive economic growth. The podcast looks at how social investment helps more people participate in the labour market, boosts productivity and supports ageing societies. We examine gaps in childcare provision, the housing affordability challenge and Europe’s growing skills shortages — and why addressing them could significantly strengthen Europe’s economy. The episode also explores how innovation, including digitalisation and artificial intelligence, can help deliver social services more efficiently, even as fiscal pressures rise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Invested by Europe: Why Security and Defence is a Race Against Time for Europe

Mar 3, 2026 15 min

Europe’s security environment is changing fast — and investment decisions made today will shape its resilience for decades. In this episode of Invested by Europe, we examine why security and defence is such an urgent priority and what European strategic autonomy means in practice. The podcast explores how Europe is closing long-standing capability gaps through coordinated investment, joint procurement and new financing tools. Innovation emerges as a central theme, spanning areas such as cybersecurity, space, artificial intelligence and advanced electronics — many of them dual-use technologies with both civilian and military applications. The episode also looks at the role of small and medium-sized enterprises, the importance of mobilising private investment alongside public funding, and how readiness depends on a broad ecosystem of technologies and suppliers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Invested by Europe: Why Energy Efficiency Is Europe’s Fastest Climate Solution

Feb 24, 2026 15 min

Explore why accelerating energy efficiency renovations is one of the fastest and most effective ways to cut energy demand, reduce emissions and lower energy bills. The podcast looks at why renovation rates remain too low, what’s holding back households, businesses and cities, and how investment and public support can help unlock action. We also examine the role of digital tools and artificial intelligence in planning renovations and operating buildings more efficiently. The episode explains how energy efficiency supports the rollout of renewable energy, improves comfort for citizens and delivers more predictable energy costs — and how the European Investment Bank helps scale up investment through financing and technical assistance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Climate Solutions presents Invested by Europe

Feb 24, 2026 1 min

Invested by Europe explores the forces shaping the European economy. In each episode, we hear from experts tackling the most pressing challenges—from housing and energy to innovation and infrastructure, security and defence. We look at what’s changing, what the solutions are, and how Europe is investing in its future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SPECIAL: Ozone: How to Solve an Environmental Crisis (re-release)

May 16, 2025 2 hr 19 min

Marking 40 years since the discovery of the ozone hole, this award-winning audiomentary revisits how scientists and policymakers united to address one of the most pressing environmental crises before climate change. Explore the journey from alarming discovery to global action that led to the healing of our planet's protective shield. 🎧 Winner of the 2024 European Excellence Award for Best Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.