32: From Mechanical to Molecular: What ‘Advanced Recycling’ Actually Means

32: From Mechanical to Molecular: What ‘Advanced Recycling’ Actually Means

The Center for Energy Studies [https://www.bakerinstitute.org/center/center-energy-studies] recently hosted its second annual sustainability summit, bringing together experts to examine sustainability challenges from a systems-level perspective. In this episode of “The Energy Forum,”  Rachel A. Meidl [https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/rachel-meidl]is joined by two speakers from the summit: Marco Castaldi [https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/profiles/marco-castaldi?srsltid=AfmBOoq7AGixAikqkhcptKs9nziAKBr9DjTJ8bBIF9r9vLlwNWkkojtN], professor at City College of New York and cochair of the Recycling Science Council [https://www.recyclingcouncil.org/], and Katherine Hofman [http://greenseal.org/team/katherine-hofmann/], sustainability strategic initiatives manager at Eastman [https://www.eastman.com/en]. Together, they unpack the growing confusion around plastics recycling, particularly the terminology and taxonomy surrounding advanced recycling. They discuss how mechanical recycling differs from advanced, molecule‑level processes; why oversimplified narratives about recycling can mislead policymakers and the public; and how clearer definitions can shape more informed  regulations, investments, and waste‑reduction strategies. Featured: * Dr. Marco Castaldi: http://ccny.cuny.edu/profiles/marco-castaldi [http://ccny.cuny.edu/profiles/marco-castaldi]. * Dr. Katherine Hofman: greenseal.org/team/katherine-hofmann/ [http://greenseal.org/team/katherine-hofmann/]. You can follow @BakerInstitute and @CES_Baker_Inst on X [https://twitter.com/BakerInstitute], Instagram [http://instagram.com/bakerinstitute], LinkedIn [http://www.linkedin.com/company/james-a--baker-iii-institute-for-public-policy---rice-university], and YouTube [http://www.youtube.com/user/bakerinstitute]. Learn more about our data-driven, nonpartisan policy research and analysis at bakerinstitute.org [http://bakerinstitute.org].

31: How the Strait of Hormuz’s Closure Could Reshape the Oil Market

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz led to months of volatility in the oil market, but a new memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran offered the first signs of a path toward stability. However, short-term risks for the oil market remain as a broader peace deal is discussed, and long-term questions are emerging as global suppliers and consumers seek to prevent a similar shock in the future. In this episode of “The Energy Forum,” Abhi Rajendran [https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/abhi-rajendran] and Skip York [https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/harold-skip-york] explore what the market’s response reveals about the shifting foundations of global oil.   Featured: * Abhi Rajendran, https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/abhi-rajendran [https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/abhi-rajendran]  * Skip York, Ph.D., https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/harold-skip-york [https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/harold-skip-york]   Editor’s note: This episode was recorded on July 2, 2026, when the U.S.-Iran ceasefire was still in place, and oil prices were easing; since then, on July 8, President Donald Trump has declared the ceasefire “over,” [https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-timeline-trump-hormuz-war-ceasefire-04da58cbae991183f8b52ef5bf615963] and oil markets have repriced renewed geopolitical risk. You can follow @BakerInstitute and @CES_Baker_Inst on X [https://twitter.com/BakerInstitute], Instagram [http://instagram.com/bakerinstitute], LinkedIn [http://www.linkedin.com/company/james-a--baker-iii-institute-for-public-policy---rice-university], and YouTube [http://www.youtube.com/user/bakerinstitute]. Learn more about our data-driven, nonpartisan policy research and analysis at bakerinstitute.org [http://bakerinstitute.org].

30: Beyond Recycling: The Global Systems Behind E-Waste

In this episode, Rachel A. Meidl [https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/rachel-meidl] is joined by Natalie Messer Betts, vice president of sustainability at the Recycled Materials Association (REMA) [https://www.recycledmaterials.org/], to discuss the growing challenge of discarded electronics — from phones and laptops to data center equipment and medical devices. They explore why the term “e-waste” can be misleading, how reuse and refurbishment can provide greater environmental benefits than recycling alone, and why only a small share of discarded electronics enters formal recovery systems. The conversation follows electronics across their full life cycle — from mining and critical minerals to trade, standards, and informal recycling — and examines how improved design, policy, measurement, and certified recycling practices can support more circular and globally connected supply chains. Featured guests:  * Natalie Messer Betts [https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-betts-b2296831/] This conversation was recorded on June 5, 2026. Follow Rachel A. Meidl, LP.D., CHMM on X (@MeidlRachel [https://x.com/MeidlRachel]) and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelmeidl/]. You can follow @BakerInstitute and @CES_Baker_Inst on X [https://twitter.com/BakerInstitute], Instagram [http://instagram.com/bakerinstitute], LinkedIn [http://www.linkedin.com/company/james-a--baker-iii-institute-for-public-policy---rice-university], and YouTube [http://www.youtube.com/user/bakerinstitute]. Learn more about our data-driven, nonpartisan policy research and analysis at bakerinstitute.org [http://bakerinstitute.org].

From 'Baker Briefing': Why the Middle East Oil Shock Is Raising Gas Prices

As conflict and instability in the Middle East continue to shape global energy markets, Americans are beginning to feel the effects far beyond the gas pump. Host David M. Satterfield [https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/david-m-satterfield] speaks with energy experts Kenneth B. Medlock III [https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/kenneth-b-medlock-iii] and Mark Finley [https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/mark-finley] about why oil prices react so sharply to geopolitical shocks. They discuss how those shifts ripple through airline fares, travel costs, inflation, and household budgets, and what could transpire in the months ahead as conflict in the Middle East continues. This conversation was recorded on May 13, 2026. Featured: * Mark Finley [https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/mark-finley] * Kenneth B. Medlock III [https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/kenneth-b-medlock-iii] Listen and subscribe to “Baker Briefing” on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/baker-briefing/id1668671313], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1HLgLgaZDq5zmssZv2BVXk?si=a24d2a633b694dbc&nd=1&dlsi=73ce928119c34155], https://afripods.africa/podcast/781425b6-9ead-455e-a70d-dc1d5ec4f48bor your preferred podcast platform.   You can follow @BakerInstitute on X [https://twitter.com/BakerInstitute], Instagram [http://instagram.com/bakerinstitute], LinkedIn [http://www.linkedin.com/company/james-a--baker-iii-institute-for-public-policy---rice-university], and YouTube [http://www.youtube.com/user/bakerinstitute]. Learn more about our data-driven, nonpartisan policy research and analysis at bakerinstitute.org [http://bakerinstitute.org].

From 'Baker Briefing': Inside Guyana’s Energy Strategy with President Mohamed Irfaan Ali

Guyana sits at the center of one of the fastest energy expansions in the world — at a moment when geopolitical tensions, supply disruptions, and market volatility are reshaping global energy systems in real time. But rapid growth brings difficult questions: What are the risks, tradeoffs, and strategies behind turning a historic resource boom into lasting national development? During a visit to Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy on May 4, 2026, His Excellency Mohamed Irfaan Ali shared his perspective on the country’s rise as a global energy player. Since oil production began in 2019, Guyana has rapidly emerged as a major force in global energy markets — making its policy choices increasingly relevant far beyond its borders. This episode is the second part of this conversation. Building on his earlier remarks, Ali sits down with Francisco J. Monaldi [https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/francisco-j-monaldi] for a candid armchair discussion on what comes next. Together, they explore the practical realities of execution — from managing hydrocarbon expansion and attracting investment to building the infrastructure needed to sustain long-term growth. This conversation was recorded in front of a live audience on May 4, 2026. Learn about future live recordings of the “Baker Briefing” podcast by subscribing to our “Events Digest” newsletter at https://www.bakerinstitute.org/newsletter [https://www.bakerinstitute.org/newsletter].   Listen and subscribe to “Baker Briefing” on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/baker-briefing/id1668671313], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1HLgLgaZDq5zmssZv2BVXk?si=a24d2a633b694dbc&nd=1&dlsi=73ce928119c34155], https://afripods.africa/podcast/781425b6-9ead-455e-a70d-dc1d5ec4f48bor your preferred podcast platform.   You can follow @BakerInstitute on X [https://twitter.com/BakerInstitute], Instagram [http://instagram.com/bakerinstitute], LinkedIn [http://www.linkedin.com/company/james-a--baker-iii-institute-for-public-policy---rice-university], and YouTube [http://www.youtube.com/user/bakerinstitute]. Learn more about our data-driven, nonpartisan policy research and analysis at bakerinstitute.org [http://bakerinstitute.org].