In this week's Cleantech podcast recap, Elliot Coad, founder of 30×30 United Kingdom and Ecologi, highlighted the impact of microplastics on staple crops, potentially risking mass starvation in the next two decades. Meanwhile, Graphitic Energy's breakthrough in producing clean hydrogen without federal subsidies, Solar Energy's rapid growth in the U.S., and Spiritus' passive CO2 capture technology signify positive advancements in cleantech. Despite these innovations, the U.S. Energy Secretary's pivot towards fossil fuels raises concerns about decarbonization efforts. Additionally, the debate on potentially restarting closed coal plants using emergency powers for grid stability contrasts with the push for renewable energy sources. These diverse topics underscore the ongoing challenges and advancements in the cleantech and energy sectors, emphasizing the importance of sustainable solutions amidst global climate challenges and energy transitions.