Rethinking the Energy Transition: Science, Solar, and the Story We Tell with Nicola Armaroli
In this episode of Sustainability Forward , we’re joined by renowned chemist and energy expert Nicola Armaroli to unpack the state of the global energy transition. As a research director at Italy’s National Research Council and a leading voice in science communication, Nicola brings both deep technical insight and a clear-eyed perspective on the societal and narrative challenges slowing our progress.
We ask: If you had gone to sleep in 2022 and woken up today—what would you see?
We explore the evolution of solar energy, the hard truths about renewable adoption across sectors, and what’s still missing in how we talk about energy and climate.
The conversation ends with a deeply personal take: what individuals can do to contribute to a more resilient, sustainable energy system—and how we can build a better public narrative around it.
Keywords: energy transition, Nicola Armaroli, solar energy, renewables, science communication, climate action, energy systems, sustainable future, circular economy, sustainability podcast
Research Director – Istituto ISOF-CNR, PHEEL Unit
Nicola Armaroli is a research director at the National Research Council (CNR) in Bologna and a member of the Italian National Academy of Sciences. His research concerns molecules and materials for solar energy conversion and the study of the energy transition to more sustainable models and technologies, also in relation to resource scarcity and climate change. He has published over 250 scientific papers and 12 books. He serves as consultant on energy and resources for international institutions and companies and has given tens of invited lectures worldwide. He has received several scientific awards and is committed to advise people that science and technology – alone – cannot warrant us a sustainable future.
