184. Last Episode of 2022: Strong Back, Soft Front

Dec 15, 2022

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Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview change-makers, and transform our anger into productive dialogue about building a sustainable future.

In the final episode of 2022, co-hosts Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac, and Paul Dickinson look back at what transpired this year, what went well, what didn't, and what to expect in 2023. Plus, they have a conversation with spiritual leader Roshi Joan Halifax and highlight music from Windser.

Reflecting on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the team addresses the profound tragedy of the war but also how it proved to be a watershed moment for exposing the vulnerability of fossil fuel markets. It appears the weaponization of energy has driven the world closer toward decarbonization.

While 2022 was undoubtedly marked by tragedy, there was some good news, including three landmark legislative wins from the United States that contain meaningful provisions to address climate change. They also hailed the recent announcement from the U.S. Department of Energy about an unexpected breakthrough: Scientists at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) in California for the first time successfully generated more energy from a fusion reaction than what was required to produce it. And in another positive note, biodiversity is also getting a much-needed boost from the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

Next, guest Roshi Joan Halifax provides a nourishing dose of inspiration with her thoughts on her lifelong spiritual journey, social and environmental engagement, and cultivating resilience in the face of increased uncertainty.

It’s the type of motivational close to the year we needed. As we all take stock, we’re reminded that we couldn’t do this without your support, and we thank you from the depths of our hearts for joining us on this journey to better understand our ability to come together to affect transformation in the world.

Also, we wish environmental activist, Buddhist scholar, and dear friend Joanna Macy, a swift recovery as she recuperates from pneumonia in the hospital. You can find more about Macy and her work in the show notes below.

Finally, we’ll leave you with the dazzling sounds of California singer/songwriter Windser.

Have a wonderful holiday season, and we’ll see you in January 2023.

NOTES AND RESOURCES

To learn more about our planet’s climate emergency and how you can transform outrage into optimistic action subscribe to the podcast here.

Roshi Joan Halifax

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Upaya Institute and Zen Center

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Here’s more on the Inflation Reduction Act 2022, the 2022 Budget Resolution And Reconciliation: How We Will Build Back Better, and the CHIPS Act of 2022.

Find out more about fusion energy from the National Ignition Facility (NIF).

Listen to environmental activist, Buddhist scholar, and deep ecologist Joanna Macy on Outrage! + Optimism. Explore her celebrated book Active Hope.

MUSIC