Outrage + Optimism: The Climate Podcast Inside COP: World Leaders Gather in Belém - with Jacinda Ardern and Selwin Hart
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Nov 8, 2025 
Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, shares her insights on leadership and the pressing need for implementation at COP, urging focus on tangible actions and Indigenous rights. Selwin Hart, UN Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Climate, discusses shifting geopolitics and the importance of highlighting economic opportunities in climate discussions. Together, they explore the Tropical Forests Forever Facility and the need for collective political momentum amidst global hesitations.
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Timing Shapes Political Momentum
- Separating the Leaders Summit from the COP weakens the late political push that used to drive tough negotiations.
- Jacinda Ardern warns this timing shift can take the wind out of sails when decisive leadership is needed.
Tropical Forest Finance Launched
- Brazil launched the Tropical Forests Forever Facility with initial capitalization around $5.5 billion.
- Hosts hope this flagship finance vehicle will scale toward the $125 billion goal to protect tropical forests.
Rumours Of UK Lobbying Backfire
- Multiple sources alleged the UK pressured other governments not to contribute to the TFFF, creating deep diplomatic embarrassment.
- Tom Rivett-Carnac and Christiana Figueres relay that the UK itself then declined to capitalize the fund.