This week, the team dives into the dramatic highs and lows of COP29 in Baku. With negotiations stretching into the final hours, a hard-fought finance deal emerged to bolster climate action and support for the most vulnerable. Yet, Christiana describes the agreement as “paltry at best,” highlighting the yawning chasm between what was agreed upon and what is truly necessary to address the climate crisis.

For those advocating for an ambitious, needs-based outcome, this year’s COP was a bruising experience—marked by frustration, hurt, and disappointment. The hosts share their thoughts on the controversies surrounding Azerbaijan's COP presidency and the challenges faced by negotiators committed to transformational change.

Finally, the team welcomes a very special guest: superstar producer Clay Carnill. As Clay prepares to leave the show, the hosts reflect on his incredible contributions to Outrage + Optimism—from the early days to now. Known for his humour, joy, unparalleled talent, attention-to-detail, professionalism, musicality and general all-round awesomeness, Clay has been a cornerstone of the podcast’s success. He will be deeply missed by the entire team.

We send Clay off with all our love—and best wishes for him (and the Detroit Lions!) on the journey ahead.

🎧 Tune in for reflections, critiques, and heartfelt goodbyes.

NOTES AND RESOURCES

I’m glad we got a deal at COP29 - but western nations stood in the way of a much better one by Mukhtar Babayev

December Mailbag Episode

We would LOVE to hear your questions for our end of year listener Mailbag episode. Whether it is your questions on our most recent How to Live a Good Life series, questions on the recent COPs or everything and anything in between. Please either:

Send us an email: contact@globaloptimism.com with Climate Questions: December Mailbag in the title.
Visit our social media pages and drop the question in the comments.
Alternatively, if you want the chance for your message to be played on the show, record a message for us here

Listener Survey

Help shape the podcast for 2025! If you haven’t yet completed our annual listener survey, we’d be so grateful if you can spare 10 minutes to complete it here.

Tell us what you like, what you don’t like, and what you want more of from Outrage + Optimism.

GUEST

Clay Carnill

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