Outrage + Optimism: The Climate Podcast Inside COP: Friday Night in Belém - uncertainty in the Blue Zone
Nov 22, 2025
Mark Watts, Executive Director of C40 Cities, emphasizes the crucial role cities play in climate action, urging for their inclusion in negotiations. Irene Velez Torres, Colombia's Minister for Environment, passionately advocates for a fossil fuel phase-out roadmap and forest protection. Both guests share insights on the shifting COP landscape, highlighting frustration over weak draft texts and the urgency of robust climate commitments. They capture the palpable tension and hope within the Blue Zone, where passionate leaders strive toward a sustainable future.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Cities Outpacing Nations On Climate Action
- Cities and subnational leaders often outpace nations on Paris-aligned action, with many cities meeting targets while most countries lag.
- Eric Garcetti and Mark Watts argue cities act faster because mayors face immediate constituent pressures and can copy successful policies quickly.
Draft Text Diluted Key Implementation Language
- The draft COP text weakened language on fossil fuels and implementation compared with earlier, more creative options.
- Mark Watts warned that the presidency's text risked stripping out the implementer role of cities, states and regions.
Translate Momentum Into Mandated Roadmaps
- Turn political energy into concrete plans and pathways that link to Paris structures annually.
- Matt Webb urged parties to convert clean-energy momentum into mandated text and implementation within 24 hours.