The Climate Briefing

The Climate Briefing returns with two new interviews on the transition towards a renewable energy sector. It is widely acknowledged that slowing climate change will be impossible without reducing the global reliance on fossil fuels as a source of energy. In this episode, Ben and Anna speak to Dr Daniel Quiggin from Chatham House, and Simon Sharpe from the UK Cabinet Office, to assess the recent progress of the 'energy transition' and consider whether the coronavirus pandemic will accelerate or obstruct efforts to introduce cleaner energy sources. Read the Expert Comment: Green Industries Can Accelerate a True Jobs-Focused Recovery Credits: Speakers: Daniel Quiggin, Simon Sharpe Hosts: Anna Aberg, Ben Horton Sound Editor: Jamie Reed Recorded and produced by Chatham House

Industry accounts for approximately 24% of global energy-related emissions, and the decarbonisation of the sector is therefore essential to achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. To date, however, the emissions from 'heavy' industries - like cement, steel and chemicals - have been considered particularly difficult to abate. This episode focuses on the strategies that can be deployed to enable the industrial sectors in both developed and developing countries to reach net-zero emissions. Ben speaks to Professor Steve Evans from the University of Cambridge about the range of policy solutions available to support decarbonisation. Then Johanna discusses how the UK Government is approaching this issue with Catherine Barber from the UK Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Credits: Speakers: Catherine Barber, Steve Evans Hosts: Ben Horton, Johanna Tilkanen Sound Editor: Jamie Reed Recorded and produced by Chatham House

Finance plays a key role in enabling climate change mitigation and adaptation. It is also a contested issue in the UN climate negotiations. The UK Government has made climate finance one of its top thematic priorities for COP26 and 2020 constitutes the deadline for developed countries to mobilise USD 100 billion per year to support climate action in developing countries. This week the Climate Briefing team speak to three experts to find out more. Mattias Frumerie, from the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, explains the key debates surrounding climate financing. Tenzin Wangmo, Lead Negotiator for the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group outlines how developing countries view these financial concerns. Finally, Rachel Ward from the IIGCC provides an insight into how investors are approaching the issue. Read the meeting summary: Climate Finance and the COP Credits: Speakers: Matias Frumerie, Tenzin Wangmo, Rachel Ward Hosts: Anna Aberg, Ben Horton, Johanna Tilkanen Sound Editor: Jamie Reed Producer: Ben Horton Recorded and produced by Chatham House

In this bonus episode Tim Benton, Director of the Energy, Environment and Resources Programme at Chatham House, speaks to Anna about the environmental implications of COVID-19. How might manmade pressures on the environment have contributed to the emergence of the virus? What are the environmental impacts of the virus-driven economic slowdown? And how can we rebuild society in a more sustainable way in the wake of this crisis? Read the BBC article: Coronavirus: Why are we catching more diseases from animals? Read the Expert Comment: Emerging Lessons from COVID-19 Credits: Speaker: Tim Benton Host: Anna Aberg Producer: Ben Horton Sound Editor: Jamie Reed Recorded and produced by Chatham House

Extreme weather, rising sea levels and a melting Arctic - the effects of climate change are posing an increasingly large threat to national security worldwide. In this episode the team explore the implications of climate change for national security, and how the defence establishment is incorporating environmental concerns into its military planning. Anna speaks to Neil Morisetti about the threats posed by climate change, before Ben asks Patricia Lewis how militaries and international organisations are adapting to these threats. Follow us on Twitter: @CH_Environment Credits: Speakers: Neil Morisetti, Patricia Lewis Hosts: Anna Aberg, Ben Horton Sound Editor: Jamie Reed Recorded and produced at Chatham House.

The Climate Briefing returns with interviews on European approaches to climate action, and the role that business can play in achieving the Paris Agreement goals. Johanna and Ben are joined in the studio by two guests; Imke Lubbeke, Head of EU Climate and Energy Policy at the WWF, and Jen Austin, Policy Director of the We Mean Business coalition. Please note: this episode was recorded prior to the postponement of COP26 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Read the Meeting Summary: Climate Ambition in Europe and its Potential Global Impact Follow us on Twitter: @CH_Environment Credits: Speakers: Imke Lubbeke, Jen Austin Hosts: Johanna Tilkanen, Ben Horton Sound Editor: Jamie Reed Recorded and produced at Chatham House.

The Climate Briefing is a monthly podcast from Chatham House, exploring the major issues that shape international debates around climate change. In this first episode, the team focus on what happened – and what didn't happen – at the last UN Climate Change Conference, the COP25 in Madrid, and what it will mean for the upcoming COP26 in Glasgow. Anna and Johanna are joined by two guests; Archie Young, the UK's lead climate negotiator, and Peter Betts, an Associate Fellow at Chatham House with long experience from the UN climate negotiations. Read the Meeting Summary: Outcomes of the Madrid COP25 and what this means for 2020 Follow us on Twitter: @CH_Environment Credits: Speakers: Peter Betts, Archibald Young Hosts: Anna Aberg, Johanna Tilkanen, Ben Horton Sound Editor: Jamie Reed Recorded and produced at Chatham House.