In the time since she became Prime Minister of Barbados in 2018, Mia Mottley has become known as a moral force for action on climate change. The Bridgetown Initiative, which she launched at COP26 in 2021, transformed the conversation around climate finance – pushing rich nations to do more to support developing countries struggling with the impact of climate change. But as the US retreats from climate action, her bold vision faces new challenges. At the Sustainable Energy for All Global Forum in Barbados, she tells Akshat Rathi why she remains optimistic, and she spoke about the role of pragmatism in tackling the climate challenge. Explore further: Past episode with Achim Steiner, head of the United Nations Development Program Past episode with Avinash Persaud about the Bridgetown Initiative Past episode about the Royal Shakespeare Company’s play about the 1997 Kyoto Summit  Zero is a production of Bloomberg Green. Our producer is Mythili Rao. Special thanks this week to Siobhan Wagner, Kanika Chawla and Jessica Beck. Thoughts or suggestions? Email us at zeropod@bloomberg.net. For more coverage of climate change and solutions, visit https://www.bloomberg.com/green.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Akshat Rathi, a Senior climate reporter for Bloomberg News and host of the Zero podcast, dives into how recent shifts in U.S. climate policy under President Trump jeopardize global environmental efforts. He discusses the withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and its implications for investment in green energy. Rathi also highlights the competitive landscape of energy transitions, particularly China's advancements, and points out the urgent need for the U.S. to align economic growth with meaningful climate action amid rising natural disasters.

Rick Smith, President of the Canadian Climate Institute, shares his insights on Canada’s climate challenges as it navigates post-Trudeau leadership. He discusses the implications of U.S. policies on Canadian climate strategies, emphasizing the importance of local initiatives in driving change. Smith highlights the need for urgent policy reforms to address climate adaptation amid extreme weather events and notes Canada’s ambitious emission reduction goals, alongside the tensions in the oil and gas sector. His expert analysis sheds light on the future of climate policy in Canada.

Frances Schwartzkopff, a Copenhagen-based reporter covering ESG regulations, and Saijel Kishan, a New York-based reporter focused on ESG investing, tackle the current backlash against Environmental, Social, and Governance initiatives. They discuss the EU's rollback on ESG legislation and why many companies are quietly maintaining their ESG strategies despite skepticism. The conversation highlights the clash between U.S. and EU regulations, reflecting on the evolution of ESG frameworks and the financial implications for businesses navigating this complex landscape.

Natasha White, a Bloomberg reporter who covered COP16 in Cali, dives into the aftermath of the summit focused on biodiversity and climate challenges. She discusses the high expectations prior to COP16 and the disappointment of unresolved key issues. White explores the urgent need for biodiversity funding, highlighting the tensions between developed and developing nations. With COP16 reconvening in Rome, she anticipates discussions on resource mobilization and the role of private finance in conservation efforts.

Achim Steiner, the Head of the UN Development Programme, shares insights on climate action amidst global challenges. He emphasizes that while we have the solutions, we often fail to act on them. Countries like Uruguay and India are innovating sustainably without relying on international funding. Steiner urges developed nations to enhance financial support for sustainable efforts. The discussion highlights the complex relationship between climate change and economic growth, especially for poorer nations emerging from the pandemic.

Chris Stark, head of the UK's Mission Control Task Force for Clean Power, discusses the ambitious goal of achieving 95% clean energy by 2030. He shares insights on the balancing act between environmental commitments and political interests, including airport expansions and new oil fields. Stark emphasizes the importance of green investments for economic growth and the necessary infrastructure developments for a carbon-free power system. Despite the challenges, he remains confident in the UK's ability to meet its carbon budget.

Albert Cheung, Deputy CEO of BloombergNEF, provides key insights into the shifting landscape of climate policy as the U.S. exits the Paris Agreement under President Trump. He discusses the surge in global clean energy investments, particularly driven by China, which now accounts for two-thirds of growth. Cheung also highlights the competitive dynamics of the energy transition and the impact of the U.S. withdrawal on international climate diplomacy, stressing the urgent need for action amidst worsening climate challenges.

André Corrêa do Lago, Brazil's Secretary for Climate, Energy and the Environment and COP30 president, shares exciting plans for the upcoming climate conference in Belém, a city with deep ties to the Amazon rainforest. He discusses the logistical challenges and the symbolic importance of the location. Topics include Brazil’s ambitious climate goals, the necessity for improved financing for developing nations, and the balancing act between fossil fuel production and climate action. Corrêa emphasizes collaboration and transparency as key to effective engagement.

Paul Sabin, a Yale historian specializing in oil and environmentalism, dives into the parallels between Trump's potential second term and the Reagan years. He highlights how Trump's aggressive push for fossil fuels mirrors Reagan's deregulation stance. The discussion touches on past environmental activism and its implications for future climate policies. Jonathan Lash also shares his feelings of déjà vu, reflecting on the cyclical nature of U.S. climate politics. The conversation unwraps the complexities of energy transitions amidst political turmoil.