What in the World

Georgina Rannard, a resident climate expert, and Natalia Tsuyama, a Brazilian climate activist and first-time COP participant, delve into the outcomes of COP30 held in the Amazon. They discuss the summit's failure to address fossil fuels, despite rising protests. Georgina highlights the significant impact of the U.S. absence and China's strategic position, while Natalia shares her feelings of frustration and hope from her frontline perspective. The conversation also touches on the emotional weight of hosting in the Amazon and the disconnect between negotiations and local realities.

Victoria Gill, a Science Correspondent, dives deep into the intriguing history of kissing, tracing its roots back over 21 million years to our common ancestor with great apes. She shares fascinating insights on how animals, from primates to other species, engage in mouth-to-mouth contact, highlighting surprising evidence from research. Victoria also explores the evolutionary mystery of kissing’s lack of clear survival benefits, suggesting it may stem from grooming behaviors and serve various roles, from romantic to platonic bonding.

William Lee Adams, journalist and host of Marketplace Morning Report, dives into the chaos surrounding this year's Miss Universe pageant. He covers the contentious split between owners Raúl Rocha Cantú and Nawat Itsaragrisil, revealing their vastly different visions for the show's future. From walkouts and heartfelt apologies to the impact of social media in shaping narratives, William highlights how these controversies could redefine the pageant's legacy. He also touches on the geopolitics of beauty queens and the enduring global interest in Miss Universe.

US lawmakers have voted overwhelmingly to release the Epstein files, raising questions about their contents and implications. The files reportedly contain flight logs, photos, and testimonies linked to notable individuals, igniting calls for transparency from victims. The podcast explores Donald Trump's fluctuating stance on the release, as well as the political maneuvers behind it. With a 30-day timeline for potential release and possible redactions looming, the discussion centers on the need for accountability regarding Epstein’s actions and his network.

Maha El Gaml, a BBC journalist in Cairo, sheds light on the dire educational crisis in war-torn Sudan. With schools closed or repurposed as shelters, students are struggling amid two years of conflict. She discusses the challenges of online learning, including economic barriers and insufficient connectivity. Voices of students reveal their isolation and distractions while studying from home. Despite the odds, some schools in Khartoum are gradually reopening, as efforts to restore daily life and education begin to take shape.

Join Rosanne Martyr, a Senior Scientist at Climate Analytics, and Jhesset Enano, a climate journalist from the Philippines, as they tackle the urgent need for small island nations to bolster their defenses against brutal storms. They explore how nature-based solutions like mangroves can shield coastlines while discussing the intricate, everyday realities of living in typhoon-prone areas. Rosanne reveals innovative climate-proofing techniques, and Jhesset highlights the importance of early warning systems for saving lives amidst rising storm intensity.

This week, Mark Savage, a BBC music correspondent, shares insights on ticket touting and the challenges fans face with inflated resale prices. He explains how touts exploit demand using bots to score tickets in bulk. Artists like Dua Lipa and Coldplay are advocating for price caps to protect fans, sparking a discussion about their effectiveness. A fan recounts her shocking £700 experience for a Taylor Swift ticket. Mark also suggests safer resale options and highlights concerns about inflated prices impacting the concert experience.

In this intriguing conversation, Nathalia Jimenez, a BBC reporter based in New York, dives into the bizarre world of billionaire prepping. She uncovers how tech moguls like Mark Zuckerberg and Peter Thiel are investing in luxury bunkers, complete with air filtration and hydroponics. Nathalia explains the motivations behind these extreme safety measures, from fears of nuclear war to climate disasters. Additionally, she sheds light on the cultural roots of prepping in America and explores practical tips from everyday preppers.

Ijeoma Ndukwe, a BBC journalist specializing in Nigerian issues, discusses alarming claims about Christian persecution in Nigeria. She explores the complex religious landscape and the conflict involving Boko Haram and ISWAP. Ijeoma clarifies that while jihadist groups target both Christians and Muslims, the data shows fewer attacks aimed specifically at Christians this year. She also examines the Nigerian government's response and public opinion, stressing the need to view the situation beyond religious lines while addressing celebrity reactions, including notable comments from Nicki Minaj.

Join Caroline Steel, a BBC science and space expert, as she dives into the exciting discovery of TRAPPIST-1e, an Earth-sized planet in the habitable zone potentially capable of hosting life. She discusses the significance of its atmospheric clues, particularly hints of nitrogen, and the implications for extraterrestrial existence. Young members of the Cosmic Girls Foundation share their hopes and curiosity about alien life. With insights on the James Webb Space Telescope's role and the challenges of future human exploration, this conversation explores the fascinating potential of our universe.