How can the law be used to champion human rights, drive progress and fight for climate justice? Paul Dickinson is joined by Laura Clarke, CEO of ClientEarth, the non-profit lawyers for the planet working to protect life on Earth. Laura shares how ClientEarth has successfully challenged corporate greenwashing, from the Dutch courts ruling against airline KLM for misleading customers, to forcing a Polish company to change the misleading name of its ‘eco-pea coal’. And beyond corporate accountability, how they take on national governments to ensure they uphold their environmental commitments. In this latest in our series on the new levers of change, co-presenters Tom Rivett-Carnac and Christiana Figueres join Paul to reflect on the ways in which law, climate and justice intersects. Christiana shares her excitement on the new ways in which the ‘web of jurisprudence’ is being woven in a field with little legal precedent. Plus, each share their take on the news that former Outrage + Optimism guest Mark Carney will become the next Prime Minister of Canada. How will he deal with President Trump amid the ongoing US-Canada trade war?Learn more 💼 ClientEarth case study: KLM Greenwashing found illegalhttps://www.clientearth.org/latest/news/we-re-joining-legal-action-against-dutch-airline-klm-for-greenwashing/ 📖 Read more about ClientEarth https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/client-earth-james-thornton/3713181?ean=9781911344810 ⚖️ Learn about how young people are taking action in court https://www.kcl.ac.uk/climate-law/assets/climatechangeandyoungpeople-shortversion.pdf 🛢️ Find out how big oil’s campaign financing for Donald Trump’s re-election may have prevented a congressional investigation https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/06/big-oil-investigation-congress-republicans  Follow us on social media for behind the scenes moments and to watch our videos:Instagram @outrageoptimismLinkedIn @outrageoptimismOr get in touch with us via this form. Producer: Jarek ZabaVideo Producer: Caitlin HanrahanExec Producer: Ellie CliffordCommissioning Editor: Sarah Thomas This is a Persephonica production for Global Optimism and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this enlightening conversation, climate scientist Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, a Distinguished Professor at Texas Tech University, explores why women hold the key to tackling the climate crisis. She discusses systemic barriers faced by women in STEM and highlights her work with Science Moms, emphasizing the crisis's impact on children. Katharine also shares how her evangelical faith intersects with her climate advocacy, advocating for love and unity as essential forces for climate justice. Together, they delve into the importance of diverse voices in driving effective climate solutions.

Significant cuts to USAID have left a gap in climate funding, prompting a discussion on whether wealthy philanthropists can step in to fill it. The ethical concerns surrounding private funding versus government accountability are explored. Innovative philanthropic initiatives in electric vehicle adoption and clean cooling technologies are highlighted, showcasing their impact in regions facing funding challenges. Amidst the challenges, there’s a surprising wave of optimism as grassroots movements and community efforts rise to tackle climate issues.

Luis Guillermo Solís, former President of Costa Rica, shares insights on his country's impressive environmental journey, highlighting the transformation of forest coverage from 21% to 60%. He discusses policies that prioritize nature, including the Payment for Environmental Services Law. The conversation turns to current challenges, as populist measures threaten these achievements, particularly a potential return to fossil fuels. Solís and co-hosts emphasize the urgency of grassroots efforts to protect Costa Rica's extraordinary environmental legacy.

The discussion dives into the shifting landscape of climate action, exploring how political changes under Trump have hindered progress. It emphasizes innovative avenues like technology, climate litigation, and the rising influence of youth as essential levers for change. The potential of renewable energy sources like wind and solar is highlighted, alongside the transformative power of collective narratives. The podcast advocates for multi-faceted approaches and collective action to confront climate injustices and build a hopeful future.

Christiana Figueres reflects on the Paris Climate Agreement's ten-year anniversary and the pushback from the fossil fuel lobby. The hosts discuss the emotional highs of the negotiations and the global commitment to tackle climate change. They explore climate-induced migration, predicting over a billion displaced by 2050. The shift from fossil fuels to renewables faces significant challenges, including the insurance industry's reaction to climate-related disasters. Wealth inequality's impact on climate action also sparks a critical conversation about necessary tax reforms.

Tackle climate jargon with ease! Discover what NDCs mean and how El Niño influences global temperatures. Learn about the importance of climate commitments for 2035 and why standardized reporting matters. Explore the potential of carbon sequestration technologies. Gain insights into the US National Climate Assessment and its evolving policies under Trump. Delve into the rise of BRICS and their role in global decarbonization. This is your go-to guide for demystifying climate terms and understanding urgent conversations!

Greg Bertelsen, Chief Executive of the Climate Leadership Council, dives into the implications of a second Trump presidency on climate efforts. He discusses the urgent need for proactive environmental strategies following the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. The conversation highlights contradictions in U.S. energy policy and critiques the interplay between wealth and environmental negligence. Bertelsen emphasizes the importance of bipartisan dialogue and innovative business initiatives to combat climate change amidst a challenging political landscape.

The dramatic start to 2025 is marked by the catastrophic fires in LA, revealing climate change's harsh reality. The conversation delves into how thriving neighborhoods are affected, the role of private firefighting, and the increasing urgency for climate action. Also discussed are the intertwined fates of biodiversity and climate, legal implications of upcoming climate lawsuits, and the significance of Climate Week leading to COP30. Humor and personal anecdotes about pivotal climate moments add a relatable touch to this urgent dialogue.

Dive into a conversation about the urgent need for climate action as 2025 approaches. Reflect on the past decade since the Paris Agreement, celebrating progress while acknowledging ongoing challenges. Discover how businesses are shifting towards collaboration with governments, fostering optimism in tackling climate issues. Join visionary thinkers as they inspire collective action and a hopeful future for our planet.