Outrage + Optimism: The Climate Podcast

Persephonica and Global Optimism
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Oct 30, 2025 • 39min

Inside COP: Looking for a Plan in Finance - the trillion dollar transition

In this discussion, guest host Sue Reid, a Climate Finance Advisor at Global Optimism, breaks down the complexities of climate finance and emphasizes its crucial role in policy-making and market shifts. Joined by Avinash Persaud of the Inter-American Development Bank, they explore innovative solutions like debt swaps and the ReInvest+ initiative designed to channel private capital into developing countries. They also tackle the glaring gaps in the current climate goals and the need for smarter capital use to address climate vulnerabilities, with COP30 positioned as a potential turning point.
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Oct 23, 2025 • 45min

Inside COP: Teaming Up for the Planet - The Global Mutirão

André Guimarães, the Special Envoy for Civil Society for Brazil's COP30 presidency, dives into the Global Mutirão concept, highlighting its roots in Indigenous cooperation for collective climate action. He explains how this initiative aims to unite citizens and governments, making climate engagement personal and impactful. Additionally, Laura Moraes from Earth FC discusses leveraging the passion of football to rally millions around climate activism, showcasing how sports can drive community engagement and urgency in addressing climate change.
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Oct 16, 2025 • 38min

Inside COP: The New World Order - power, politics and the green pie

Christiana Figueres, former UNFCCC Executive Secretary, shares insights on the complexities of geopolitics at COP30, emphasizing the need for collaboration among rising powers like Brazil and the BRICS. Bernice Lee from Chatham House discusses the evolving landscape of multipolar geopolitics and resource security, highlighting the competition for the 'green pie.' The conversation covers the implications of US withdrawal, the crucial role of minerals in shaping alliances, and how China's investments could create a more robust climate action framework.
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Oct 9, 2025 • 47min

Inside COP: A New Economy Rising - from promises to progress

Aniket Shah, Global Head of ESG and Sustainable Finance at Jefferies, discusses the pivotal role of capital flows in driving sustainable investment, emphasizing the need for policy-driven low-carbon growth. Daniel Gajardo, co-founder of Reciprocal, shares insights on how Latin American entrepreneurs are crafting localized climate solutions, like biotech innovations. Together, they explore the essence of COP30 as a moment for real climate action implementation, bridging promises with tangible outcomes in the new green economy.
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Oct 3, 2025 • 37min

Remembering Jane Goodall

In a touching tribute, renowned primatologist and conservationist Jane Goodall is remembered through heartfelt reflections from her close friend, Mary Lewis, Vice President of the Jane Goodall Institute. They discuss Jane’s incredible humility and her unique ability to make everyone feel special, from children to global admirers. Mary shares inspiring anecdotes about Jane’s relentless work ethic and her emphasis on collaboration over competition. The conversation also highlights Jane's belief in local action leading to global change and her unwavering hope in youth to drive a better future.
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4 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 49min

Inside COP: How to Build a COP

Thais Bilenky, a Brazilian political journalist, shares insights on Brazil's domestic politics and the upcoming COP30 in Belém. She discusses Lula's strategies on the global stage and the tensions between national policies and regional interests. Bilenky highlights the delicate balance of conservation and economic development, especially in the context of Pará. She explains how the location of COP30 reflects political dynamics and addresses Brazilian skepticism about the summit's true impact, shedding light on public perceptions around climate action.
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Sep 25, 2025 • 1h 1min

Inside COP: The countdown to COP30 at New York Climate Week

Ana Toni, CEO and pivotal figure in the COP30 presidency, shares insights on the road to COP30. She emphasizes the importance of Nationally Determined Contributions and the necessity for collaboration, especially in fostering inclusion of indigenous and Global South leadership. The discussion also highlights Brazil's Mutirão concept for large-scale climate initiatives and the shift towards implementation-driven climate actions. Toni calls for a focus on the quality of NDCs, advocating for grassroots innovation and strong civil society engagement in tackling the climate crisis.
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4 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 1h 6min

From Courtrooms to Statehouses: The US Climate Pushback

Sophia Li, an award-winning journalist and climate storyteller, co-hosts a lively discussion with Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha, who is battling to revive the Revolution Wind project, facing off against federal regulations. Musician and climate advocate Adam Met shares his Neo-Industrial Revolution declaration, urging a new language around climate engagement that connects with everyday life and job creation. They explore state and local climate actions, highlighting grassroots movements and the shift from individual solutions to structured civic engagement.
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9 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 44min

Beyond the Bad News: Evidence for Climate Optimism

Ani Dasgupta, President & CEO of the World Resources Institute and author of 'The New Global Possible', joins the hosts to discuss the pressing climate crisis. He emphasizes that optimism is crucial for driving meaningful change, despite daunting challenges and stalled treaties. Dasgupta shares inspiring examples of global progress, such as electric buses in Kentucky and resilience strategies in Bangladesh. He underscores the importance of mobilizing collective will and innovative solutions to navigate obstacles and achieve a sustainable future.
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Sep 4, 2025 • 58min

Rising Tides: How indigenous communities are facing the climate crisis

Guests like Andrew Higham, a former UNFCCC Senior Advisor, Lysa Wini from the Solomon Islands, Haida leader Wáahlaal Gidaag from Alaska, and Parnuna Egede Dahl from Greenland share poignant stories of indigenous resilience against climate change. Lysa highlights ancestral island-building methods while confronting rising seas. Wáahlaal reflects on intergenerational wisdom connecting land and sea, sparked by her son's curiosity. Parnuna discusses Greenland's governance and its crucial Paris Agreement decision, urging us to heed lessons from those on the climate front lines.

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