Outrage + Optimism: The Climate Podcast
Persephonica and Global Optimism
Outrage + Optimism: The Climate Podcast is for anyone who is not ready to give up on making the world a better place. For unrivalled conversations with decision makers, visionary thinkers and a community of like-minded climate optimists, join former UN climate chief Christiana Figueres, political strategist Tom Rivett-Carnac and sustainable business consultant Paul Dickinson. Each week they make sense of all the top climate news stories, go behind the scenes at crucial talks and ensure you stay informed and inspired ahead of what is set to be the consequential year for climate action.As we approach the middle of the decisive decade for world emissions, and the 10 year anniversary of the Paris climate agreement, subscribe to Outrage + Optimism: The Climate PodcastAnd join us for our special Inside COP series with co-host Fiona McRaith where we bring you behind the scenes of COP30 in Belém! And to see video content from the show, follow us on LinkedIn, and Instagram. Got a question? Send us a voice message.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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 19, 2025 • 45min
Inside COP: China, India… and the Text on the Table
Professor Wang Yi, a senior adviser to the Chinese government on climate change, discusses how China's rising energy demand is increasingly met by renewables and the country's strategies for peaking emissions. Dr. Arunabha Ghosh, CEO of the Council on Energy, Environment and Water, explains India's avoided coal build-out and the importance of diversified supply chains for a successful energy transition. Together, they shed light on the evolving roles of China and India in the global clean-tech market and their potential to lead in climate action.
Nov 18, 2025 • 41min
Inside COP: Coal’s Out, Pressure’s On - a pivotal moment for COP30
Joojin Kim, Founder and CEO of Solutions for Our Climate, discusses South Korea's historic commitment to phase out coal by 2040 and the pressures driving this transformation. Sonia Guajajara, Brazil's Minister for Indigenous Peoples, shares insights on Indigenous diplomacy and the critical role of Indigenous leadership at COP30. The conversation highlights the global implications of transitioning to renewables and recognizes Indigenous land protection as essential to climate solutions. Their perspectives emphasize the urgency and potential of collaborative action in climate negotiations.
Nov 17, 2025 • 45min
Inside COP: The fight for the Amazon
In this insightful discussion, Keith Toffley, CEO of Race to Belém, explores innovative ways to mobilize private funding for Brazil’s REDD+ programs, aiming to combat deforestation. He delves into the significance of jurisdictional approaches that engage local communities in forest stewardship. The dialogue also touches on the pressing need for transparency and governance in forest finance and the integration of local knowledge in sustainable bio-economies. This conversation highlights the urgent role of forests in climate action and the potential legacy of COP30.
10 snips
Nov 15, 2025 • 57min
Inside COP: Al Gore on Fossil Fuel Lobbying and (In)convenient Truths
Al Gore, former U.S. Vice President and climate advocate, joins the discussion to dissect critical issues at COP30. He sheds light on the influence of fossil fuel lobbying, the deepening polarization of U.S. climate politics, and the impact of the Citizens United ruling. Gore also advocates for linking climate change to public health to foster bipartisan support. He introduces Climate TRACE, a tool using AI and satellite data for real-time emissions tracking, underscoring its potential to enhance accountability and public trust.
Nov 14, 2025 • 42min
Inside COP: The UN’s Top Climate Official on Week One of COP30
Simon Stiell, the UNFCCC Executive Secretary, shares insights on the key differences between COP leadership roles while expressing urgency shaped by personal experiences of Hurricane Beryl. Ed King, an experienced climate negotiations analyst, discusses the dynamic atmosphere of COP30, highlighting protests and the intricate nature of negotiations. He identifies finance, fossil fuels, and forests as the main fault lines, emphasizing the critical need for stronger commitments to bridge the gap between current national plans and scientific requirements.
8 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 39min
Inside COP: Protests at COP30 - and the reality of Indigenous representation
Helena Gualinga, an Indigenous climate advocate from Sarayaku, Ecuador, dives into the struggles for representation at COP30. She highlights the protests that breached the Blue Zone, exposing the disconnect between visibility and real influence for Indigenous voices. Helena discusses challenges like restricted access to negotiations and fears of tokenism while advocating for land rights and proper consultation practices. Additionally, she emphasizes the necessity of Indigenous leadership in climate discussions to ensure effective stewardship of the planet.
Nov 12, 2025 • 37min
Inside COP: Is The US Still In? And Gavin Newsom on ‘invasive species’ Trump
In a fiery discussion, California Governor Gavin Newsom champions state-level climate action amidst the absence of US delegates at COP30. He emphasizes the risks to democracy posed by federal climate rollbacks and vows to oppose potential offshore drilling by Donald Trump. Newsom argues that California's long-term policies provide stability despite national upheaval, framing climate change in relatable economic terms to rally broader support. He also critiques Trump's narrative control and stresses the importance of shaping optimistic climate dialogues.
4 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 43min
Inside COP: Brazil's Climate Leadership - the COP30 host takes centre stage
Renata Piazzon, Director General of the Arapyaú Institute, is dedicated to linking climate and social solutions in Brazil. She discusses the Forest People Connection project and how storytelling can drive climate prosperity. Marina Silva, Brazil's Minister of the Environment, emphasizes the Ethical Global Stocktake's focus on sustainability as a way of being and the urgent need for a fair transition away from fossil fuels. Both highlight Brazil's role in showcasing innovative climate solutions at COP30, pushing for a narrative of regeneration over sacrifice.
8 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 39min
Inside COP: The COP30 President Speaks, the Summit Begins
André Corrêa do Lago, Brazil’s COP30 President and seasoned diplomat, dives into the challenges of steering a pivotal climate summit. He discusses the difference between negotiation and implementation, emphasizing the need for tangible progress to restore public trust. The conversation highlights how to balance leadership and impartiality while showcasing Brazil's strategies for environmental restoration. André also reflects on emerging economies' potential to lead the charge and tackle the pressing 1.5°C goal amidst a divided global landscape.
Nov 9, 2025 • 36min
Inside COP: Ed Miliband on Multilateralism, Leadership and the UK’s Climate Dilemma
Ed Miliband, a senior UK politician and former Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, delves into the UK's stance on multilateral climate efforts, including the Tropical Forests Forever Facility. He addresses the questions surrounding the UK’s lack of investment in this critical initiative and the public's support for climate action, countering narratives of backlash. The conversation also highlights the importance of international collaboration, the need for clear communication on climate goals, and the urgency of translating commitments into action as COP30 begins.
