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
8 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 48min
Jacinda Ardern and… Is It Time to Talk About Geoengineering?
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern shares her insights on empathetic leadership and the urgent need for climate action, labeling climate change as New Zealand's 'nuclear-free moment.' Investigative journalist Karl Mathiesen discusses the controversial advancements in solar geoengineering through Stardust, exploring its potential and the significant risks involved. The conversation touches on the precarious balance between technological progress and the slow pace of political response, highlighting the pressing demand for integrity-driven leadership in climate policy.
18 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 37min
Kim Stanley Robinson on Pre Traumatic Imagination and the stories that change us
In this engaging conversation, acclaimed author Kim Stanley Robinson shares insights from his groundbreaking work on climate fiction. He discusses the purpose behind the devastating opening of *The Ministry for the Future*, revealing its intent to inspire action from despair. Robinson introduces the concept of 'pre-traumatic syndrome,' urging the use of imaginative foresight to motivate preventive measures against climate catastrophe. He also emphasizes the importance of personal and societal projects, persistence in the face of challenge, and how storytelling shapes our collective future.
13 snips
Nov 23, 2025 • 38min
Inside COP: The Final Hours of COP30 - and the road ahead
The final day of COP30 brought unexpected tension and procedural drama, with Colombia's objections stalling discussions. The hosts delve into the implications of the closing plenary outcomes and reflect on the ambitious goals set in the Belém package. They highlight the acceleration of clean energy technologies and the shifting economics favoring renewables. Key topics include tripling adaptation finance, the introduction of the Global Implementation Accelerator, and the ongoing decline of fossil fuels. The insights hint at powerful global trends emerging in climate action.
Nov 22, 2025 • 38min
Inside COP: Friday Night in Belém - uncertainty in the Blue Zone
Mark Watts, Executive Director of C40 Cities, emphasizes the crucial role cities play in climate action, urging for their inclusion in negotiations. Irene Velez Torres, Colombia's Minister for Environment, passionately advocates for a fossil fuel phase-out roadmap and forest protection. Both guests share insights on the shifting COP landscape, highlighting frustration over weak draft texts and the urgency of robust climate commitments. They capture the palpable tension and hope within the Blue Zone, where passionate leaders strive toward a sustainable future.
8 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 16min
Inside COP: Friday Morning in Belém - what’s changed and why it matters
Christiana Figueres, former UN climate chief and Paris Agreement architect, offers her insights from COP30 in Belém. She explains how the new draft text removes crucial roadmaps for transitioning from fossil fuels and halting deforestation, prompting strong backlash from many countries. The atmosphere among delegates has shifted post-disruption, with voices eager to be heard in plenary. Christiana emphasizes the presidency's challenge to achieve consensus while navigating significant pushback, highlighting the ongoing race against time in climate negotiations.
Nov 21, 2025 • 13min
Inside COP: Fire at COP30 - and the work still to be done
A fire near the country pavilions forced an evacuation at COP30, creating unexpected chaos just as critical negotiations were intensifying. Eyewitness accounts reveal both panic and calm during the evacuation, highlighting the impressive response from emergency services. The aftermath brought shock to those involved, affecting their work during the summit's final days. As the team reflects on this incident, they stress the importance of collective action, underscoring the ongoing challenges and solidarity in the face of climate change.
Nov 20, 2025 • 38min
Inside COP: Storms in Belém - Lula’s arrival, the carbon tariff debate, and the COP31 decision
Featured guests include Dean Bialek, a former UN diplomat specializing in climate diplomacy, Teresa Ribera, the EU's Executive Vice President focused on competitive transitions, and Dan Ioschpe, championing COP30's Action Agenda. They explore the intense negotiations between Australia and Turkey for COP31 hosting rights and discuss the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), highlighting fairness concerns for developing nations. They also share insights on how coalitions and initiatives are reshaping climate action leading up to the next summit.
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.
12 snips
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.
