Outrage + Optimism: The Climate Podcast

Ana Toni, CEO of COP30, discusses Brazil's pivotal role as the host of this crucial climate summit. She shares insights on the country's preparations and ambitions for ambitious climate action amid political complexities. The concept of 'mutirão' emphasizes collective efforts and solidarity in tackling climate challenges. With a focus on phasing out fossil fuels and protecting nature, the conversation explores whether COP30 can indeed become a breakthrough moment or risk falling into old patterns of division and distraction.

Join Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu's Minister, and Christopher Bartlett, a climate policy strategist, as they navigate the pressing climate crisis facing Vanuatu. Regenvanu shares powerful insights on self-determination and land ownership, rooted in the nation's colonial history. Bartlett highlights Vanuatu's leadership in climate advocacy, including their pioneering ICJ case aimed at addressing 'loss and damage.' Together, they discuss the vital importance of cultural resilience and the role of small island nations in the global climate fight.

Helen Clarkson, CEO of the Climate Group, leads efforts in promoting climate action globally. In this conversation, she addresses the challenges businesses face amid shifting political landscapes in the US, particularly regarding climate commitments. Clarkson discusses the significance of Climate Week NYC and how it can serve as a beacon for action during these turbulent times. The hosts also tackle a groundbreaking climate liability case that could reshape accountability for major emitters, highlighting the critical role of non-state actors in driving progress.

Kingsmill Bond, an energy strategist at Ember, and José Manuel Entrecanales, CEO of Acciona, dive into the significant blackout that recently swept across Spain and Portugal. They explore whether renewable energy is to blame or if deeper issues lie within outdated infrastructures. The conversation addresses misconceptions about renewables' reliability and highlights the urgent need for grid modernization. They also discuss how modernized grids are crucial for a successful energy transition and the encouraging prospects for renewable energy's future.

The discussion tackles Tony Blair's controversial views on achieving net zero through technology rather than cutting consumption. It debates the viability of carbon capture and removal as alternatives to rapid fossil fuel phaseout. The hosts urge reframing climate narratives to emphasize systemic solutions over individual sacrifices and highlight the need for engaging the public positively. They also emphasize the importance of technological innovations and effective communication in driving meaningful climate action.

Australia heads to the polls this weekend - with climate firmly on the ballot. Is the country ready to lose its reputation as the battleground of the climate wars? And are we about to see a lasting shift in a nation that has for years been torn between its sunlight and its coal?As a pivotal election looms, Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac and Paul Dickinson examine what’s at stake for one of the world’s highest per-capita emitters. After months of polling ahead, the opposition Coalition now faces a late surge from the governing Labor Party, with the Greens, Teals and independents all likely to play a crucial role. The result could reinforce, roll-back or reshape domestic climate policy, and determine whether Australia emerges as a global climate leader at a time when others are stepping away from the stage.To understand what’s going on, the team calls up friend of the show Dean Bialek, Founder and Managing Director of The Pacific Project. Together, they explore the opportunities for Australia in the energy transition, the narratives and dynamics driving this election, and the country’s potential role as a regional leader as it hopes to host 2026’s COP31 with other Pacific nations.So, does Australia have a role to play in reigniting regional and global climate momentum? And how will this election shape the climate fight - both within and beyond its borders.Learn more🌿 Philip Levin’s opinion piece in the New York Times, ‘Trump Tried to Derail Our Work. We Banded Together and Moved Forward.’🦅 The Economist’s US cover this week, reported by Yahoo🔬 Hungry Beast’s ‘I’m A Climate Scientist’ video⚡ ABC News Australia’s graphic, illustrating the shift in Australia’s energy mixFollow us on social media for behind the scenes moments and to watch our videos:Instagram @outrageoptimism LinkedIn @outrageoptimismOr get in touch with us via this form. Producer: Ben Weaver-HincksVideo Producer: Caitlin HanrahanExec Producer: Dino SofosCommissioning 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.

Are we witnessing the beginning of the end for fossil fuels?This Earth Day, Outrage + Optimism explores a seismic shift in global energy: the possibility that major oil and gas companies are entering a self-managed decline. Have fossil fuel companies been overvalued for decades? And are they now quietly winding themselves down? For years, analysts and campaigners have questioned why these companies are valued as if they'll pump oil forever. With rising climate risks, tightening regulation, and growing investor scrutiny, the foundations of their business model have looked increasingly shaky.Now, something remarkable is happening. From Exxon to Shell, oil majors are cutting back on capital investment, failing to replace their reserves, and instead handing profits back to shareholders. Could this be the beginning of an industry in managed decline?In this Earth Day special, Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac, and Paul Dickinson sit down with Mark Campanale, founder of Carbon Tracker and the originator of the ‘stranded assets’ concept that helped launch the global divestment movement.Is this truly the start of fossil fuel’s final chapter? Or is it a strategic pivot - away from fuels and toward petrochemicals, plastics, and a long tail of influence?Learn more 🏛️ Adam Serwer’s article, ‘The Constitutional Crisis is Here’ in The Atlantic🖍️ Reporting on the White House deportation cartoon 🚨 Ezra Klein’s video on illegal deportation, ‘The Emergency is Here’🏳️ Harry Benham’s Substack piece, ‘Leaving the battlefield: oil companies are quitting renewables, yes, but also quitting energy’🌍 Carbon Tracker’s Paris MalignedFollow us on social media for behind the scenes moments and to watch our videos:Instagram @outrageoptimism LinkedIn @outrageoptimismOr get in touch with us via this form. Producer: Ben Weaver-HincksVideo Producer: Caitlin HanrahanExec Producer: Dino SofosCommissioning 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 the wake of Pope Francis's passing, reflections focus on his legacy as an advocate for environmental and social justice. His encyclical, Laudato Si, serves as a rallying cry for urgent action against climate change and poverty. The discussion highlights how his teachings emphasize collective responsibility and stewardship of the Earth. The heartfelt tribute captures not only his impact on global issues but also his profound messages that continue to inspire advocacy for justice and sustainability.

Li Shuo, Director of the China Climate Hub, dives into China’s pivotal role in global decarbonization amidst a shifting geopolitical landscape. He discusses how China has become a technology superpower while still grappling with its coal dependency. The conversation examines the influence of U.S. policies under Trump, particularly tariffs, on China’s climate strategies. Li emphasizes that as the U.S. retreats from climate leadership, China may redefine its role, making it essential to understand its motivations and potential impact on global climate action.

Join former US Vice President Al Gore as he dives into the intricate ties between democracy and climate change. He discusses Trump’s tariffs and their environmental fallout, exploring how protectionism impacts global trade and innovation. Gore shares insights from his Paris conversation on money's role in politics, the urgent need for poly-solutions to our crises, and the power of collective action. Expect an engaging mix of serious dialogue and hopeful reflections on reclaiming democracy and tackling climate challenges head-on.