Outrage + Optimism: The Climate Podcast

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.

Delve into the hidden influence of fossil fuel lobbyists on climate negotiations and their shifting tactics over the decades. Discover how these corporate interests have manipulated discussions and delayed action, especially in settings like the COP meetings. Explore ethical dilemmas faced by individuals within the industry and how misinformation has eroded trust in climate progress. The episode also highlights emerging strategies for accountability, urging a need for transparency and robust governance to combat climate-related challenges.

Discover the fascinating behind-the-scenes story of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol and its lasting legacy in climate diplomacy. Hear insights on how the play 'Kyoto' dramatizes these bureaucratic negotiations, making the emotional stakes clear. Veteran negotiators share how the Protocol amplified the voices of vulnerable nations and sparked a clean tech revolution. With reflections on the evolving landscape of global climate negotiations, the discussion highlights the intersection of art and activism, revealing how storytelling can inspire hope and solidarity in tackling climate change.

Is Canada a climate leader or a fossil-fueled dinosaur? And what will the recent ascension of Mark Carney as Prime Minister mean for the country’s climate agenda - both domestically and on the world stage?In the second of our country deep-dives, Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac speak with Catherine McKenna, Canada’s former Minister of Environment and Climate Change, to discuss the mixed history, uncertain present and possible futures of the nation’s climate record.As Canada’s representative at the COP 21 negotiations in Paris, Catherine set the tone for the decade that has followed, during which time the country has increasingly engaged in international climate leadership. Back home, she also spearheaded an innovative carbon pricing system, which, though not always popular, attempted to shift the nation away from its fossil fuel dependency while delivering an economic net benefit for most Canadians.While former Bank of England and Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney has become widely known as a climate progressive, his first act in office was to end this carbon tax, leading many to question how his climate ideals will fare in the face of political reality. Catherine reflects on why the tax was scrapped, and the lessons that must be learned if we are to defend climate action.Along with Paul Dickinson, Christiana and Tom consider the challenges facing former Outrage + Optimism guest Carney as he takes the helm of one of the G20’s highest emitters, and ask if we’re witnessing a wider backlash against corporate net zero commitments.Learn more 📚Read: U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse’s letter seeking information about the Department of Justice and FBI investigation into the Environmental Protection Agency’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and the reported freezing of grant money awarded from that fund.🏭 Mark Carney’s statement on his decision to scrap the carbon tax Follow 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: 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.

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.