Outrage + Optimism: The Climate Podcast

Welcome listeners as as we start the week with a special bonus episode from the wonderful folks at  Conscious Coliving who recently hosted Tom Rivett-Carnac on their brilliant podcast  Coliving Conversations, a show that shines light on the people, projects, and places of the blossoming coliving movement! In this episode, join co-hosts Naima Ritter Figueres and Dr Penny Clark for an insightful conversation with Tom Rivett-Carnac where together they explore the role of communities in addressing the climate emergency. Enjoy!     Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview change-makers, and transform our anger into productive dialogue about building a sustainable future. This week, co-hosts Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac, and Paul Dickinson discuss the amazing reviews they’ve received on the podcast and take the opportunity to thank listeners for participating with us in trying to save our planet. The team also announces an upcoming special project they’ve been working on and chats about the nomination of Ajay Banga as World Bank President. A frightening new study on the accelerating rates of extinction is also discussed, and there’s music from Bailen. Paul starts with highlights from the results of a listener feedback survey. First, a whopping 87% of respondents said they’d taken action on climate change since listening to the podcast, which includes sharing the podcast一a key part of our mission一and for which we’re deeply grateful. Plus, only 43% of those listening work in the climate space. That means we’re breaking out of the climate bubble and bringing people outside of climate into the conversation. “Astonishing!” declares Christiana. Wait until you hear the rest!  Next, Tom introduces a fresh theme on O+O related to personal projects each of the co-hosts will work on individually and bring to the podcast. Over the next few weeks, Tom will begin the series on different approaches to change一momentum and perfection. He’ll explore whether they can work together, and if so, how? Exciting stuff is on the way! In the following segment, our co-hosts weigh in on the World Bank presidential nomination of Ajay Banga, previously President and CEO of MasterCard. They agree he’s a hopeful choice for, among many other things, bringing climate issues back to the World Bank, which stands in contrast to the positions held by outgoing president David Malpass, a climate denier.  Finally, the trio discusses the alarming new study by lead author Dr. Yuangeng Huang of the China University of Geosciences on the steady destruction of biodiversity and how it’s likely to suddenly tip over into total ecosystem collapse. All agree the study didn’t get the coverage it should have, and that it’s critical we’re focused now on strategies and capital allocations to protect and reverse habitat destruction. Climate won’t matter if this doesn’t get done. Again, thank you for taking the time to respond so thoughtfully to our listeners’ survey and to help us improve the podcast.   And before you leave please don’t miss the beautiful three-part family harmonies of Bailen on their moving ballad “Eyelashes.”  Correction: We would like to apologise for the mispronunciation of Dr Yuangeng Huang's name during the episode. NOTES AND RESOURCES    To learn more about our planet’s climate emergency and how you can transform outrage into optimistic action subscribe to the podcast here. Find out more about Ajay Banga, the U.S. nomination to lead the World Bank. Here is The Guardian’s coverage of Dr. Yuangeng Huang’s study on ecosystem collapse.  Here is Dr. Yuangeng Huang’s study itself. More on Elizabeth Kolbert’s The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History referenced in the episode.   GLOBAL CLIMATE STRIKE on FRIDAY MARCH 3 - Click here to find a strike near you. #TomorrowIsTooLate   MUSIC   Bailen Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Spotify | TikTok   Click here to Pre-add/Pre-Save ‘Tired Hearts’ coming out May 5th! See Bailen on Tour   Check out Clay’s Picks this week: ‘Call It Like It Is’ ‘Something Tells Me’   -   It’s official, we’re a TED Audio Collective Podcast - Proof! Check out more podcasts from The TED Audio Collective   Please follow us on social media! Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview change-makers, and transform our anger into productive dialogue about building a sustainable future. In this episode, co-hosts Christiana Figueres and Paul Dickinson interview climate leaders Sandrine Dixson-Declève, Co-President of global issues think tank the Club of Rome (the Club), and Johan Rockström, Joint Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (Potsdam). Our esteemed guests discuss the 50th anniversary of the Club’s groundbreaking report on the implications of continued worldwide expansion, “Limits to Growth” (Limits), and their recently published collaborative report “Earth for All: A Survival Guide for Humanity (Earth For All).” Serving as both a sort of update to “Limits,” and a new solutions manual, “Earth For All” goes deep into the interrelationships between global stress points, the consequential scenarios that could lay ahead of us, and the policy recommendations we need to save our future. It’s a fascinating conversation that covers planetary boundary science, dynamic systems modeling, the social tension index, and whether we can reach aspirational and equitable goals for humanity within our environmental boundaries. Importantly, we explore whether a planetary solution is possible without addressing systemic inequity. Of course, be sure to stick around for music this week from brand new father/son duo Emrys + Clay.   Don’t miss a minute of this compelling episode!      NOTES AND RESOURCES    To learn more about our planet’s climate emergency and how you can transform outrage into optimistic action subscribe to the podcast here.   Sandrine Dixson-Declève, Co-President of the Club of Rome LinkedIn | Twitter   Explore The Club of Rome and the original landmark report (including a free download), “Limits to Growth.” An updated version is available here.   Johan Rockström, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research Twitter    Listen to a previous episode featuring Rockström about the race to zero.  Learn about the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research Twitter   Read more or get your own copy of “Earth for All: A Survival Guide for Humanity.” MUSIC   Emrys + Clay You can find more of Clay and Emrys on Clay’s Patreon.   Clay has played in bands before. They are: Claslan | Flint Eastwood   Clay Carnill Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn   It’s official, we’re a TED Audio Collective Podcast - Proof! Check out more podcasts from The TED Audio Collective   Please follow us on social media! Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week in a surprise move, the First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, announced her resignation. So in light of this profoundly ego-less moment of leadership, we revisit a stirring conversation we had with her in 2021 when we visited the First Minister at her residence in Edinburgh during the TED Countdown Conference. Our conversation surrounded this new vision she had brought forth into the world for small countries collaborating on climate action, detailed in the instantly-popular TED Talk she had just delivered earlier that day (immediately followed by a standing ovation). Tom said, “it was one of the best I’ve ever seen.” This interview is part of a longer episode we published in 2021 titled, ‘Small Countries, Big Vision with Nicola Sturgeon’. You can listen to that full episode and more by visiting the Outrage + Optimism website or by finding us wherever you get your podcasts.   Enjoy the Rewind.   —   NOTES AND RESOURCES   Nicola Sturgeon | First Minister of Scotland Twitter   Watch Nicola Sturgeon’s TED Talk referenced in the episode, followed by a short Q+A.   It’s official, we’re a TED Audio Collective Podcast - Proof! Check out more podcasts from The TED Audio Collective   Please follow us on social media! Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview change-makers, and transform our anger into productive dialogue about building a sustainable future. In this episode, co-hosts Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac, and Paul Dickinson discuss the monstrous profits made by Big Oil last year, how at least one fossil fuel firm plans to invest its gains, and what it all means for the climate agenda going forward. They also speak to Avinash Persaud (Avi), Special Envoy to the Prime Minister of Barbados on Investment and Financial Services and creator of the 2022 Bridgetown Initiative, and we have music from gifted musician Scotty Grand. The team opens with the astounding report that BP, Chevron, Equinor, ExxonMobil, Shell, and TotalEnergies together made more than $200 billion in profits in 2022. What’s even more shocking? BP followed with an announcement that in the interests of “energy security,” it’s scaling back its 2030 emissions reductions targets from 40% to 25%. Let’s just say the trio doesn’t mince words in response. Outrage indeed! Next, Avi Persaud outlines his work on the 2022 Bridgetown Initiative with Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley. While climate change impacts us all, it does so unevenly. Those who suffer disproportionately have the narrowest access to capital support. Can our current economic system address this problem? Persaud leads a fascinating discussion on the power of global financeーwhen deployed creativelyーto drive extraordinary changemaking. Find out how callable capital, international reserve currency, and other key levers could meet the significant systemic challenges in front of us today. Finally, we have music from the one and only Scotty Grand. He’s served as Creative Director, Keyboardist, and MC for Grammy-nominated artists Jordin Sparks, the Jonas Brothers, and fellow pianist Alicia Keys, among many other A-listers. He’s also the great-nephew of legendary gospel singer Mahalia Jacksonーand Christiana’s neighbor! You won’t want to miss a minute of this substantive and thrilling episode!    NOTES AND RESOURCES    To learn more about our planet’s climate emergency and how you can transform outrage into optimistic action subscribe to the podcast here.   Avinash Persaud, Special Envoy to the Prime Minister of Barbados on Investment and Financial Services LinkedIn |Twitter | Facebook Learn more about the Bridgetown Initiative.   Scotty Grand Spotify | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram     Watch Scotty Grand’s inspiring video for “Change Everything.” Also, be sure to give a listen to ‘All I Know’ and ‘Alchemy’   It’s official, we’re a TED Audio Collective Podcast - Proof! Check out more podcasts from The TED Audio Collective   Please follow us online! Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The hosts discuss US President Joe Biden's State of the Union address, focusing on his references to climate change as a global security issue. They also explore the Breakthrough Effect report and its three super leverage points for triggering tipping points in the net zero transition. The podcast covers the reduction in fossil fuel demand, green initiatives in Europe, and the importance of collaborative efforts for creating well-designed policies. They end with a light-hearted conversation about food and share personal experiences and the power of gratitude.

Happy New Year!   Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview change-makers, and transform our anger into productive dialogue about building a sustainable future. After a well-spent hiatus, the team returns with the first episode of what we hope to be an amazing year documenting climate progress! We know from previous years that many people discover the podcast over our break, so If you're a new listener, we're thrilled you’re here! In today’s episode, co-hosts Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac, and Paul Dickinson catch up on what’s been happening in climate over the last few weeksーand what’s to come in 2023. First up, the team chats about their break and the importance of taking time to reflect and cultivate equanimity, self-care, and inner strength. And speaking of inner strength, what about the brave decision of New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, to leave office after five remarkable years? Our co-hosts weigh in with some thought-provoking insights. There’s talk of Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, the controversial pick to be the president of COP28—this year’s UN climate conference, which is set to be held in Dubai. Al Jaber is the Minister for Industry and Advanced Technology and Managing Director and Group CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). Check out Christiana’s Op-Ed on Al Jaber in The New Statesman.  This year will also mark the first global stocktake (GST), the process designed to assess the world’s progress toward achieving the purpose behind the landmark Paris Agreement.  Oh, and Paul’s “friend” wrote a poem about Christianaーyou’ll have to listen to find out what rhymes with “emissions.” Finally, we leave you this week with the beautifully haunting track “Oh Mother” from Sive.   Bye for now!   NOTES AND RESOURCES    To learn more about our planet’s climate emergency and how you can transform outrage into optimistic action subscribe to the podcast here. Tom recommends Stolen Focus by Johann Hari. Learn more about ChatGPT. Read Christiana’s Op-Ed about Dr. Sultan Al Japer in The New Statesman. Learn more about COP28.   MUSIC   Sive Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | Spotify | Bandcamp Check out Sive’s album ‘We Begin In Darkness’   Check out our sister-podcast, ‘The Way Out Is In’   Did you know we’re a TED Audio Collective Podcast? - Check it out! Check out more podcasts from The TED Audio Collective   Please follow us! Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview change-makers, and transform our anger into productive dialogue about building a sustainable future. In the final episode of 2022, co-hosts Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac, and Paul Dickinson look back at what transpired this year, what went well, what didn't, and what to expect in 2023. Plus, they have a conversation with spiritual leader Roshi Joan Halifax and highlight music from Windser. Reflecting on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the team addresses the profound tragedy of the war but also how it proved to be a watershed moment for exposing the vulnerability of fossil fuel markets. It appears the weaponization of energy has driven the world closer toward decarbonization. While 2022 was undoubtedly marked by tragedy, there was some good news, including three landmark legislative wins from the United States that contain meaningful provisions to address climate change. They also hailed the recent announcement from the U.S. Department of Energy about an unexpected breakthrough: Scientists at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) in California for the first time successfully generated more energy from a fusion reaction than what was required to produce it. And in another positive note, biodiversity is also getting a much-needed boost from the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).  Next, guest Roshi Joan Halifax provides a nourishing dose of inspiration with her thoughts on her lifelong spiritual journey, social and environmental engagement, and cultivating resilience in the face of increased uncertainty.  It’s the type of motivational close to the year we needed. As we all take stock, we’re reminded that we couldn’t do this without your support, and we thank you from the depths of our hearts for joining us on this journey to better understand our ability to come together to affect transformation in the world. Also, we wish environmental activist, Buddhist scholar, and dear friend Joanna Macy, a swift recovery as she recuperates from pneumonia in the hospital. You can find more about Macy and her work in the show notes below. Finally, we’ll leave you with the dazzling sounds of California singer/songwriter Windser. Have a wonderful holiday season, and we’ll see you in January 2023.   NOTES AND RESOURCES    To learn more about our planet’s climate emergency and how you can transform outrage into optimistic action subscribe to the podcast here.   Roshi Joan Halifax Instagram| Twitter | Facebook | flickr   Upaya Institute and Zen Center Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram   Here’s more on the Inflation Reduction Act 2022, the 2022 Budget Resolution And Reconciliation: How We Will Build Back Better, and the CHIPS Act of 2022.   Read more about the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15).    Find out more about fusion energy from the National Ignition Facility (NIF).   Listen to environmental activist, Buddhist scholar, and deep ecologist Joanna Macy on Outrage! + Optimism. Explore her celebrated book Active Hope.   MUSIC   Windser Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube    Watch the video for “Drift Away” Stream the new EP - “Where The Redwoods Meet The Sea” Watch Windser perform with Macklemore on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Also - Check out Windser’s AudioTree Live Session   It’s official, we’re a TED Audio Collective Podcast - Proof! Check out more podcasts from The TED Audio Collective   Please follow us! Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview change-makers, and transform our anger into productive dialogue about building a sustainable future. Who are our heroes? How do we select them? In addition to parents, families, partners, friends, comic book characters, or others on your list, you might want to add today’s guests. In this episode, co-host Christiana Figueres speaks with climate activists Mauricio Porras and Anuna De Wever about HERO一a climate tech startup on a mission to empower people to accelerate change in the world. Co-founder Porras and advisory board member De Wever share the inspiring story behind this extraordinary organization and platform一which enables subscribers to provide critical financial support to those on the frontlines of climate action. Links on how to subscribe are below! As climate activists, they are all too familiar with how draining such work can be. Most activists, in fact, must hold down other jobs to support themselves. This often becomes exhausting, and untenable一which can negatively impact the campaign’s momentum.  Find out how HERO creatively addresses this very real need for financial support while sharing highlights of activist journeys and connecting climate “mobilizers” (their term) with broader communities worldwide. It’s an uplifting conversation that touches on tech, finance, innovation, communication, climate, and some of the true heroes of the climate movement. You won’t want to miss it!  As the holiday season approaches please consider supporting the activist community by subscribing to a policy circle of your choice.   NOTES AND RESOURCES    To learn more about our planet’s climate emergency and how you can transform outrage into optimistic action subscribe to the podcast here.   HERO Hero Circle | Podcast | Website | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok   Mauricio Porras Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn    Anuna De Wever Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn  It’s official, we’re a TED Audio Collective Podcast - Proof! Check out more podcasts from The TED Audio Collective   Please follow us! Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview change-makers, and transform our anger into productive dialogue on building a sustainable future. In this jam-packed episode, co-hosts Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac, and Paul Dickinson catch up on news from the Earthshot Prize awards ceremony in Boston, the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP 15) in Montréal, insights from Conservation International’s Dr. M. Sanjayan, and music from Boyish. Christiana opens by recounting her time at the award ceremony for the Earthshot Prize一the world’s most prestigious environmental award. Highlights include the “green carpet” with such A-listers as Prince William, Billie Eilish, Annie Lennox, and David Beckham, among others, £5 million in prizes, and the extraordinary winners themselves. Christiana was actually brought to tears.  The team also previews the UN Biodiversity Conference COP15, which started Dec. 7. Conference dynamics are bound to be interesting since it’s being chaired by the Chinese delegation (a holdover from the cancellation of the in-person conference in 2020) but hosted by the Canadians in Montréal. Listen for all the details on “30 by 30,” the significance of biodiversity for global GDP, and more. Later, Conservation International CEO Dr. M Sanjayan shares his thoughts on the connection between climate and nature, why the nature agenda is一counterintuitively一running behind the climate agenda, and the forthcoming nature economy. We close the episode with music from the indie duo, Boyish. They’ve amassed more than 15 million streams across their catalog, received praise from publications including Billboard, Paper, Office Magazine, and Pigeons and Planes, and were the recipient of the 2021 LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Award. Enjoy their beautifully evocative track, “mom i think i'm gay”    Listeners, this is your last chance to complete our listener survey. Your feedback is important to us, and we’re deeply grateful for your ongoing support. Thank you!   Bye for now!   NOTES AND RESOURCES    To learn more about our planet’s climate emergency and how you can transform outrage into optimistic action subscribe to the podcast here.   Catch up with The Earthshot Prize 2022 Learn more about the UN Biodiversity Conference: COP15 in Montréal   Check out our sister-podcast, ‘The Way Out Is In’   Sanjayan, Ph.D. Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube   Conservation International Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube It’s official, we’re a TED Audio Collective Podcast - Proof! Check out more podcasts from The TED Audio Collective   MUSIC   Boyish Spotify | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook   Clay’s Pick of The Week:   Boyish Music Videos - Smithereens | Legs | Congratulations | Superstar BEL - Paul BigDawg (with Boyish)   Please follow us! Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.