Outrage + Optimism: The Climate Podcast

Persephonica and Global Optimism
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4 snips
Feb 9, 2023 • 1h 5min

186. The Breakthrough Effect

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.
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Feb 2, 2023 • 57min

185. Welcome to 2023

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.
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Dec 15, 2022 • 1h 9min

184. Last Episode of 2022: Strong Back, Soft Front

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.
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Dec 13, 2022 • 35min

183. And Then a HERO Comes Along

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.
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Dec 8, 2022 • 1h 8min

182. COP15: Nothing Without Nature!

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.
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Dec 1, 2022 • 1h 17min

181. A U.S. Special: Making The Irresistible Irreversible!

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 episode, co-hosts Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac go deep into U.S. domestic energy policy with guests U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm and White House Deputy National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi. First up, the critical topic of energy justice: Granholm updates the team on the Justice40 Initiative, in which an unprecedented 40 percent of federal energy investments are earmarked for disadvantaged and historically underserved communities that are overburdened by pollution. The plans, which seek to reckon with deep-seated inequities, are ambitious, exciting, and groundbreaking. Speaking of action, Tom and Christiana’s next guest is optimist and White House Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi. He contends the U.S. is on a positive linear trajectory and accelerating exponentiallyーnot just in clean energy or emissions reduction but in terms of the political economy backing these actions. Get the scoop on how federal agencies and departments are pushing forward together.  We finish the episode with the beautiful track “Until the Day” by Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter BEL. Additional details are included in the show notes below.    You won’t want to miss a second of this electrifying episode!   Listeners, please take a minute to complete our listener survey. Your feedback is important to us, and we’re deeply grateful for your ongoing support. Thank you!   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.   Please complete our listener survey here   Jennifer M. Granholm, Secretary U.S. Department of Energy. Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook   Find out more about the Justice40 Initiative Ali Zaidi, White House Deputy National Climate Advisor  Twitter | | LinkedIn Learn about the National Climate Task Force   Here’s more on the Inflation Reduction Act 2022 and the 2022 Budget Resolution And Reconciliation: How We Will Build Back Better legislation   It’s official, we’re a TED Audio Collective Podcast - Proof! Check out more podcasts from The TED Audio Collective   MUSIC   BEL Spotify | Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud | YouTube   Please follow us! Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Nov 29, 2022 • 45min

180. TED Countdown Dilemma Series: Is There a Role for Carbon Credits in the Transition to a Fair, Net-Zero Future?

Today, a special TED Countdown conversation for you! In June 2022, TED’s climate initiative, Countdown, launched its Dilemma Series: events designed to look at some of the “knots” in the climate change space, where diverging positions have stalled progress and solidified into an inability to collaborate across differences.  What we offer today is one of the conversations recorded as part of that event between Outrage + Optimism host Tom Rivett-Carnac, and academic, writer, and author Professor James Dyke.  The event focused on the question: Is there a role for carbon credits in the transition to a fair, net-zero future?  We hope that Tom and James' ‘agreeable disagreement’ on this often divisive issue will be taken as an invitation to listen deeply, keep an open mind and get a little wiser on a complex topic. Please follow the links below to view the fantastic film produced by the TED Countdown team, and gain a greater insight and understanding on the topic of carbon credits but also the process of holding space for such conversations to take place.  Carbon credits is a contentious subject that prompted some discomfort, disagreement and, ultimately, a renewed sense of possibility. Enjoy We want to hear from you! Fill our our LISTENER SURVEY - Thank you! To learn more about our planet’s climate emergency and how you can transform outrage into optimistic action subscribe to the podcast here. It’s official, we’re a TED Audio Collective Podcast - Proof! Check out more podcasts from The TED Audio Collective. TED Countdown Dilemma Series TED Countdown Dilemma Series Intro Film | Blog | TED Countdown Website | Instagram | YouTube | Twitter Professor James Dyke Website | Twitter Follow us on Social Media Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Nov 24, 2022 • 1h 18min

179. The Best of Times, The Worst of Times

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.” Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities 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 episode, co-hosts Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac, and Paul Dickinson give their concluding thoughts on COP27, followed by Tom’s interview with Rory Stewart OBE FRSGS FRSL一former Conservative cabinet minister, diplomat, soldier, author, academic, charitable entrepreneur, and podcaster一a true polymath if there ever was one. We close the episode with music from British singer-songwriter L.A. Salami and his captivating single, “Desperate Times, Mediocre Measures.”   Enjoy the show!   NOTES AND RESOURCES    We want to hear from you! Fill our our LISTENER SURVEY - Thank you! To learn more about our planet’s climate emergency and how you can transform outrage into optimistic action subscribe to the podcast here. Explore more about COP27. It’s official, we’re a TED Audio Collective Podcast - Proof! Check out more podcasts from The TED Audio Collective.   Rory Stewart  Twitter | The Rest is Politics | Wikipedia   GiveDirectly Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube MUSIC   L.A. Salami  Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | Apple Music Watch the amazing video for “Desperate Times, Mediocre Measures.”   All his incredible music videos are here - WATCH Clay’s Pick of The Week - ‘Things Ain’t Changed’   Follow us on Social Media Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Nov 17, 2022 • 1h 1min

178. COP27: Why the Money Flow is Slow

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 episode, co-hosts Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac, and Paul Dickinson share their reflections on COP27. We also have music from South Africa’s Daily Maverick, featuring the brilliant vocalist, Anneli Kamfer. Tom is back from Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, where he spent several days at COP27, the UN’s annual climate conference. The trio discusses whether the international commitment to contain global warming to 1.5°C一now that the target seems to be moving out of reach一is as robust as it should be. Is conference messaging, such as “[We are] resolved to pursue efforts,” as strong as it should be? Next, there’s good and bad news on “Loss and Damage.” This refers to the responsibility of industrialized nations for the climate crisis and the moral case for compensating poorer countries suffering disproportionately from its consequences. Hear the breakdown and where the group stands on the progress of this critical issue. Other COP27 discussions cover balancing collective global action with internal political realities, strides in reversing deforestation, and Tom’s birthday! You won’t want to miss this engaging conversation!   Before we go to the music, hear our incredible ‘pass the mic’ segment where Zoe, our roving reporter, spent an afternoon capturing diverse voices from COP 27 delegates in the halls and corridors of the conference. Finally, we finish with our musical selection: “20Twenties: Eve of Destruction,” by the Daily Maverick, featuring the celebrated vocalist Anneli Kamfer.   Enjoy the show!   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. Explore more about COP27. It’s official, we’re a TED Audio Collective Podcast - Proof! Check out more podcasts from The TED Audio Collective.   MUSIC Listen to the full track “20Twenties: Eve of Destruction” from the Daily Maverick featuring acclaimed vocalist, Anneli Kamfer. Anneli Kamfer Facebook | Instagram Learn more about the Daily Maverick and the Our Burning Planet initiative.  Here’s a well-known version of Eve of Destruction, written by 19-year-old PF Sloan in 1965 and recorded soon after by Barry McGuire.   Follow us on Social Media: Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Nov 16, 2022 • 43min

177. Future of Food: Live from COP27

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 special episode we bring you the conclusion of our celebrated Future of Food  series, recorded live from COP 27.  Outrage + Optimism host Tom Rivett-Carnac pulls together an incredible line up of leaders to explore how food might act as the connecting force that engages communities and individuals and brings us all together in a united global movement. First, Tom takes the opportunity to catch up Per Heggenes, the CEO of The IKEA Foundation, to hear why food is of huge importance to his organisation's work and why Per believes food needs to stay top of the global agenda. Next, Tom convenes a fascinating and diverse group of guests in a unique and quirky setting: a blue shipping container repurposed in collaboration with Museum for the United Nations UN Live team and The IKEA Foundation using Global We portals, to bring the voices of people on the frontline of climate change, directly into the heart of climate conversations at COP27 via full length screens, set up in diverse global locations. Listen to the fascinating contributions from Tom's IRL guests  Paul Polman, Business Leader, Former CEO of Unilever and co-author of Net Positive; Liesbet Steer, Executive Director of the Education Commission; and Sophia Kianni climate activist, Executive Director of Climate Cardinals  and the youngest member on the United Nations Secretary-General's Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change; and our  Global We portal leaders from Kigali  Sarah Kenkuyu, Program Manager at GiveDirectly Rwanda; Kristian Gasaro, activist, Greenpreneur and photographer; and Tanignigui Siriki Soro, a writer and community leader from the Ivory Coast. The resulting conversation is as diverse and as fascinating as our guests themselves.    Enjoy the show!   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.   The IKEA Foundation Website | Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube Museum for the United Nations Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn GUESTS:  Per Heggenes Twitter |  Paul Polman LinkedIn | Website | Twitter |  Liesbet Steer  Twitter | LinkedIn |  The Education Commission Website | Twitter | Instagram Sophia Kianni LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Sarah Kenkuyu LinkedIn GiveDirectly LinkedIn | Twitter |  Facebook | Instagram Kristian Gasaro LinkedIn | Twitter Tanignigui Siriki Soro LinkedIn Want to participate in the COP27 Civic Imagination Lab? REGISTER HERE Also, explore more about COP27 It’s official, we’re a TED Audio Collective Podcast! Check out more podcasts from The TED Audio Collective Go listen to Abigael Kima’s coverage of COP27 on the Hali Hewa Podcast Click through to listen to more of our episodes on The Future of Food Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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