Outrage + Optimism: The Climate Podcast

Welcome back to our series on the Future of Food! In this episode, we’ll explore the significance of adaptive transformation in global food systems.  How do farming and consumption play into creating an inclusive, just, and beautiful future?  From empowering women farmers in Africa, to telling the story behind every piece of organic produce, from considering food value over food price, to what to ask at your grocery store, we examine why urgent transformation is needed to protect the people – and land – growing our food against the increasingly devastating impacts of climate change.   You’ll hear from:   Wanjira Mathai | Vice President + Regional Director for Africa, World Resources Institute Volkert Engelsman | Founder + CEO, Eosta Jenipher Sambazi | Coffee Farmer + Vice Chair, Mount Elgon Agroforestry Community Cooperative Enterprise Elen Jones | Co-Founder + Director, Jenipher's Coffi Ed Davey | Policy + International Engagement Director, Food and Land Use Coalition + Co-Director, WRI UK Helena Leurent | Director General, Consumers International   So with food being at the heart and centre of the human story, there’s not a minute to waste. Let’s get on with it!   —   Christiana + Tom’s book ‘The Future We Choose’ is available now! Subscribe to our Climate Action Newsletter!   —   Mentioned links from the episode:   MORE LISTENING: Outrage + Optimism’s previous episodes on The Future of Food READ: What is Plum Village?   — Thank you to our amazing guests this week, Volkert Engelsman, Wanjira Mathai, Jenipher Sambazi, Elen Jones, Ed Davey and Helena Leurent!   Volkert Engelsman Founder and CEO, Eosta LinkedIn    Eosta  LinkedIn | Website   Nature & More  Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website   —   Wanjira Mathai Vice President & Regional Director for Africa, World Resources Institute (WRI) Twitter | LinkedIn | Website   WRI Africa  Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook   —   Jenipher Sambazi Coffee Farmer & Vice Chair, Mount Elgon Agroforestry Community Cooperative Enterprise (MEACCE)   MEACCE  Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Website   —   Elen Jones Co-Founder and Director, Jenipher's Coffi LinkedIn   Jenipher's Coffi  Instagram | Facebook | Website   —   Ed Davey Policy and International Engagement Director, Food and Land Use Coalition & Co-Director, WRI UK Twitter | LinkedIn   WRI  Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook   FOLU  Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn   —   Helena Leurent Director General, Consumers International Twitter | LinkedIn   Consumers International  Twitter | LinkedIn | Website   —   Keep up with Christiana Figueres online Instagram | Twitter   Tom Rivett-Carnac Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn   Paul Dickinson LinkedIn | Twitter   —   Follow @GlobalOptimism on social media and send us a message! Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn   Don't forget to hit SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss another episode of Outrage + Optimism! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All eyes are on Ukraine as we watch the horrific events unfold as a result of Russian aggression. Are we sliding toward a global catastrophe or seeing the birth of a new political order? How will we know which one awaits us? This week, we speak to former UK Foriegn Ministers David Miliband and the Rt Hon Lord William Hague. We pitch to them this question of, “how will we know which one awaits us?” as we admire the resilience of the people of Ukraine and witness the inextinguishable might of people power. Is this the ironic end of global energy dependence on a petrostate or the resurgence of fossil fuel infrastructure for the sake of energy independence? No simple answers ahead.   —   Christiana + Tom’s book ‘The Future We Choose’ is available now! Subscribe to our Climate Action Newsletter!   —   Mentioned links from the episode:   READ: William Hague’s piece from 2019 in The Telegraph - Conservatives Have to Take the Climate Crisis Seriously READ: David Miliband’s latest in NYT - Ukraine Presents a Moral Crisis, Not Just a Military One CATCH UP: Outrage + Optimism’s previous episodes on The Future of Food LISTEN: Our episode from Tuesday on the Latest IPCC Report   — Thanks to our guests this week, William Hague and David Miliband!   Rt Hon Lord William Hague Lord Hague of Richmond Twitter   David Miliband President & CEO | International Rescue Committee Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook    International Rescue Committee Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook    —   Keep up with Christiana Figueres online: Instagram | Twitter   Tom Rivett-Carnac: Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn   Paul Dickinson: LinkedIn | Twitter   —   Follow @GlobalOptimism on social media and send us a message! Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn   Don't forget to hit SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss another episode of Outrage + Optimism! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The latest IPCC Report from Working Group II on Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability comes at an unprecedented moment in human history. A moment too late to avoid all effects of climate change baked into an already 1.1C warmer world, and a moment not too late to adapt humanity and all species to our increasingly important target of only 1.5C of warming. In a strikingly clear connection this report makes between human and ecosystem vulnerability, the science is clear; Either we adapt, or we perish. Because between 3.3-3.6 Billion humans are currently living in areas “highly vulnerable to climate change”. So, with over 270 scientists that poured over 34,000 publications and assessed 127 risks  telling us to adapt now, Now, NOW! …how do we cut to the heart of those at the levers of economic and governmental power already dealing with war, famine, a pandemic, the list goes on. This week, Patrick Verkooijen, CEO of the Global Center on Adaptation joins us to lay out the findings of this next section of the IPCC report, and how tapping into humanity’s enlightened Self-interest (with a capital S) can take investment now into adaptation and promise exponential returns for humanity, as well as all species on Earth.   —   Christiana + Tom’s book ‘The Future We Choose’ is available now! Subscribe to our Climate Action Newsletter!   —   Mentioned links from the episode (and others):   READ: The IPCC Report: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability WATCH: IPCC Press Conference + Secretary-General of The UN’s Address LISTEN: Our Episode with Michael Mann on the previous Working Group I contribution to the IPCC Report   —   Thanks to our guest this week, Patrick Verkooijen!   Patrick Verkooijen CEO | Global Center on Adaptation Twitter | LinkedIn   Global Center on Adaptation Twitter | LinkedIn   —   Keep up with Christiana Figueres online: Instagram | Twitter   Tom Rivett-Carnac: Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn   Paul Dickinson: LinkedIn | Twitter   —   Follow @GlobalOptimism on social media and send us a message! Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn   Don't forget to hit SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss another episode of Outrage + Optimism! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“It doesn’t matter what your economy is. It’s just a matter of deciding of protecting your areas and committing to it.” Last week it was reported that the world’s governments are currently subsidizing our own destruction to the tune of $1.8 Trillion a year…yeah. Not good. What does it look like to turn these subsidies around to promote nature, clean energy, and equitable access to energy across continents? Maybe this week we have the answer, because in the midst of those irresponsible subsidies, this week we present a story of responsibility, political courage, and negativity! …The good kind. Erika Mouynes is the Minister of Foreign Affairs from Panama, a country that recently attained certified Carbon Negative status. How does a country with a fleet of ships that is the 8th largest emitter of greenhouse gases and an economy based on global trade go carbon negative? Minister Mouynes tells all in our interview. From implementing a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Fee, to the indigenous protection of land, and even some eco-surveillance in space, today’s episode is all about how a Minister of Forein Affairs goes absolutely Environmental. And stick around ‘til the end for the African Fusion Soul stylings of ‘Ganda Boys’.   Enjoy the show!   —   Christiana + Tom’s book ‘The Future We Choose’ is available now! Subscribe to our Climate Action Newsletter!   —   Mentioned links from the episode:   READ: ROADMAP TO REGENERATION: THE EARTHSHOT PRIZE SELECTION PRIORITIES 2022 READ: The Guardian - “World spends $1.8tn a year on subsidies that harm environment, study finds” READ: Yuval Noah Harari’s 2% More Campaign    —   Thanks to our guest this week, Minister Erika Mouynes!   Erika Mouynes  Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Panama Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn   Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de Panamá Twitter | LinkedIn   —   African Fusion Soul Group ‘Ganda Boys’ are our musical guest!   Ganda Boys Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | YouTube (Note from Clay - Be sure to check out their YouTube)   Ganda Foundation  Website   —   Keep up with Christiana Figueres online: Instagram | Twitter   Tom Rivett-Carnac: Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn   Paul Dickinson: LinkedIn | Twitter   —   Follow @GlobalOptimism on social media and send us a message! Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn   Don't forget to hit SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss another episode of Outrage + Optimism! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It took 40-50% of GDP to win WWII, 15% to manage COVID in 2020, so what can 2% do? Historian, philosopher, bestselling author (and newly welcomed activist!), Yuval Noah Harari joins us to highlight how investing just 2% of global GDP into developing eco-friendly technologies and infrastructure every year could avert “the apocalypse” as he puts it. His clear, down-to-the-essence thinking shines a bright light on a dark moment. Hit play to listen! And at the top of the episode, our hosts Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac, and Paul Dickinson discuss the latest UK fringe conservative rumblings of the “Net Zero Scrutiny Group” and how recent populism movements are a wolf in sheeps clothing for communities who feel disenfranchised by politicians and global energy price fluctuations alike. Plus! This week we have a special musical guest, “Ny Oh” with her song “Australia”. Stick around for that!   —   Christiana + Tom’s book ‘The Future We Choose’ is available now! Subscribe to our Climate Action Newsletter: Signals Amidst The Noise   —   Mentioned links from the episode:   LISTEN: Christiana guests on The Way Out Is In   —   Thanks to our guest this week, Yuval Noah Harari   Yuval Harari Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website   Sapienship  2% More | Website   —   The multi-talented, undeniable Ny Oh is our musical guest!   Ny Oh Instagram | YouTube | BandCamp | Spotify | Website | Facebook   Neon Gru Spotify | BandCamp | YouTube   —   Keep up with Christiana Figueres here: Instagram | Twitter   Tom Rivett-Carnac: Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn   Paul Dickinson: LinkedIn | Twitter   —   Follow @GlobalOptimism on social media and send us a message! Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn   Don't forget to hit SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss another episode of Outrage + Optimism! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, an earth-shattering comet of an episode as Christiana, Tom and Paul talk to the phenomenally talented Adam McKay about his 4 time Oscar nominated film Don’t Look Up! Writing and directing a comedy film about climate change is not a challenge for the faint hearted. Not only did Adam McKay take this challenge on, in doing so he created a tour-de-force which dominated global news feeds after its release, quickly took the position of 2nd most watched Netflix original and got EVERYONE talking about climate change.  Listen as he describes his journey of growing climate awareness, how he doesn’t think he will produce another piece of work that ISN’T about climate change, and the breaking news that France will be hosting its own series of ‘Just Look Up’ days as a result of the film. The hosts are also super charged this week as they tackle the global energy crisis head on, taking us on a whistlestop tour of the major issues that are being played out against an ever increasingly tense geopolitical backdrop. Can gas ever be considered green? What are the implications of this crisis on a swift green energy transition and stability of net zero ambitions? We think you’ll agree, we really did have it all this week didn’t we? And! Stick around til the end because playing us out this week is the incredibly talented Sibusile Xaba with his single ‘Angisenalutho’.   —   Christiana + Tom’s book ‘The Future We Choose’ is available now! Subscribe to our Climate Action Newsletter: Signals Amidst The Noise   —   Mentioned links from the episode:   JOIN: Don’t Look Up’s Count Us In Initiative! (And bring a friend!) READ: What if Climate Change Were Like a Comet? By Emily Atkin of HEATED WATCH: Rowanbank’s Positive Imaginings Films LISTEN: The Last Podcast Ever Made: A Don’t Look Up Podcast   —   Thanks to our guest this week, Adam McKay!   Adam McKay Writer | Director | Producer Twitter   HyperObject Twitter   —   The fantastic Sibusile Xaba is this week’s musical guest!   Sibusile Xaba Instagram | Facebook | BandCamp | YouTube | Twitter    —   Keep up with Christiana Figueres here: Instagram | Twitter   Tom Rivett-Carnac: Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn   Paul Dickinson: LinkedIn | Twitter   —   Follow @GlobalOptimism on social media and send us a message! Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn   Don't forget to hit SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss another episode of Outrage + Optimism! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do we know what we’re doing is really helping? What should we do now that the world is changing? A slow, intentional beginning to a new year after a racing finish to the last one raises some big questions for all of us in the climate space. This week, Christiana, Tom, and Paul set out the big topics for the year leading up to COP27. Yes, another one. Shifting long term pledges to short term deliverables. Moving financial institutions from high carbon assets to low carbon assets. Getting the data points that move the needle on reducing emissions on the desks of central governments- Solid, concrete, ambitious NDCs driven by the innovation and flexibility of the private sector is how we will prove ourselves to a Net Zero future. Listen in to hear how Christiana lays out how our Self-interest, with a capital “S”, is the key to unlocking our true collective potential. Welcome to Season 5!   Stick around for an intimate and cozy musical performance from Lilo!   —   Christiana + Tom’s book ‘The Future We Choose’ is available now! Subscribe to our Climate Action Newsletter: Signals Amidst The Noise   —   Mentioned links from the episode:   LISTEN: Overthinking IT by Willow (Paul’s recommendation) WATCH: Joy READ: The Book of Joy LISTEN: The Deep Time Walk O+O Episode   —   The incredible Lilo is our musical guest this week!   Lilo Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Music   —   Keep up with Christiana Figueres here: Instagram | Twitter   Tom Rivett-Carnac: Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn   Paul Dickinson: LinkedIn | Twitter   —   Follow @GlobalOptimism on social media and send us a message! Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn   Don't forget to hit SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss another episode of Outrage + Optimism! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

*This episode is best enjoyed on a pair of headphones or quality speaker system   Welcome to Season 5! We have a special season opener for you- An immersive sound journey through the history of Gaia, as told by Dr. Stephan Harding. Normally on the podcast we engage full-heartedly in the political, social, and economic debate surrounding everything climate, but today we set aside the time to sit comfortably, relax, and learn to “walk well into the life of Gaia” as Stephan puts it. Stephan has had a massive influence on the climate movement in the way of inspiring global leaders to shift their world view of life to a Gaian view of life. We have the privilege of sharing an exercise of that shift with all of you. But just before we go on this meditation together, we are taking a mindful breath as we acknowledge the passing of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. He was a global spiritual leader, poet, and an environmental and peace activist, known for his powerful teachings and bestselling writings on mindfulness and peace. Christiana, at the top of the episode, shares a few beautiful words about him and how grateful we are to have such influential teachers in our life. Our hearts are with the Plum Village and all the Sanghas around the world who are continuing Thich Nhat Hanh’s incredible legacy and teachings. It is in this spirit of deep gratitude and stubborn optimism for the continuation of our teachers that we offer you this audio journey of The Deep Time Walk.   Enjoy!   —   Christiana + Tom’s book ‘The Future We Choose’ is available now!   Subscribe to our Climate Action Newsletter: Signals Amidst The Noise   —   Mentioned links from the episode:   READ: Zen and The Art of Saving The Planet by Thich Nhat Hanh LISTEN: The Way Out is In Podcast (A Podcast Co-Produced by Global Optimism) DOWNLOAD: The Deep Time Walk App CHECK OUT: The Deep Time Walk Field Kit LEARN MORE: Deep Time Walk Project   —   Thank you to our guest this week, Dr. Stephan Harding! Dr. Stephan Harding Deep Ecology Research Fellow | Senior Lecturer in Holistic Science  Author of Animate Earth and Gaia Alchemy   LINKS:   Schumacher College Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn   Deep Time Walk Website — Keep up with Christiana Figueres here: Instagram | Twitter   Tom Rivett-Carnac: Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn   Paul Dickinson: LinkedIn | Twitter   —    Follow @GlobalOptimism on social media and send us a message! Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn   Don't forget to hit SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss another episode of Outrage + Optimism! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s no pathway to capping our global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius without protecting and restoring nature. That’s the lay of the land according to The Rt Hon Lord Goldsmith, Minister for the Pacific and the International Environment - our final guest for 2021. At the close of a year that’s seen enormous momentum to incorporate forests and land use well and truly into the climate agenda, Lord Goldsmith shares insights into the context and his vision for the next twelve months. So, where do we stand now? Among the remarkable outcomes of COP26 was a commitment to halting and reversing forest loss and land degradation by 2030. Signed by 141 countries, the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forest and Land Use covers an incredible 90 percent of global forest. We also saw meaningful progress at this year’s Convention on Biological Diversity in Kunming. And the direction of travel? Our ultimate challenge and goal, Lord Goldsmith says, is to reconcile our economy with our natural world – and now has to be the turning point. So! Join us for a reflection on some major moments on the podcast this past year and a look into this turning point moment. Can we reduce emissions by 7% each consecutive year from here on out? And - we have a holiday-themed song this year as our last song of the season! A special acoustic performance of “It’s Christmas” by Callum Beattie. Stick around for it! Thank you for a great season!   —   Christiana + Tom’s book ‘The Future We Choose’ is available now! Subscribe to our Climate Action Newsletter: Signals Amidst The Noise   —   Mentioned links from the episode:   Read: Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration On Forests and Land Use Donate: Steps To Hope   —   Thank you to our guest this week:   Zac Goldsmith (Rt Hon Lord) Minister for the Pacific and the International Environment Twitter   UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Twitter | LinkedIn    Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Twitter | LinkedIn   —   Callum Beattie is our musical guest!   Callum Beattie Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Website | Music   DONATE: Steps To Hope   Steps To Hope Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Donate   —   Keep up with Christiana Figueres here: Instagram | Twitter   Tom Rivett-Carnac: Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn   Paul Dickinson: LinkedIn | Twitter   —   Follow @GlobalOptimism on social media and send us a message! Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn   Don't forget to hit SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss another episode of Outrage + Optimism! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode we continue our series debriefing COP26 and take a look at the climate movement for their perspective on the outcomes of the Glasgow Climate Pact. Staying optimistic and fighting for climate justice - because indeed our lives depend on it - is a rightful approach to the conversation. And yet, the clock is ticking. What’s the reality behind fast-tracking our path to only a 1.5 world? Today, we talk to Jennifer Morgan, Executive Director at Greenpeace International, who joins us to discuss how shifting mindsets and systems are crucial in finding alternative development models and dismantling systems of oppression. Jennifer lays out how we can rebuild trust between those on the proverbial “inside” and “outside”. Because, whilst we have seen a huge coming together of stakeholders, movements and mindsets, this conversation focuses on understanding why we hear some voices proclaim a historic and generational win, while others voice a more depleted and disappointed point of view at the lack of urgency and responsibility by those in positions of power. The reality is that both are true. Join us in piecing together the puzzle and understanding deeper our role in the movement as a podcast.  And don’t miss IDER, our musical artist with their song, BORED- a song born out of frustration  at the profit structures behind corporate power and false advertising.   —   Christiana + Tom’s book ‘The Future We Choose’ is available now! Subscribe to our Climate Action Newsletter: Signals Amidst The Noise   —   Mentioned links from the episode:   From Paul: A Climate of Concern (“When Shell was Greenpeace”) From Paul: Lawsuit - The People of California vs Big Oil   DONATE: Greenpeace International   —   Thank you to our guest this week:   Jennifer Morgan | Executive Director of Greenpeace International Twitter | LinkedIn   Greenpeace Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | LinkedIn   DONATE to Greenpeace   —   The incredible Ider is our musical guest this week!   Ider Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music   —   Keep up with Christiana Figueres here: Instagram | Twitter   Tom Rivett-Carnac: Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn   Paul Dickinson: LinkedIn | Twitter   —   Follow @GlobalOptimism on social media and send us a message! Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn   Don't forget to hit SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss another episode of Outrage + Optimism! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.