Outrage + Optimism: The Climate Podcast
Persephonica and Global Optimism
Outrage + Optimism: The Climate Podcast is for anyone who is not ready to give up on making the world a better place. For unrivalled conversations with decision makers, visionary thinkers and a community of like-minded climate optimists, join former UN climate chief Christiana Figueres, political strategist Tom Rivett-Carnac and sustainable business consultant Paul Dickinson. Each week they make sense of all the top climate news stories, go behind the scenes at crucial talks and ensure you stay informed and inspired ahead of what is set to be the consequential year for climate action.As we approach the middle of the decisive decade for world emissions, and the 10 year anniversary of the Paris climate agreement, subscribe to Outrage + Optimism: The Climate PodcastAnd join us for our special Inside COP series with co-host Fiona McRaith where we bring you behind the scenes of COP30 in Belém! And to see video content from the show, follow us on LinkedIn, and Instagram. Got a question? Send us a voice message.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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 6, 2025 • 44min
Inside the Earthshot Prize 2025: Royal Vision, Real Change
Jason Knauf, CEO of The Earthshot Prize, shares insights on the Prize's transformative global vision inspired by a trip to Africa. He emphasizes the importance of optimism in addressing climate challenges. Highlights include discussions on empowering Indigenous communities to protect forests, innovative finalists like Lagos Fashion Week's circular fashion, and floating hospitals providing essential services in Bangladesh. The episode captures the creative potential of environmental innovation as a beacon of hope amid daunting climate news.
Oct 30, 2025 • 39min
Inside COP: Looking for a Plan in Finance - the trillion dollar transition
In this discussion, guest host Sue Reid, a Climate Finance Advisor at Global Optimism, breaks down the complexities of climate finance and emphasizes its crucial role in policy-making and market shifts. Joined by Avinash Persaud of the Inter-American Development Bank, they explore innovative solutions like debt swaps and the ReInvest+ initiative designed to channel private capital into developing countries. They also tackle the glaring gaps in the current climate goals and the need for smarter capital use to address climate vulnerabilities, with COP30 positioned as a potential turning point.
13 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 45min
Inside COP: Teaming Up for the Planet - The Global Mutirão
André Guimarães, the Special Envoy for Civil Society for Brazil's COP30 presidency, dives into the Global Mutirão concept, highlighting its roots in Indigenous cooperation for collective climate action. He explains how this initiative aims to unite citizens and governments, making climate engagement personal and impactful. Additionally, Laura Moraes from Earth FC discusses leveraging the passion of football to rally millions around climate activism, showcasing how sports can drive community engagement and urgency in addressing climate change.
8 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 38min
Inside COP: The New World Order - power, politics and the green pie
Christiana Figueres, former UNFCCC Executive Secretary, shares insights on the complexities of geopolitics at COP30, emphasizing the need for collaboration among rising powers like Brazil and the BRICS. Bernice Lee from Chatham House discusses the evolving landscape of multipolar geopolitics and resource security, highlighting the competition for the 'green pie.' The conversation covers the implications of US withdrawal, the crucial role of minerals in shaping alliances, and how China's investments could create a more robust climate action framework.
6 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 47min
Inside COP: A New Economy Rising - from promises to progress
Aniket Shah, Global Head of ESG and Sustainable Finance at Jefferies, discusses the pivotal role of capital flows in driving sustainable investment, emphasizing the need for policy-driven low-carbon growth. Daniel Gajardo, co-founder of Reciprocal, shares insights on how Latin American entrepreneurs are crafting localized climate solutions, like biotech innovations. Together, they explore the essence of COP30 as a moment for real climate action implementation, bridging promises with tangible outcomes in the new green economy.
Oct 3, 2025 • 37min
Remembering Jane Goodall
In a touching tribute, renowned primatologist and conservationist Jane Goodall is remembered through heartfelt reflections from her close friend, Mary Lewis, Vice President of the Jane Goodall Institute. They discuss Jane’s incredible humility and her unique ability to make everyone feel special, from children to global admirers. Mary shares inspiring anecdotes about Jane’s relentless work ethic and her emphasis on collaboration over competition. The conversation also highlights Jane's belief in local action leading to global change and her unwavering hope in youth to drive a better future.
15 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 49min
Inside COP: How to Build a COP
Thais Bilenky, a Brazilian political journalist, shares insights on Brazil's domestic politics and the upcoming COP30 in Belém. She discusses Lula's strategies on the global stage and the tensions between national policies and regional interests. Bilenky highlights the delicate balance of conservation and economic development, especially in the context of Pará. She explains how the location of COP30 reflects political dynamics and addresses Brazilian skepticism about the summit's true impact, shedding light on public perceptions around climate action.
10 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 1h 1min
Inside COP: The countdown to COP30 at New York Climate Week
Ana Toni, CEO and pivotal figure in the COP30 presidency, shares insights on the road to COP30. She emphasizes the importance of Nationally Determined Contributions and the necessity for collaboration, especially in fostering inclusion of indigenous and Global South leadership. The discussion also highlights Brazil's Mutirão concept for large-scale climate initiatives and the shift towards implementation-driven climate actions. Toni calls for a focus on the quality of NDCs, advocating for grassroots innovation and strong civil society engagement in tackling the climate crisis.
4 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 1h 6min
From Courtrooms to Statehouses: The US Climate Pushback
Sophia Li, an award-winning journalist and climate storyteller, co-hosts a lively discussion with Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha, who is battling to revive the Revolution Wind project, facing off against federal regulations. Musician and climate advocate Adam Met shares his Neo-Industrial Revolution declaration, urging a new language around climate engagement that connects with everyday life and job creation. They explore state and local climate actions, highlighting grassroots movements and the shift from individual solutions to structured civic engagement.
9 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 44min
Beyond the Bad News: Evidence for Climate Optimism
Ani Dasgupta, President & CEO of the World Resources Institute and author of 'The New Global Possible', joins the hosts to discuss the pressing climate crisis. He emphasizes that optimism is crucial for driving meaningful change, despite daunting challenges and stalled treaties. Dasgupta shares inspiring examples of global progress, such as electric buses in Kentucky and resilience strategies in Bangladesh. He underscores the importance of mobilizing collective will and innovative solutions to navigate obstacles and achieve a sustainable future.
