Political Heat

Chaitanya Kumar, Head of Economic and Environmental Policy at the New Economics Foundation, offers deep insights into the intersection of energy prices and climate policy. He discusses how the push for net-zero targets could impact household bills, especially for vulnerable populations. The conversation highlights the rising energy costs linked to geopolitical events and the burden on consumers. Kumar emphasizes the need for effective government interventions to alleviate financial strain while ensuring inclusivity in the transition to renewable energy.

Where can the UK look for international allies on climate? What strategic questions must the government grapple with? And where is there most risk?Amy talks with Laura Chappell, Associate Director for International Policy at progressive think tank IPPR, the Institute for Public Policy Research.Produced and presented by Amy Mount. Edited by Sarah Eldridge. For more insights, read the Political Heat newsletter at https://politicalheat.substack.com/

How did the environment fare during the Conservative Party’s recent time in power? What does the UK’s experience tell us about the opportunities to make progress on climate under a right-wing government? And what are the limitations of conservative politics, when it comes to addressing the environmental crisis?Amy talks with Meg Trethewey, a former Special Adviser in 10 Downing St and Defra, and Sam Hall, Director of the Conservative Environment Network.Produced and presented by Amy Mount. Edited by Sarah Eldridge. For more insights, read the Political Heat newsletter at https://politicalheat.substack.com/

What role do protests play in climate activism? How have tactics changed over time? And when is controversy constructive?Amy talks with Hannah Martin, Co Executive Director at Green New Deal Rising, which is a movement of young people fighting to stop climate change. Produced and presented by Amy Mount. Edited by Sarah Eldridge. For more insights, read the Political Heat newsletter at https://politicalheat.substack.com/

Why is it important to think about the places we live, work and experience, when responding to climate change? Why do local communities matter to climate action - and vice versa? And what opportunities and constraints do communities face? Amy talks with Danielle Walker-Palmour, the Director of Friends Provident Foundation, which works towards a fair and sustainable economic system. Danielle’s rich experience spans social investment and social policy in a number of fields.Produced and presented by Amy Mount. Edited by Sarah Eldridge. For more insights, read the Political Heat newsletter at https://politicalheat.substack.com/

Is a better world possible? Why are the stories we tell so important in the politics of climate? And what’s the relationship between social and environmental tipping points? Amy talks with Solitaire Townsend, co-founder and Chief Solutionist at “change agency” Futerra.Produced and presented by Amy Mount. Edited by Sarah Eldridge. For more insights, read the Political Heat newsletter at https://politicalheat.substack.com/

How can Parliament force progress on climate when the Government is resistant? What does it take for backbench MPs to amend legislation? And how does their power wax and wane as the composition of Parliament changes?Amy talks with Isabella Gornall, who is Founder and Chair of Seahorse Environmental, a politics and communications agency. Produced and presented by Amy Mount. Edited by Sarah Eldridge. For more insights, read the Political Heat newsletter at https://politicalheat.substack.com/

How did scrapping a climate target bring down a First Minister? What would a good transition to net zero look like in Scotland? And what should be the climate priorities for the Scottish Government's new leadership?Amy talks with Miriam Brett, Co-Director of the Future Economy Scotland think tank. Future Economy Scotland is non-partisan and aims to create a new economy that is, in its words, “democratic, sustainable and just”.Produced and presented by Amy Mount. Edited by Sarah Eldridge. For more insights, read the Political Heat newsletter at https://politicalheat.substack.com/

How can the government drive investment into the net zero transition? What opportunities and constraints does it face? And why did the Labour Party adopt - and then drop - its £28bn green investment commitment?Amy talks with Carys Roberts, one of the UK’s leading thinkers on economic policy. She’s executive director of the Institute for Public Policy Research, a progressive think tank.Produced and presented by Amy Mount. Edited by Sarah Eldridge. For more insights, read the Political Heat newsletter at https://politicalheat.substack.com/

How has climate politics in the UK been shaped by this country’s longer history of environmentalism? Do economic arguments fully capture what’s at stake in climate policy? And how can we navigate tensions between action for the climate and the countryside?Amy talks with Dame Fiona Reynolds, a former Director-General of the National Trust, and author of The Fight for Beauty: Our Path to a Better Future.Produced and presented by Amy Mount. Edited by Sarah Eldridge. For more insights and references, read the Political Heat newsletter at https://politicalheat.substack.com/