Why was the Climate Change Act such an important moment of UK leadership? Why did it happen when it did? And what were the politics that made it possible?Amy talks with Baroness Bryony Worthington, who campaigned for and then drafted the legislation. 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/

What’s it like to negotiate climate agreements with other countries? What are the most consequential power dynamics at the UN climate talks? And how does climate sit alongside other foreign policy objectives?Amy talks with Camilla Born, who held the pen on the strategy for COP26, the UN climate talks that the UK hosted in 2021. She then went on to be right-hand woman to the COP President, Alok Sharma, as his advisor. Produced and presented by Amy Mount. Edited by Sarah Eldridge. For more insights, read the Political Heat newsletter at https://politicalheat.substack.com/

Emma Pinchbeck, Chief Executive of Energy UK, discusses the intricacies of Britain's energy infrastructure and its massive implications for the upcoming general election. She compares the 2035 target of the Conservative Party with Labour's ambitious 2030 goal. Emma digs into how energy companies align with net zero objectives and the vital role of trade associations in policy negotiations. She emphasizes community involvement in infrastructure projects and the need for clear communication from political parties to navigate the turbulent waters of energy politics and decarbonization.

Does it matter what the UK does on climate change, when China’s annual emissions are now so much higher? Is it reasonable to ask “what about China?” - or is it a delaying tactic? And what assumptions does the question reflect about the pros and cons of climate action?Amy talks with Sepi Golzari-Munro, formerly executive director of the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit and now an independent writer, broadcaster and strategist.Produced and presented by Amy Mount. Edited by Sarah Eldridge. For more insights, read the Political Heat newsletter at https://politicalheat.substack.com/

Is our democracy up to the challenge of responding to climate change? What do MPs see as their role on climate? And how was it possible for the government to approve a new coal mine in Cumbria, despite being signed up to net zero?Amy talks with Rebecca Willis, Professor in Energy and Climate Governance at the Lancaster Environment Centre, and author of “Too hot to handle? The democratic challenge of 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/

How did the oil and gas industry become a force in UK politics? What tactics has it deployed to disrupt climate progress? And what would a fair transition to net zero look like, for the workers and communities that rely on North Sea drilling rigs?Amy talks with Tessa Khan, Executive Director at Uplift, which supports a rapid and just transition away from oil and gas production in the UK. Produced and presented by Amy Mount. Edited by Sarah Eldridge. For more insights, read the Political Heat newsletter at https://politicalheat.substack.com/

Will parties’ net zero policies help or hinder their electoral chances? How has public concern about the climate changed in recent years? And are Red Wall voters as sceptical about cutting carbon as is commonly assumed?Amy talks with Rachel Wolf, who co-wrote the Conservative Party manifesto in 2019 and is now founding partner at Public First, a policy and public opinion agency. Produced and presented by Amy Mount. Edited by Sarah Eldridge. For more insights, read the Political Heat newsletter at https://politicalheat.substack.com/

Political Heat is here to make sense of climate politics. We know the science tells us to phase out fossil fuels. But it’s politics that will determine how we do that. Whose voices matter in decision-making? Who will benefit - and who might lose out?Host Amy Mount brings two decades’ experience of environmental politics, policy and organising. She interviews a different guest each episode. You’ll hear from seasoned Westminster operators, savvy campaigners, business representatives, opinion pollsters, and more. They won’t give you a running commentary. Instead they’ll provide the context you need to understand what’s going on. What are the dynamics that underlie the media headlines? And how might progress be possible?Look out for new episodes every Wednesday.Keep in touch!Subscribe to the free newsletter that accompanies this podcast at https://politicalheat.substack.com/ Email PoliticalHeatPod@gmail.comFollow @PoliticalHeat24 on Twitter/X