The Climate Question

In this discussion, Theo Leggett, the BBC’s International Business Correspondent, and Anjani Trivedi, Global Business Correspondent at The Economist, delve into the booming popularity of SUVs. They explore the allure of larger vehicles for consumers, from safety to status symbols, and reveal how manufacturers profit from this trend. The conversation highlights environmental concerns, including how heavier cars negate efficiency gains and the rising presence of electric SUVs. They also discuss potential policy measures to curb this trend and the future of smaller, more practical cars.

In a lively cabinet meeting simulation, climate scientist Adam Levy, known for his ClimateAdam YouTube channel, pitches innovative methane-reduction strategies in agriculture. Radhika Khosla, an urban climatologist from the University of Oxford, advocates for smarter building designs to enhance energy efficiency and passive cooling methods. They discuss practical, quick fixes to tackle methane emissions, mitigate urban transport issues, and manage building emissions, all while exploring how these quick wins can build public confidence for broader climate action.

Whales are among the largest animals to have ever lived – and scientists are discovering they also play a big role in the climate system. From the food they eat to where their waste and bodies end up, whales help move carbon from the atmosphere to the deep ocean, where it can be locked away for centuries.This week, Graihagh Jackson and Jordan Dunbar explore what whales can tell us about climate change – and how warming seas may be affecting them in return. They speak to Victoria Gill, BBC Science Correspondent, about new research analysing Antarctic seabed samples to trace how whale populations influence long-term carbon storage.They also hear from Helen Czerski, physicist, oceanographer and author of Blue Machine: How the Ocean Shapes Our World, about one of the most surprising scientific records of all: whale earwax – and how it reveals stress levels in the changing oceans.Guests: Victoria Gill, BBC Science Correspondent Helen Czerski, Professor of the Environment and Society, University College LondonHosts: Graihagh Jackson and Jordan Dunbar Production Team: Grace Braddock, Tom Brignell, James Piper, Diane Richardson, Nik Sindle Editor: Simon WattsGot a question or a comment? You can email us: theclimatequestion@bbc.com

We answer YOUR climate questions – on everything from “green” careers to ice cores to the world’s electricity challenge! In this edition of The Climate Question, Host Graihagh Jackson explores your climate-related headscratchers. Her panel chat about the new jobs that will open up as the world economy moves away from fossil fuels – and the skills that will be needed. They also discuss the dangers of nitrous oxide – a planet-warming gas, but also crucial for the fertilisers that help feed us. And have you ever wondered how scientists actually date the ice cores they dig out of glaciers. Some of them are 100,000s of years old! Plus: the controversial scientists who’ve won the Nobel Prize, and is there anywhere on Earth that’s untouched by humans? Host: Graihagh Jackson Guests: BBC Climate Editor Justin Rowlatt, BBC CrowdScience Presenter Caroline Steel, and Akshat Rathi, Bloomberg Senior Climate Reporter and Host of the Bloomberg Green podcast.Production Team: Diane Richardson, Nik Sindle, Graihagh Jackson, Grace Braddock Sound Mix: Tom Brignell Editor: Simon WattsGot a question or a comment? You can email us: theclimatequestion@bbc.com

In this engaging discussion, Mariko Oi, a presenter for BBC World Service's Asia Pacific, leads the conversation on the recent deadly floods in Southeast Asia. The guest experts, Graihagh Jackson and Jordan Dunbar, delve into how climate change has intensified storms and flooding, linking warmer oceans to heavier rainfall. They highlight the unique vulnerabilities of urban areas and explore innovative solutions like mangrove restoration and urban planning to mitigate future disasters. The conversation also touches on the economic challenges of adaptation.

Helen Czerski, an oceanographer and physicist at University College London, shares fascinating insights about the ocean's critical role in climate and civilization in this conversation. She discusses her adventures collecting data during tumultuous storms, revealing the challenges of conducting research at sea. Helen defines the ocean as a 'blue machine' that regulates weather and climate while supporting food systems. She highlights how the ocean absorbs heat and carbon, illustrating its vital part in buffering climate change and the intricate interconnectedness of ecosystems.

In this engaging exploration, Noemi Shidlo from CATL discusses the ambitious plans for a massive battery factory in Debrecen, promising thousands of jobs. Hungary's National Economy Minister Marton Nagy highlights the country's strategy to foster local battery production and attract major car manufacturers like BMW. Local business owners reveal how this boom is transforming the local economy, while residents share their concerns over rising rents and environmental issues. The conversation dives into the balance between economic growth and sustainability in Hungary's electric vehicle transition.

In this discussion, Justin Rowlatt, the BBC Climate Editor, shares live updates from COP30 in Brazil, painting a vivid picture of the event's chaos—including floods and protests. Adil Najam, an expert in international climate policy, critiques the divisive outcomes and emphasizes the need for fairness in a just transition. David Victor highlights how smaller groups may accelerate climate action through innovation. Dr. Musonda Mumba stresses the importance of wetlands in resilience while critiquing stagnant finance, underscoring the urgent need for effective international cooperation.

Dive into the shadowy world of lobbyists with the story of Don Pearlman, a master strategist who hindered climate negotiations from the 1990s onward. Discover the tactics he employed, like manipulating language and exploiting NGO access, to stall crucial agreements like the Kyoto Protocol. Learn how his influence shaped modern lobbying and left a legacy that still impacts today's climate discussions. As COP30 unfolds, reflect on the ongoing struggle between fossil fuel interests and the push for genuine action on climate change.

Peter Brannen, a science journalist and author, joins Esme Stallard, a BBC climate reporter with a geology background, to discuss the pivotal role of carbon dioxide in shaping Earth’s climate history. They unravel how CO2 drives photosynthesis and influences ice ages. The conversation dives into how increased fossil fuel usage has led to alarming atmospheric CO2 levels. They explore the potential consequences of our current trajectory and emphasize human agency in altering climate change outcomes. A fascinating look at the ancient and present impact of this crucial molecule!