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The Climate Question

Latest episodes

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Mar 30, 2025 • 23min

Your Questions Answered

Graihagh Jackson and guests tackle more of your intriguing questions: Why do we use big wind turbines instead of small ones? Can petrol and diesel vehicles be converted to EVs? And can floodwater be captured and stored? In the debate are Justin Rowlatt, BBC climate editor; Akshat Rathi, senior climate reporter for Bloomberg News and host of Bloomberg's Zero podcast; and Caroline Steel, presenter of BBC Crowdscience, If you have a question, email us at theclimatequestion@bbc.com or leave a WhatsApp message at + 44 8000 321 721Presenter: Graihagh Jackson Producer: Diane Richardson Production Coordinator: Brenda Brown Sound Mix: Dave O'Neill and Tom Brignell Editor: Simon Watts
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Mar 23, 2025 • 27min

How do you stop a megacity going under water?

Bangkok is a mega city of more than 10 million people, the economic powerhouse of Southeast Asia and one of the world’s most visited cities. Billions of dollars worth of new luxury real estate is planned as huge skyscrapers pierce the sky and become back drops to some of our biggest film and TV series. But there’s a problem, Bangkok is sinking; in fact, it’s one of the fastest sinking cities in the world.To make matters worse, climate change is affecting both sides of the city: sea levels are rising in the Bay of Bangkok, and water levels are increasing in the mighty Chao Praya river.Jordan Dunbar is in the Thai capital to find out: How do you stop a mega city sinking? Reporter: Jordan Dunbar Producers: Ellie House and Maew Wilawan Watcharasakwej Production Coordinator: Brenda Brown Sound Mix: Tom Brignell Editor: Simon WattsIf you have a question, email us at the climatequestion@bbc.com or leave a WhatsApp message at +44 8000 321 721
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Mar 19, 2025 • 23min

Can I save money and save the planet?

Experts say we need to be 40 per cent more energy efficient to meet our climate goals. Is that doable? And might it save us money too?It's a solution that's been called the main route to net zero: energy efficiency - or using less energy to get the same or better results. But there’s an issue – it's got an image problem as many people think it’s boring. And it is hard to get excited about the idea of better lightbulbs!But energy efficiency could save us money on our bills too - especially in a warming world, where many countries will need air conditioning just to function. So does this crucial area in the fight against climate change need a rebrand. And could it even become sexy?In a programme first broadcast in 2024, Presenter Jordan Dunbar talks to: Dr Rose Mutiso - Research Director Energy for Growth Hub Prima Madan – Director, Cooling & Energy Efficiency, International Natural Resources Defence Council, India Kofi Agyarko – Director of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, Ghana Energy Commission Thomas Naadi – BBC Correspondent, GhanaProduction Team: Ben Cooper, Octavia Woodward, Brenda Brown, Simon Watts Sound Design: Tom Brignellemail: theclimatequestion@bbc.comNOTE: The speech made by President Jimmy Carter mentioned in the programme, was made in 1977 not 1974, as stated.
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Mar 10, 2025 • 26min

Elon Musk and science, and polar bear encounters

Graihagh Jackson and BBC Climate Reporter Esme Stallard discuss the latest news from around the world - including a row at Britain's prestigious Royal Society about whether to expel Elon Musk, the latest numbers on the state of glaciers and a report from Germany on the future of the country's massive coal industry. Plus, Caroline Steel from the BBC's Crowdscience podcast has been finding out how Norwegians are protecting themselves from the growing number of encounters with polar bears.Presenter: Graihagh Jackson and Esme Stallard Reporters: Caroline Steel and Tim Mansel Sound engineer: James Beard, Neil Churchill and Tom Brignell Produced and Edited by Graihagh Jackson and Simon WattsIf you have a question, email us at the climatequestion@bbc.com or leave a WhatsApp message at +44 8000 321 721
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Mar 3, 2025 • 26min

Why are some countries fighting extreme cold?

In this engaging discussion, Khaliun Bayartsogt, a Mongolian reporter, shares her firsthand insights on the extreme winter challenges faced by the herders in Mongolia. She describes the harsh realities of 'dzuds,' where frigid temperatures devastate livestock and threaten traditional livelihoods. The conversation also unveils the effects of climate change and overgrazing, urging for sustainable solutions. Bayartsogt reflects on the struggle of herders to adapt while preserving their ancient nomadic culture amid these escalating crises.
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Feb 24, 2025 • 26min

How can we build mental resilience to climate change?

In this engaging discussion, Jyoti Mishra, an Associate Professor at UC focusing on climate and mental health, teams up with John Jamir Benzon R. Aruta, a specialist in environmental psychology from the Philippines. They dive into how communities can foster mental resilience against climate-related trauma, sharing inspiring stories from Northern California's wildfires and the Philippines' Manobo tribe. Key strategies include cultivating social support, integrating indigenous wisdom, and emphasizing collective healing to navigate the emotional toll of climate change.
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7 snips
Feb 17, 2025 • 26min

Who wins in the electric vehicles transition?

The race for zero-emission cars is heating up, with Hungary emerging as a key player in battery production. Debrecen is transforming into an electric vehicle hub, attracting billions in investment and creating tens of thousands of jobs. Rising rental prices and thriving local businesses show the economic boost, but community concerns linger about health and job security. As Hungary integrates into the global EV market, discussions around sustainable battery practices and energy supply highlight the challenges ahead in this exciting green revolution.
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Feb 10, 2025 • 23min

Is Climate Change ruining your relationship?

Explore the emotional strains of climate activism within families, highlighting tensions between generations. Couples share how differing views on climate action can impact relationships, with one couple limiting discussions to foster intimacy. Personal journeys through climate change reveal the transformative power of conversations, turning fear into empowerment. The importance of empathetic communication is emphasized, adding humor with a quirky interview featuring a professor in a banana costume.
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Feb 3, 2025 • 26min

Grace and Kisilu's Story

The Musya family from rural Kenya have become the stars of two documentaries, inspiring audiences around the world with their efforts to fight the impact of climate change.The award-winning 'Thank You For The Rain' shows how Kisilu Musya manages to keep his family on their farm by planting trees, diversifying their crops and adapting to more extreme weather events. 'Grace And The Storm' tells the story from the perspective of his daughter Grace and was made by CBBC for children around the world.The Climate Question visits the Musya farm in Kenya and talks to the documentary-maker Julia Dahr. Dahr directed 'Thank You For the Rain' and co-directed 'Grace And The Storm' with Dina Mwende. UK viewers can watch 'Grace And The Storm' via the link.Presenter: Jordan Dunbar Reporter in Kenya: Michael Kaloki Producers: Ellie House and Graihagh Jackson Sound Design: Tom Brignell Editor: Simon WattsIf you have a question, email us at theclimatequestion@bbc.com or leave a WhatsApp message at + 44 8000 321 721
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Jan 27, 2025 • 26min

Your questions answered: The speed of global warming; space junk; advice for kids

Justin Rowlatt, BBC climate editor, explores rapid climate change phenomena. Akshat Rathi, Bloomberg News senior climate reporter, discusses climate trends and the implications of space junk on the environment. Caroline Steel, presenter of BBC CrowdScience, shares insights on kids' questions about climate issues and survival skills. They dive into why the climate has shifted dramatically in the last 50 years, and a delightful young listener even shares a climate-themed song, adding a whimsical touch to the serious topic of our planet's future.

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