The Climate Question

BBC World Service
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4 snips
Nov 19, 2023 • 27min

What has COP achieved?

The podcast explores the achievements and challenges of COP over nearly three decades, including agreements like Kyoto and Paris. It discusses the erosion of trust, the need for increased finance, and the complexity of the climate change problem. It looks ahead to COP 28 and industry actions, and highlights the importance of inclusivity and collaboration. The significance of food is also discussed, emphasizing its role in survival and culture.
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Nov 12, 2023 • 27min

Why are climate scientists receiving abuse?

Guest Merlyn joins the conversation to discuss the abuse climate scientists face. They delve into climate misinformation on social media, controversy surrounding solar geoengineering and aviation emissions, harassment of climate scientists, and accusations of downplaying or exaggerating climate change claims.
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Nov 5, 2023 • 27min

Why does it matter that Greenland is melting?

Greenland is an island covered in a sheet of ice that is over 3km thick in places, containing 7.4 metres of average global sea level rise. Due to climate change, it’s melting at an astonishing rate. We meet some of the people being forced to rapidly adapt their traditional ways of life. And find out why ice loss means sea level rises for elsewhere in the world – but the opposite for the island itselfJoining presenter Graihagh Jackson are: • Mads Malik Fuglsang Holm, reporter in Greenland • Twila Moon, deputy lead scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Centre, University of Colorado, USA Email us : theclimatequestion@bbc.comProducer: Ben Cooper Series Producers: Simon Watts and Alex Lewis Editor: China Collins Sound Engineer: Tom Brignell Production Coordinators: Debbie Richford, Sophie Hill and Jacqui Johnson
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Oct 28, 2023 • 27min

Why did Ecuador vote to stop drilling for oil?

The Yasuni National Park in Ecuador forms part of the Amazon rainforest and is one of the most bio-diverse places on the planet. It also produces 60,000 barrels of oil per day. In a recent referendum, held as part of Ecuador’s Presidential elections, people voted to stop drilling for oil – including the newly elected President Daniel Noboa. We visit the town of El Coca – the gateway to the park - where the result thrilled people who are concerned about the climate. But many, especially those whose livelihoods depend on the oil industry, feel the opposite. Presenter Sophie Eastaugh speaks to: Lisette Arevalo, reporter in Ecuador Alejandra Santillana, activist with Yasunidos group in Ecuador who campaigned for the vote Fernando Santos, Ecuador’s Energy & Mining Minister Tessa Khan, climate lawyer and cofounder of the Climate Litigation Network, UK Navraj Singh Ghaleigh, Senior Lecturer in climate law at Edinburgh University, UK Email us: theclimatequestion@bbc.com Presenter: Sophie Eastaugh Producer: Greg Brosnan Production co-ordinators: Sophie Hill and Jacqui Johnson Series Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: China Collins Sound mix: Tom Brignell
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Oct 22, 2023 • 27min

How do our listeners stay positive on climate?

This week we hear from listeners about the ways they cope and how they remain positive on climate change. From being involved in a like-minded community, to taking action in everyday ways. Or just knowing that the brightest minds are pushing innovative climate solutions forward every day. In a wave of negative climate news, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about the future. Climate change is a real threat, and it’s normal to experience worry, but there are reasons to be positive. We hear from a psychologist about how ‘climate anxiety’ is a normal response to the uncertainty around us and from a Libyan climate activist about what motivates her, despite experiencing climate devastation in her own country. Presenters Jordan Dunbar and Graihagh Jackson are joined by;Susan Clayton, Professor of Psychology at The College of Wooster, USA. Nissa Bek ,climate activist and the founder of Project Mulan, LibyaWith thanks to listeners: Ben, Tim, Sarah, Brian, Michael, Tony, Sean and SolomonEmail us: theclimatequestion@bbc.comPresenters: Graihagh Jackson and Jordan Dunbar Producer: Osman Iqbal Series Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: China Collins Sound Engineer: Tom Brignell
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Oct 15, 2023 • 28min

Bill Gates: How I stay positive on climate change

Bill Gates, a tech billionaire turned philanthropist, discusses his positive outlook on climate change and his efforts through Breakthrough Energy to combat the crisis. They also talk about technological innovations for climate resilience in tropical zones, decreasing carbon footprint, promoting green aviation, individual action in addressing climate change, and wrapping up the conversation on staying positive on climate change.
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Oct 8, 2023 • 27min

How can we fight drought in the Horn of Africa?

The podcast explores the devastating impact of drought in the Horn of Africa, including food scarcity and displacement. It discusses climate adaptation strategies, the implementation of Early Warning Systems, and the barriers to government action. The Adsmiles technique is highlighted as a successful approach to prevent soil erosion and restore land. Re-greening efforts have shown positive results in combating drought, requiring changes in traditional livestock practices. The podcast also mentions a shift in community perception and an upcoming interview opportunity with the United Nations General Secretary.
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Oct 1, 2023 • 27min

Are disabled people forgotten in climate disaster plans?

Guests including Sébastien Jodoin discuss the disproportionate impact of extreme weather events on disabled individuals and the need for improved accommodations and inclusion in climate policies. The inclusion of accessibility measures in the infrastructure bill is also highlighted, emphasizing the importance of making society more accessible for all.
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Sep 24, 2023 • 27min

Can tourism ever be good for the climate?

This week, we’re off to Costa Rica, an eco-tourism hotspot in collaboration with BBC’s The Travel Show.Eco-tourism is big business - it’s forecasted to generate $103 billion annually by 2027. But how well do its green claims actually stack up when it comes to the climate? Presenter Qasa Alom visits the birthplace of Sea Turtle conservation, goes on patrol with a ranger protecting the forest from loggers and miners, and spots luxury tourist developments in the terrain of the puma. How big is tourism’s climate impact, and can this ever be mitigated by its benefits? Guests: Ralf Buckley, Director of the International Centre for Ecotourism Research, and Research Director of the Climate Response Program at Griffith University, Australia. Stefan Gossling, Professor at the Linnaeus University School of Business and Economics and Lund University's Department of Service Management If you have a question about climate change that you’d like us to answer, or a comment – please email them to theclimatequestion@bbc.com Presenter: Qasa Alom Producers: Sophie Eastaugh for The Climate Question and Jamie Hamilton for The Travel Show Researcher: Octavia Woodward Series Producer: Simon Watts Editor: China Collins Sound Engineer: Tom Brignell Production Coordinators: Sophie Hill, Jacqui Johnson
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22 snips
Sep 17, 2023 • 23min

What should I eat to help fight Climate Change?

Experts discuss the impact of food and drink on climate change, including greenhouse gas emissions and sustainable choices at the supermarket. They explore implementing a carbon tax on imported meat products and the benefits of organic farming. The podcast also addresses transportation and packaging's impact on the environment and emphasizes the importance of a plant-based diet and resilient local food systems.

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