The Climate Question

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? 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.

Leading climatologist Dr Friederike Otto discusses climate attribution science, determining if extreme weather events are caused by man-made climate change. The podcast explores how this data aids disaster planning and fights climate change misinformation by politicians and journalists.

In this extra episode, Graihagh Jackson hears from our friends on BBC podcast The Global Story about a case that could change the history of climate activism.For nearly a decade, a group of elderly women argued that Switzerland’s weak climate policies violated their human rights. Their victory – the first of its kind in the European Court of Human Rights – sets a precedent 46 countries must now follow. The BBC's climate reporter, Georgina Rannard, has been covering the case for years. She shares the women’s personal stories with presenter James Reynolds, while climate lawyer Sophie Marjanac explains what it could mean for those seeking climate justice everywhere.The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. They want your ideas, stories and experiences to help them understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email: theglobalstory@bbc.com or message/leave a voice note via WhatsApp: +44 330 123 9480.And remember you can also email your climate-related questions and comments to Graihagh and The Climate Question team at theclimatequestion@bbc.com.Production team for The Global Story: Laurie Kalus, Alix Pickles, Neal Razzell, Mike Regaard, Sergi Forcada Freixas, Sam Bonham.

Corals protect humans and sustain 25% of all marine life. But reefs are under threat from climate change, and mass bleaching events mean that some scientists estimate they could disappear by 2100. In this episode, Graihagh Jackson is joined by BBC CrowdScience presenter, Caroline Steel. We go to Puerto Rico to see how self-duplicating, carnivorous coral could be the solution. We also speak to the scientist who helped discover what was causing coral bleaching in the first place - back when climate change was commonly denied. Guests: Dr Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, Professor of Marine Studies at the University of Queensland in Brisbane Dr Stacey Williams, Executive Director at the Institute for Socio Ecological Research Presenters: Graihagh Jackson and Caroline Steel Producer: Octavia Woodward Production co-ordinator: Brenda Brown Editor: Simon Watts Sound Engineer: Tom Brignell Got a climate question you’d like answered? E-mail the team: theclimatequestion@bbc.com

Ammonia has dramatically changed food production but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Synthetic fertilizers account for 5% of these emissions, surpassing deforestation. The discussion includes innovative projects in Kenya aimed at reducing this carbon footprint while maintaining food production. Listeners will learn about groundbreaking green ammonia production using renewable hydrogen and the use of drones for precise fertilizer application to enhance efficiency. The podcast dives deep into balancing agricultural needs with environmental sustainability.

Explore the swift transition to electric vehicles in India, with over 50% being electric in Delhi. Learn about the benefits beyond climate change, like better air quality and energy security. Discover why electric two-wheelers are booming and what the rest of the world can learn from India's success.

Explore how climate change is affecting animal migration, from wildebeest in East Africa to sharks in the seas. Learn about disruptions in traditional migration patterns, decreased rainfall impacting behavior, and the decline in numbers visiting Kenya. Discover the vital role of wildebeest in preventing wildfires and preserving grasslands, as well as how sharks contribute to carbon storage in marine ecosystems. Dive into the emotional bond individuals share with migrating creatures and the importance of protecting them for climate change mitigation.

The podcast explores how extreme heat due to climate change affects pregnant women in India, with research showing double the risk of stillbirth, premature birth, low birth weight, and miscarriage. Personal stories highlight the challenges faced by women working in scorching agricultural fields. It discusses the need for simple solutions to make their work safer and the importance of providing proper facilities and care for pregnant women.

You asked, we answered. This week our expert panel dive into your questions. Can climate change cause earthquakes and volcanic eruptions? How bad are avocados for the environment? Is climate change reversible? Send your questions to: theclimatequestion@bbc.com Plus, a look at biofuels and vertical farming, China’s electric vehicle boom, and the apparent contradiction between more renewable energy and the continuing rise in planet-warming gases Join Graihagh Jackson and our expert panel: Dr Akshat Rathi, senior reporter for climate, Bloomberg; Justin Rowlatt, climate editor, BBC News; Prof Tamsin Edwards, climate scientist, Kings College London.

Discover sustainable living practices in a Danish eco village and modern homes. Explore the balance between individual actions and government policies to combat climate change. Learn how sustainable living can enhance quality of life and promote meaningful connections.