
The Climate Question
Why we find it so hard to save our own planet, and how we might change that.
Latest episodes

Dec 31, 2023 • 27min
Who's doing best on fighting climate change?
The podcast explores which countries are leading the fight against climate change, with a focus on Kenya and Costa Rica. It discusses how countries' climate action is tracked and rated, and highlights examples of developing countries making progress. The podcast also delves into Kenya's shift towards geothermal energy, President William Ruto's environmental policies, and Kenya's success in renewable energy. It concludes with reflections on the role of transport in fighting climate change.

Dec 24, 2023 • 28min
Can climate change ever be funny?
Budding comedian (and Climate Question presenter) Jordan Dunbar sets out to discover if humour can help us understand - and cope with - global warming. Jordan gets advice from comics and academics from around the world, and then performs his own climate change routine at a stand-up comedy venue in London.Presenter and part-time comedian: Jordan Dunbar
Full-time comedians: Dr Jason Leung, Njambi McGrath, Esteban Gast
Comedy history guru: Aaron Sachs, professor of history at Cornell University and author of Stay Cool: Why Dark Comedy Matters in the Fight Against Climate ChangeResearcher: Octavia Woodward
Producer: Osman Iqbal
Series producer: Simon Watts
Sound mix: Tom BrignellEmail us: theclimatequestion@bbc.com

17 snips
Dec 22, 2023 • 49min
Climate review of the year
Najma Mohamed, Head of Nature Based Solutions at the United Nations, discusses wonky weather patterns, clever energy solutions, tense diplomatic negotiations, rising temperatures, extreme weather events, climate litigation, tracking progress, upcoming global elections, challenges and opportunities for climate change actions.

Dec 15, 2023 • 28min
Was this year's climate summit a game-changer?
Was this year's climate summit a game-changer? Experts discuss the historic acknowledgment of fossil fuels' role in climate change but criticize the weak pledge to transition. The podcast explores COP 28 outcomes, urgent goals, and the challenge of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Language and media portrayal in the climate agreement are highlighted, along with the importance and skepticism of side deals made at the summit. Optimistic reflections on the summit are shared, inviting questions and announcing a future BBC World Service program.

Dec 7, 2023 • 24min
The 100 Women climate debate
A discussion with African activists and climate experts on the impact of climate change on women in rural Kenya. They discuss forced child marriage, displacement, and loss of access to education. Localization and mentorship are emphasized, as well as staying positive and taking action in the face of negative news about climate change.

Nov 27, 2023 • 27min
Should the UAE host a big climate summit?
Dr. Sultan Al-Jaber, CEO of ADNOC, discusses controversies surrounding the UAE hosting COP28, including his appointment as conference president. The podcast explores the contradictions in oil extraction and fighting climate change, the significance of hosting a big climate summit, and investigations into the UAE's use of UN and COP meetings for planning oil and gas deals.

Nov 26, 2023 • 31min
Your Climate Questions Answered
Climate Question Host Graihagh Jackson and BBC Climate Editor Justin Rowlatt cover topics like COP 28 concerns, protecting and renewing forests, nuclear fusion as an alternative energy source, and taking personal action on climate change.

Nov 24, 2023 • 14min
What is COP?
Dr Mosunda Mumba, Professor David Victor, and Adil Najim join the host to discuss how COP, the world's biggest climate conference, works and its impact. They cover the importance of international cooperation, the role of journalists, the evolution of COP, and measuring progress in tackling the climate crisis.

Nov 21, 2023 • 13min
Why is 1.5 degrees important?
Exploring the importance of 1.5 degrees Celsius target in tackling climate change, significance for small island developing states, global warming risks, urgency of limiting global warming and transitioning away from fossil fuels.

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.