Outrage + Optimism

Global Optimism
Outrage + Optimism Podcast

Face the climate crisis head on, but understand that we have the power to solve this. From former UN Chief Christiana Figueres and the team who brought you the Paris Agreement, this podcast about issues and politics will inform you, inspire you and help you realize that this is the most exciting time in history to be alive.

  1. 18 HR. AGO

    What If We Get It Right?

    This week, Christiana shares her awe and admiration for the athletes at Paris’ Paralympics after being lucky enough to experience some of the games first-hand. Can these incredible athletes inspire us to think and act differently on climate change? As global barometers measure the hottest August ever recorded, the hosts talk about extreme heat and its impact on children - affecting their health, their education and even placing them at increased risk of child marriage. Tom quizzes Paul and Christiana about the events of 12th January 1882 (hint: coal-fired power stations) and celebrates the news that the UK will close its last coal-fired power station later this month. Paul meanwhile is emphatic that nations and businesses need A Plan to Decarbonise. This week, Christiana is in conversation with Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, a marine biologist, policy expert and writer. Ayana co-founded the non-profit think tank Urban Ocean Lab, co-edited the bestselling climate anthology All We Can Save, and was the co-host of the How to Save a Planet podcast. Her upcoming anthology is What If We Get it Right?: Visions of Climate Futures. Christiana and Ayana discuss the ocean’s bounty of climate solutions; renewable offshore energy, carbon-absorbing wetlands and mangroves, and seaweeds and shellfish to feed people.   GUEST Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, Marine Biologist, Policy Expert, and Writer LinkedIn | Instagram | X  | Website You can preorder the book, What If We Get it Right?: Visions of Climate Futures For more information, subscribe to the What If We Get It Right? Newsletter where the new podcast will be launching!   NOTES AND RESOURCES Outrage + Optimism launches its new Listening Journeys Recycled bottle tops and tables made from shuttlecocks - the greenest Olympics? BBC, July 2024 World’s warmest August completes hottest boreal summer on record, Copernicus Climate Change Service, September 2024 Summer 2024 is the hottest on record making it likely this will be the hottest year ever, Euronews, September 2024 Almost half a billion children live in areas experiencing at least twice as many extremely hot days as their grandparents, UNICEF report, August 2024 Bangladesh: IRC study reveals a staggering 39% surge in child marriage due to climate change, December 2023 Britain’s Reliance on coal-fired power set to end after 140 years, FT, September 2024 Chris Stark to lead Mission Control to deliver clean power by 2030    Learn more about the Paris Agreement.   It’s official, we’re a TED Audio Collective Podcast - Proof! Check out more podcasts from The TED Audio Collective   Please follow us on social media! X | Instagram | LinkedIn

    51 min
  2. SEP 5

    We're Back! With a Cascade of Climate News

    Welcome back to Season 10! With the hosts together again following our break, Tom, Paul and Christiana are bursting with news and analysis.  Up for discussion this week, the hosts try to understand why the Democrats haven’t been talking much about climate change and what drives Kamala Harris’ outrage and optimism. They delve deeper into the UK’s new Labour Government’s plans around energy, nature and climate change.   Plus the hosts scan the horizon for the consequential moments in climate policy, with UNGA, Climate Week NYC and two COPs hurtling towards us.    NOTES AND RESOURCES   Outrage + Optimism, Live at Climate Week NYC Event Title: It’s Time To Unite For Mission 2025 Event Details: Tuesday 24th September, 12:00 - 13:00 ET, Glasshouse (NYC) Event Description: Mission 2025 is a coalition of courageous leaders - mayors, governors, CEOs, investors, athletes, musicians and citizens - who are inviting governments to ratchet upcoming national climate plans (known as Nationally Determined Contributions) in line with the Paris Agreement target of limiting global warming to 1.5C. Described as ‘Defenders of Paris’, Mission 2025 Partners arrive at Climate Week New York with a major update of new organizations who are ready to embolden governments to set more ambitious plans and accelerate implementation because they know this can unlock trillions in private investment, scale cheap renewable energy, support industries to compete in a low carbon economy, and safeguard living standards equitably for our people. As a live recorded Outrage+Optimism podcast, this flagship event will demonstrate how these plans can be upgraded by showcasing government and real economy leaders who are driving towards ‘positive tipping points’ across the three themes of energy, nature & food, and finance.  The event is supported by the Mission 2025 Partners and convened by Groundswell – a collaboration between Global Optimism, Bezos Earth Fund and Systems Change Lab – together with the Climate Group. Registering: Please reach out to groundswell@globaloptimism.com if you are interested in joining this event   Fact check: Sea levels are already rising faster per year than Trump claims they might rise over ‘next 497 years’ CNN, June 2024 Trump’s chat with Musk on X fact-checked BBC, August 2024 Climate Concerns Dip - Monmouth University Poll, May 2024 Labour Government’s In-Tray for Climate Change, Energy and Nature Carbon Brief Summit of the Future Watch Sherman Guity win Costa Rica a Gold Medal in the Paralympics 100m   Learn more about the Paris Agreement.   It’s official, we’re a TED Audio Collective Podcast - Proof! Check out more podcasts from The TED Audio Collective   Please follow us on social media! Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn

    38 min
  3. JUL 9

    Elections Roundup

    In this week's Election Special Roundup, our hosts delve into Labour’s recent victory in the UK, offering detailed analysis tailored for both UK and non-UK listeners. They cover the key events and implications from both before and after the election, providing a comprehensive overview of the political landscape. Highlights: Labour’s Win in the UK: In-depth discussion on Labour's success, including the factors leading to their victory and its potential impact on the UK political scene as well as key figures in Starmer’s cabinet that will play a key role in climate going forward.  UK and French Elections: Celebration of the defeat of far-right factions in both countries, examining the broader implications for European politics. US Politics: A brief look at the challenges facing the Democratic Party, especially in light of President Biden’s underwhelming performance in his recent televised debate with former President Trump. Season Finale: As we wrap up this season, we want to thank our listeners for their support. Have an amazing summer holiday, and we look forward to returning in September with more discussions on climate action, political debates, and much more. Stay Connected: Follow us on social media for updates over the summer. Send in your questions and topics you'd like us to cover next season. See You in September! NOTES AND RESOURCES   Listen to the latest The Way Out Is In Episode with Christiana Figueres   Learn more about the Paris Agreement.   It’s official, we’re a TED Audio Collective Podcast - Proof! Check out more podcasts from The TED Audio Collective   Please follow us on social media! Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn

    43 min
  4. JUL 4

    Mid-2024 Climate Review: How Are We Doing?

    In our penultimate episode of the season, hosts Christiana, Tom, and Paul delve into a reflection on the year 2024 so far. This episode takes a deep dive into recent events, including London Climate Action Week, the global political landscape, and the clean energy transformation, all viewed through a climate lens.  Optimistic Outlook: Christiana shares positive news about upcoming trade agreements involving Costa Rica, Switzerland, Iceland, and New Zealand, which aim to eliminate tariffs on environmental goods. Looking Ahead: The hosts speculate on what the latter half of the year might bring for climate action and global policies as we anticipate UNGA, New York Climate Week, COP 16 and COP 29 to name but a few.  Upcoming Episode: We will be back for a short episode early next week, dedicated to understanding the election results in the UK and France. Farewell for Now: The hosts and the O+O team wish you a restful summer holiday. Stay connected for announcements and content on our social media channels as we take a brief break from the airwaves. Thank you for tuning in!   NOTES AND RESOURCES   Dawn of the Solar Age article from the Economist as mentioned by Tom   Details of the trade agreement between Costa Rica, New Zealand, Iceland and Switzerland as mentioned by Christiana   UK Citizen? Learn How To Vote Here French Citizen? Learn How To Vote Here   Learn more about the Paris Agreement.   It’s official, we’re a TED Audio Collective Podcast - Proof! Check out more podcasts from The TED Audio Collective   Please follow us on social media! Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn

    44 min
  5. JUN 29

    Mission 2025: It's Time For Leaders To Lead (Recorded Live!)

    This week, we recorded live from London Climate Action Week at the Mission 2025 launch event. Tom Rivett-Carnac was joined by guests Andrew Steer (Bezos Earth Fund), Adair Turner (ETC), Isabelle Noero (Earthrise), Hein Schumacher (Unilever), Tamsin Ballard (PRI), Karen Pflug (INGKA Group) and Nigar Arpadarai (COP29 Champion). Hear their conversations about how to act on climate with speed and scale.  Moving faster on tackling the climate crisis is too difficult, too unpopular or too expensive, right? Wrong! This week a new high-ambition coalition of business, mayors, investors, health leaders, athletes, youth activists, scientists and citizens was launched to call on governments to move even faster on climate action. Over 20 organisations have joined Mission 2025, to say: "We are ready to embolden governments to set more ambitious plans and accelerate implementation. We know this can unlock trillions in private investment to protect our nature, scale cheap renewable energy, support industries to compete in a low carbon economy, and safeguard living standards equitably for our people." Mission 2025 is a much needed effort to unlock the momentum needed for this transition to happen at the speed and scale required, and with the equity deserved. Because holding the line on 1.5°C is not an aspirational target – it is a scientific imperative.  We hope you enjoy this lively conversation!    NOTES AND RESOURCES   GUESTS Andrew Steer, President and CEO of the Bezos Earth Fund LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram   Lord Adair Turner, Chair of the Energy Transitions Commission Twitter | LinkedIn   Isabella Noero, Head of Collaborative Partnerships at Earthrise Studio LinkedIn | Instagram   Hein Schumacher, CEO of Unilever LinkedIn   Tamsin Ballard, Chief Initiatives Officer at PRI   Karen Pflug, Chief Sustainability Officer at Ingka Group LinkedIn | Instagram   Nigar Arpadarai, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP29 Azerbaijan LinkedIn | Twitter (X)    London Climate Action Week Learn more about the Paris Agreement.   It’s official, we’re a TED Audio Collective Podcast - Proof! Check out more podcasts from The TED Audio Collective   Please follow us on social media! Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn

    27 min
  6. JUN 20

    World Refugee Day: Migration In A Post-Climate Change World

    This week, Outrage + Optimism celebrate World Refugee Day with an interview with Gaia Vince. The hosts discuss how extreme heat, floods or natural disasters cause tens of millions of people to leave their homes behind. They look at how climate migration is happening now and will only happen faster and with greater impact. With each degree of temperature rise, a billion people will be displaced and huge swathes of the world will become uninhabitable. Gaia Vince, author of Nomad Century: How to Survive the Climate Upheaval talks to the hosts about the need for what she calls ‘honest pragmatism about human mobility’. With Gaia’s steer, the hosts and Gaia discuss ways we might manage this inevitable movement of people; why the right wing, anti-immigration narrative might resonate but is not rooted in the fact that migrants historically enrich societies, both culturally and financially, and how to implement long-term solutions rather than patch-ups.     NOTES AND RESOURCES   Please fill out our 2024 Listener Feedback Survey! Vote for Outrage + Optimism in the British Podcast Awards Listeners’ Choice Category!   GUESTS Gaia Vince Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter (X)    NOTES World Refugee Day Refugee Week: 17 - 23 June What is the ‘human climate niche’ and why does it matter? ‘Simple Acts’ for Refugee Week! Learn more about the Paris Agreement.   It’s official, we’re a TED Audio Collective Podcast - Proof! Check out more podcasts from The TED Audio Collective   Please follow us on social media! Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn

    54 min
4.6
out of 5
413 Ratings

About

Face the climate crisis head on, but understand that we have the power to solve this. From former UN Chief Christiana Figueres and the team who brought you the Paris Agreement, this podcast about issues and politics will inform you, inspire you and help you realize that this is the most exciting time in history to be alive.

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