259. Live! From Climate Week NYC with Mission 2025

In this special weekend edition of the podcast, hosts Tom, Christiana, and Paul catch up with The Rt Hon David Lammy, the UK’s new Secretary of State for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Office. In a fascinating conversation, they delve into his decision to place climate change at the heart of his first major speech as Foreign Secretary and discuss why he sees the climate emergency as a national security issue.  The Foreign Secretary expresses his outrage at recent trends which have seen climate change used as a political ping pong issue and shares insights into how we might build consensus across parties on the climate and nature agenda. The hosts also take a moment to congratulate him on the appointment of friend of the podcast, Rachel Kyte, as the UK’s new Climate Envoy. Tune in to hear the full conversation and discover why the Foreign Secretary’s answers convince the hosts that the UK is once again a global leader in climate action.Make sure to tune in Thursday October 3rd to our brand new five-part series called How To Live a Good Life in a Climate Crisis.  Exploring dilemmas around issues like flying, food and parenting, the hosts explore how we might still have meaningful and good lives amidst the overwhelm and turmoil of the climate crisis.   NOTES AND RESOURCES   Rachel Kyte Appointed as the UK’s Special Representative for Climate  The Kew Lecture: UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s speech on the climate crisis David Lammy’s TED Talk: Climate Justice can’t happen without racial justice The Sophia Point Rainforest Research Centre GUEST The Rt Hon David Lammy, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter (X)    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

In this special episode, our hosts are live at Climate Week New York, joined onstage by a stellar line-up of influential voices from government, the private sector, science, civil society and academia. This flagship event highlights how transformative climate strategies can be supercharged. The conversation centers on the push for ‘positive tipping points’ across three key themes: energy, nature & food, and finance. Supported by Mission 2025 Partners and convened by Groundswell – a collaboration between Global Optimism, Bezos Earth Fund, and Systems Change Lab – alongside the Climate Group, the event showcases leaders from various sectors driving impactful change. Mission 2025 is a coalition of bold leaders, including mayors, governors, CEOs, investors, athletes, musicians, and everyday citizens, all rallying governments to strengthen their national climate commitments (Nationally Determined Contributions) in alignment with the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Known as the 'Defenders of Paris,' Mission 2025 Partners arrived at Climate Week NYC with exciting updates. New organizations are stepping up to support governments in setting more ambitious climate plans, accelerating action that can unlock trillions in private investment, boost renewable energy, help industries thrive in a low-carbon economy, and ensure equitable living standards for all. Tune in to hear the latest from Climate Week NYC and how global leaders are working together to shape a sustainable future! NOTES AND RESOURCES   GUESTS   Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change LinkedIn | Twitter (X) Jennifer Morgan, Special Envoy for International Climate Action LinkedIn | Twitter (X) Tim Lenton, Professor of Earth System Science at University of Exeter LinkedIn Veena Balakrishnan, Political Scientist, Intersectional Environmentalist. Co - Founder, Youth Negotiators Academy LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter (X) Renata Koch Alvarenga, Disaster Risk Financing Specialist, World Bank I Master of Public Policy, Harvard University I Founder and Executive Director, EmpoderaClima LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter (X) Vaishali Nigam Sinha, Co-Founder of ReNew and Chairperson Sustainability LinkedIn | Twitter (X) Günther Thallinger, Member of the Board of Management of Allianz SE, Investment Management, Sustainability LinkedIn Peter Bakker, President & CEO at World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) LinkedIn | Twitter (X) Helen Clarkson, Chief Executive Officer at Climate Group LinkedIn | Twitter (X) Nigar Arpadarai, Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP29 LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter (X) HE Ana Toni, National Secretary for Climate Change at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, from Brazil as COP30 Presidency LinkedIn | Twitter (X)   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

This week, The Climate Pledge turns five and Tom and Christiana talk to Kara Hurst, Chief Sustainability Officer at Amazon, to reflect on the journey of this initiative co-founded by Amazon and Global Optimism. At the top of the episode, Tom and Christiana anticipate the frantic and sometimes frustrating weeks ahead in this hectic period for those working in climate, and as wild weather continues to wreak havoc, Christiana and Tom invite us to pause for a moment. How can we listen and better contribute? How can we roll up our sleeves -  with hope - and get to work on having a positive impact and building momentum? In their thoughtful interview with Kara, the hosts reflect on how The Climate Pledge has grown over the last five years to over 500 signatories - companies who share an ambition to innovate, accelerate joint action and collaborate across sectors to get to net zero carbon emissions by 2040, ten years earlier than the Paris Agreement. Kara, Tom and Christiana discuss the specific challenges companies face and the solutions and strategies they’re adopting to meet targets. Sharing failures has been just as valuable as sharing successes because, as Tom points out, none of us have decarbonised the global economy before. Unafraid to go deep, they question how we would reduce emissions and redesign society if we kept in mind the earth’s atmosphere.   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 [email protected] if you are interested in joining this event   The Climate Pledge The Climate Pledge and C40 Cities Launch Laneshift   GUEST Kara Hurst, Chief Sustainability Officer at Amazon LinkedIn | Twitter (X)    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

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

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 [email protected] 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

Newsflash: In an emergency podcast session recorded on Monday, July 22nd, we delve into President Biden’s announcement that he will not seek re-election. Following his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Presidential Nominee, we bring you a comprehensive analysis of this pivotal moment in U.S. politics. In this episode: Kamala Harris’s Strong Record on Climate Action: A deep dive into her achievements and policies aimed at combating climate change. President Biden’s Climate Legacy: Reflecting on the significant environmental strides made during his tenure as he enters his final six months in office. Election Speculation: Could Harris defeat Trump? Is America ready for its first Black female president? We discuss the potential outcomes and implications of this historic candidacy. Optimism for the Future: Assessing the prospects of a Harris victory and what it could mean for climate action and environmental policies. Stay Connected: Follow us on social media for updates throughout the summer. Send in your questions and topics you'd like us to cover next season.   NOTES AND RESOURCES 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

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

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

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

This week, something unique for our listeners from the podcast 'We Are The Great Turning'. As Joanna Macy approaches the end of a long life dedicated to healing our imperiled planet, she begins the conversation with Jessica Serrante, her student and dear friend, “standing afresh with what it’s like to live on Earth at this moment.”  As we look into the face of the climate crisis, injustice, and war, difficult feelings arise; all are welcomed. You are invited to join them at Joanna’s kitchen table, and invited into a deeper sense of your belonging and love for our world.   In this episode: How to connect with the great possibilities that still exist for us even in these precarious times Joanna reflects on her awakening of environmental consciousness Jess reflects on how meeting Joanna changed her life Love, laughter, heartbreak, and the Work That Reconnects Bonus Exercise: “Open Sentences”—a practice for partners   We recommend starting a podcast club with friends or family to do these practices together. Links and assets to help prompt reflection and build community can be found with every episode on WeAreTheGreatTurning.com. Website: WeAreTheGreatTurning.com RSS feed subscription links: Apple Podcasts + Spotify