COP28 – The Eleventh Hour

In this episode of Planet A, Professor Michael E. Mann – a leading figure in climate research and a vocal participant in public discourse on global warming – brings his insights into what he describes as the “New Climate War”. He outlines how powerful interests, including fossil fuel industries and certain political forces, have long obstructed substantial climate action to safeguard their profits. These actors have mastered the art of polluting public discourse with misinformation. Mann paints a dystopian picture of what the United States—and by extension, the planet—could face if the forces opposing climate action succeed in their agendas.  In spite of this, Mann maintains his stance as a stubborn optimist. He calls on listeners to reject apathy and engage in collective actions that push for substantial and systemic changes in environmental policy and practice. 

In this episode of Planet A, the ‘father’ of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, Cary Fowler, takes us on an extraordinary journey through his mission to safeguard the world’s agricultural heritage. Placed deep in the Arctic, the Seed Vault stands as a global insurance, protecting millions of seed samples from the growing threats of climate change. Dr. Fowler shares his thoughts on the connection between food security and climate change, highlighting the importance of increasing diversity in crops to ensure their resilience against the changing climate. A problem which might be eased by what Dr. Fowler calls ‘Adapted Crops and Soils’.Dive into his perspective, including both optimism and caution, as he acknowledges the gravity of our planetary crisis yet reveals promising advancements that could pave the way to a hopeful, food-secure future.

In this episode of Planet A, Dan Jørgensen sits down with EU Commissioner for Climate Action, Wopke Hoekstra, to explore the central role he plays in shaping the European Union’s approach to reducing emissions. Transitioning from a career in the energy sector to a key climate policy leader, Hoekstra offers unique insights into the EU’s climate targets and strategies. They discuss the EU’s own emission targets as well as its role as a global influencer in climate action. Hoekstra emphasizes the importance of a just transition that balances both environmental sustainability and economic growth, addressing concerns about job transitions and public dissent. He stresses that environmental policy must consider the livelihoods and futures of those it impacts, underscoring the necessity of policies that safeguard livelihoods and open doors to new opportunities.Tune in for an insightful exploration of the EU’s climate strategies and the work of an EU Commissioner in driving global climate action.

In this episode of Planet A Germany’s Special Climate Envoy, Jennifer Morgan, shares her insights from leading climate negotiations for the German Government.A key focus of the discussion is the outcomes and implications of COP28 in Dubai, but the conversation also delves into the significance of Germany’s role in international climate finance and the establishment of the loss and damage fund.Looking ahead, they discuss the road to COP29 and COP30, emphasizing the need for strategic financial planning and collaboration to achieve more ambitious national climate plans. 

In this episode of Planet A, Dan Jørgensen engages in a compelling dialogue with Ralph Regenvanu who serves as the Minister responsible for climate change, energy, the environment, weather, geological hazards, and disaster management in Vanuatu. The island state of Vanuatu is one of the most vulnerable countries facing numerous challenges due to its vulnerability to climate change. Throughout the episode, Regenvanu shares insights into how this small island nation is grappling with the severe impacts of global warming. From rising sea levels to increased frequency and intensity of natural disasters, Vanuatu's struggle encapsulates the broader crisis faced by small island developing states across the globe. But the episode is not just about the challenges that Vanuatu and other small island developing states face. It's also about the solutions and strategies being implemented to adapt to and mitigate these challenges. 

In this episode of Planet A, Dan Jørgensen engages in a conversation with the President of the World Bank Group, Ajay Banga. With a career spanning prestigious roles, including President and CEO of Mastercard, Ajay Banga now steers one of the leading institutions in the global fight against climate change and poverty. The episode delves into the multifaceted role of the World Bank, revealing its structure and mechanisms for supporting global development. Ajay Banga explains the World Bank’s approach to providing financial assistance and expertise to the poorest countries for fighting both poverty and climate change. Listen in to learn more about Ajay Banga’s visions for the World Bank. 

In this episode of Planet A, Dan Jørgensen delves into the outcomes of COP28 with Alden Meyer, a seasoned expert in climate politics. With over four decades of experience with climate issues, Meyer provides a deep dive into the historic achievements of the negotiations and the challenges that lie ahead. They reflect on COP28’s historical significance, marking the first global acknowledgment of the need to transition away from fossil fuels and the establishment of the loss and damage fund. Despite these results, Meyer emphasises that there is pressing urgency and considerable work still required to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. 

In the latest episode of "Planet A", Dan Jørgensen talks with Tomas Anker Christensen, Denmark's Climate Ambassador, amidst the high-stakes atmosphere of the UN Climate Conference COP28 in Dubai. As negotiations enter the eleventh hour, the mood is tense and uncertain, with crucial decisions, not least regarding the future of fossil fuels, hanging in the balance.This episode delves into the complex and often difficult process of international climate negotiations, providing listeners with an insider's view of the current state of COP28.

In this episode of Planet A, Dan Jørgensen and Denmark's Climate Ambassador, Tomas Anker Christensen, updates the listener about the ongoing negotiation at the UN Climate Conference COP28 unfolding in Dubai. Recorded in a quiet corner amid the bustling conference, they offer an insider's perspective on the negotiations and milestones achieved thus far.The episode sheds light on important decisions, such as the establishment of the loss and damage fund, and the overall status on global climate action. Their dialogue takes the listener through the complexities of international climate diplomacy, emphasizing the urgency required at the negotiations to address global climate challenges.

In this episode of Planet A, Dan Jørgensen talks with Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Special Envoy for Environment and Climate Change to Honorable Prime Minister of Bangladesh and parliament member in Bangladesh, a country severely affected by global warming. Chowdhury sheds light on Bangladesh’s vulnerability, positioned between melting Himalayan glaciers and rising sea levels in the Bay of Bengal. They discuss the stark reality that Bangladesh represents the “ground zero” of climate change. As a country already facing the impacts of global warming, Bangladesh's experience offers a glimpse into the challenges that the rest of the world will soon face.Chowdhury underscores the urgency of global collaboration and solidarity in climate action, emphasizing that the lessons learned from Bangladesh's experience are invaluable for preparing other nations for similar challenges. He calls for fair climate finance, stressing the need for global action and adaptation strategies to address the escalating climate crisis.