

Outrage + Optimism: The Climate Podcast
Persephonica and Global Optimism
Outrage + Optimism: The Climate Podcast is for anyone who is not ready to give up on making the world a better place. For unrivalled conversations with decision makers, visionary thinkers and a community of like-minded climate optimists, join former UN climate chief Christiana Figueres, political strategist Tom Rivett-Carnac and sustainable business consultant Paul Dickinson. Each week they make sense of all the top climate news stories, go behind the scenes at crucial talks and ensure you stay informed and inspired ahead of what is set to be the consequential year for climate action.As we approach the middle of the decisive decade for world emissions, and the 10 year anniversary of the Paris climate agreement, subscribe to Outrage + Optimism: The Climate PodcastAnd join us for our special Inside COP series with co-host Fiona McRaith where we bring you behind the scenes of COP30 in Belém! And to see video content from the show, follow us on LinkedIn, and Instagram. Got a question? Send us a voice message.This is a Persephonica production for Global Optimism and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

41 snips
May 18, 2023 • 1h 23min
200. Lifelines VS Deadlines: The Need For Science Based Policy (Part One)
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview change-makers, and transform our anger into productive dialogue about building a sustainable future. This week Paul Dickinson introduces the first of his two-part series on Lifelines vs Deadlines: The Need for Science Based Policy by delving into some of the big, underlying and often nefarious causes currently blocking the implementation of meaningful science-based policy which would accelerate our collective transition to a net zero world. Paul kicks off the episode by outlining the enormity of the net zero target that businesses have set themselves in line with scientific targets and expresses his belief (which is share by many) that these goals are not achievable without meaningful government policy to derisk, regulate, set a level playing field and penalise persistent offenders. Why then, instead of governments swooping in with these regulatory lifelines, are we seeing at best antipathy or at worst active disinformation campaigns to block regulation that might aid businesses to make the necessary transitions to align with Net Zero strategies and investments? What are the forces at play? Why aren't governments stepping up to the challenge? These are a few of the questions Paul and Dylan will be exploring over Part One of this mini series with a range of expert guests including: Senator Sheldon Whitehouse Naomi Oreskes Amita Chaudhury Steve Waygood Chris Skidmore MP NOTES AND RESOURCES Dylan Tanner, InfluenceMap Website | Twitter | LinkedIn Senator Sheldon Whitehouse Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Naomi Oreskes Twitter | LinkedIn Amita Chaudhury LinkedInAIA Group Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn Steve Waygood Twitter | LinkedIn Aviva Investors LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube Chris Skidmore MP Twitter Credits: Series Producer: Catherine Harte Exec Producer: Sarah Thomas Producer/Sound Design/Editor: Clay Carnill Production Coordinator: Mandy Clark Social Media Manager: Kam-Mei Chak Communications Manager: Zoe Tcholak-Antitch Operations Manager: Katie Bradford 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 11, 2023 • 1h 13min
199. Climate and Nature: One and The Same
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview change-makers, and transform our anger into productive dialogue about building a sustainable future. This week, Christiana, Tom and Paul cut straight to heart of our collective outrage following yet more announcements from Oil and Gas companies disclosing record-breaking profits. The fact that these record breaking profits are juxtaposed with record-breaking temperatures directly causing devastation to people and planet leads to a line-in-the-sand moment for Christiana. Our esteemed guest this week is Her Excellency Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28. Tune in as the hosts explore with Razan her journey to her current role, her passionate focus and belief on the integral role of nature in tackling the climate crisis and the importance of engaging, understanding and preserving different cultural relationships to our environment. This week's music comes from a wonderful artist called Arya with her superb track: "The Art of Letting Go." NOTES AND RESOURCES H.E. Razan Al Mubarak UN Climate Change High-Level Champion from the COP28 Presidency LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Website Arya Instagram | Facebook | Spotify Check out Arya’s “Por Amor De Mi Vida” - WATCH: Zen Rapstars of Plum Village - “Little Star” Performance - SIGN UP: Donna Grantis' Culture vs Policy Email List (scroll down to bottom of the page to enter your email) 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 8, 2023 • 22min
Bonus: From Action to Empathy to Impact
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview change-makers, and transform our anger into productive dialogue about building a sustainable future. Okezue Bell, a high school senior, activist and a social entrepreneur, is the co-founder of Fidutam, a SIM card based application that provides microloans to low infrastructure and unbanked communities, and the co-inventor of something called WeArm, which is a low cost 3D printed human like prosthetic arm for below the elbow amputees. Christiana and Tom caught up with him to hear more about his work in the climate space, how he views the current situation and his ideas for a clear solution driven approach to tackling the climate crisis. Notes Okezue Bell LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter| Website 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 4, 2023 • 24min
198. Dancing on Two Dancefloors
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview change-makers, and transform our anger into productive dialogue about building a sustainable future. With our very own 'durational piece of art' Paul Dickinson away this week, Christiana and Tom take a sobering look at the heatwaves affecting so much of the global community right now; and analyse Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber's speech at the 14th Petersberg Climate Dialogue. We also have music this week from Stella Talpo with her track Tarantino. Clay is sadly away this week spending some time with the monastics of Plum Village - we are expecting him to be very Zen upon his return! Huge thanks as ever to Airaphon for helping with the edit. Stella Talpo - Tarantino Instagram | Twitter | Bio-site For those interested in Tom and Christiana's reference to The Ministry of the Future, check out our episode with author Kim Stanley Robinson 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 27, 2023 • 56min
197. What If Our Best Times Are Ahead Of Us?
Welcome to another bumper episode of Outrage + Optimism! This week we kick off with a rather triumphant Paul Dickinson revelling in the news that Fox News personality, Tucker Carlson, has parted ways with the corporation. First David Malpass, now Tucker Carlson... We can’t help but wonder who else features on Paul’s mysterious list? Don’t worry Tom, you are quite safe. For now… Christiana, Tom and Paul cover other big news in the US including Biden’s re-election bid; a White House commitment to put $1 billion into the Green Climate Fund; the announcement of the launch of Carbon Management Challenge; and an anticipated Biden vs Trump showdown. The recent G7, IMF and World Bank gatherings also come under the hosts scrutiny. Our interview this week is with two formidable and fantastic women: (Mama) Mary Robinson (Chair of the Elders) and Hafsat Abiola, (President, Women in Africa (WIA) Initiative), who together have launched Project Dandelion, an incredible initiative that has grown out of the Connected Women Leaders network. Finally, we play a brief clip featuring Mary Robinson taken from a short film entitled How Do We Get the World Off Fossil Fuels Quickly and Fairly? This film, recently made and released by our fantastic friends and partners over at TED Countdown serves as the second installment of their brilliant TED Countdown Dilemma Series. Be sure to watch the many varied viewpoints offered by an impressive line-up of guests here. NOTES AND RESOURCES Mary Robinson, Chair of The Elders Instagram | Facebook | Website | Twitter | YouTube Hafsat Abiola, President, Women in Africa (WIA) Initiative LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram Women in Africa (WIA) Initiative Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook | Website | Twitter | YouTube Connected Women Leaders (CWL) and Project Dandelion LinkedIn | Twitter TED Countdown Website | Instagram | Twitter WATCH: TED Countdown Dilemma Series How Do We Get the World Off Fossil Fuels Quickly and Fairly NEWSLETTER: Subscribe! Prince? Tzeporah? Shredding? —-> It will all make sense. To learn more about our planet’s climate emergency and how you can transform outrage into optimistic action subscribe to the podcast here. AND - The Environmental Music Prize is BACK for 2023! YOU can take climate action by watching music videos and voting for your favourites to win the $20,000AUD prize! Go here to vote: Environmental Music Prize Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook | Website 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 21, 2023 • 56min
196. Earth Day Special: LIVE Q+A on Momentum vs Perfection
Welcome back to an Outrage + Optimism Earth Day Special where we are super excited to share with you this recording of our Live Q&A session recorded on Wednesday 19th April discussing the Momentum vs Perfection series. We duly rolled out the red carpet once again for the fabulous Fiona McRaith who co-hosted the original Momentum vs Perfection mini-series with Tom Rivett-Carnac, and were thrilled to be able to offer our wonderful audience the chance to peek behind the curtain on our live recording and put their questions to the host team. Tune in to hear our hosts’ answers to questions about momentum, perfection, diversity, 'the moveable middle', joy, spirituality and more. PLUS Paul's singing 🎶 - and the audience vote on it 👍👎...? NOTES AND RESOURCES Fiona McRaith, Manager, Engagement & Delivery and Special Assistant to the President & CEO, Bezos Earth FundLinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram To learn more about our planet’s climate emergency and how you can transform outrage into optimistic action subscribe to the podcast here. Find out what’s happening around the globe on Earth Day 2023. Major events include Extinction Rebellion’s The Big One in London which aims to be the largest environmental protest of 2023, Earth Day DC’s End of Era of Fossil Fuels in Washington DC and countless more. AND - The Environmental Music Prize is BACK for 2023! Starting Earth Day (Saturday) Apr 22, 2023 YOU can take climate action by watching music videos and voting for your favorites to win the $20,000AUD prize! Go here to vote: Environmental Music Prize Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook | Website 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

9 snips
Apr 6, 2023 • 1h 15min
195. A Better Future Emerging
With Tom away this week, tune in to hear Christiana Figueres and Paul Dickinson discuss announcements from the World Bank, the spring G7 meeting in Japan and Paul’s mini scoop into the issue of UK internal flights, as well as their fantastic interview with celebrated author Jon Alexander and his widely acclaimed book: “Citizens: Why the Key to Fixing Everything is All of Us” We are also excited to share details of how you can join Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac, Fiona McRaith and Paul Dickinson for a live online Q&A recording of Outrage + Optimism on Wednesday 19, 2023 @ 4.30pm BST / 11.30am EST. During this live Q&A session we will be taking questions resulting from Tom and Fiona’s mini series: Momentum vs Perfection. Please follow this link to register your place. We will be taking a short break next week so please take time to revisit the mini-series here. And we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on Wednesday 19 April! Enjoy the episode! NOTES AND RESOURCES O+O Live Q&A: Join Us - April 19, 2023 @ 4.30pm BST / 11.30am EST Register to join us for our live online Q&A episode of Outrage + Optimism and put your question to our hosts, please click on this link and follow the instructions. Rachel Kyte article mentioned by Christiana here Jon Alexander Twitter | LinkedIn MUSIC Banditos Instagram | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube Be sure to spin and buy their latest record ‘Right On’! To learn more about our planet’s climate emergency and how you can transform outrage into optimistic action subscribe to the podcast 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 Follow us on social media! Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 30, 2023 • 1h 4min
194. Making a Difference
Join Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac and Paul Dickinson this week on Outrage + Optimism as they discuss how best to counter the doom and disinformation in the wake of the recent IPCC synthesis report. Our special guest this week is Pete Betts, the much loved and highly respected civil servant with over 10 years as Director International climate and energy in the UK Government. Despite receiving a terminal diagnosis, Pete continues to dedicate his time and effort to climate change, specifically highlighting those who stand to suffer the most from its effects are kept in the forefront of decision makers minds as we attempt to face the challenges of climate change. Pete shares that the two most important questions we believe we should all ask ourselves: “Are you surrounded by people you love and that love you? And did you make a difference?” How would you respond? NOTES AND RESOURCES To learn more about our planet’s climate emergency and how you can transform outrage into optimistic action subscribe to the podcast here. Learn more about the Paris Agreement. Pete Betts LinkedIn The Climate Pledge Future Forward The Climate Pledge | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn MUSIC Aisha Badru Instagram | Twitter | Spotify | Apple Music Be sure to check out the official lyric video for ‘Path of Least Resistance’ on YouTube. It’s trippy and beautiful. 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

16 snips
Mar 23, 2023 • 1h 24min
193. Momentum VS Perfection: The Biggest Question in Climate Right Now? (Part Two)
Welcome back to part two of the mini-series Momentum vs Perfection! This week Tom Rivett-Carnac and Fiona McRaith deepen their exploration of the tensions in the climate movement outlined in episode one, and look to see how we might begin to move past the current impasse to accelerate action in this decisive decade. Journey with Tom, Fiona and their guests as they seek to answer the burning questions that they hope might unlock a trajectory to collaborative, joyful action. Some of these questions include: Is a rebuilding of trust and understanding among the different actors key? What part does the ‘moveable middle’ play on the spectrum of momentum and perfection. How do we ensure inclusivity and engagement of those whose voices are not currently represented in the wider movement? How do these divisions present in the corporate world where the sense of urgency is well embedded but transition to action is hesitant? What role can impartial actors and data play in pushing forward the momentum and perfection agendas? Can the capitalist spirit ever be used as a force to accelerate change as long as it is rooted in good intention? Is connection and personal relationships key to building the sense of common purpose and approach we need now? Helping Tom and Fiona to answer these questions is an incredible line-up of guest speakers: Justin Forsyth, Co-Founder Count Us In, a radical collaboration of business, faith, sport, and civil society to inspire a billion people to take climate action. Farhana Yamin, Lawyer/Author/Activist & Keynote Speaker. Farhana is an internationally recognized environmental lawyer, climate change and development policy expert. She works part time at the Doc Society coordinating the Climate Reframe Project which seeks to amplify the voice of climate activists and experts from racialized minorities in the UK environment movement. Peter Bakker, President & CEO WBCSD, the global CEO-led community of the world’s leading sustainable businesses working collectively to accelerate the system transformations needed for a net zero, nature positive, and equitable future. Sister True Dedication, Zen Buddhist monastic teacher in Thich Nhat Hanh's Plum Village Community Prof Helen Pankhurst CBE. CARE International, MMU, UOS. Senior Advisor at international humanitarian agency CARE International, women’s rights activist, and the direct descendant of Emmeline Pankhurst and Sylvia Pankhurst, both leaders in the suffragette movement NOTES AND RESOURCES To learn more about our planet’s climate emergency and how you can transform outrage into optimistic action subscribe to the podcast here. Learn more about the Paris Agreement. Fiona McRaith, Manager, Engagement & Delivery and Special Assistant to the President & CEO, Bezos Earth Fund LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram Justin Forsyth LinkedIn | Twitter Count Us In Twitter | Instagram Farhana Yamin LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram Peter Bakker LinkedIn | Twitter WBCSD – World Business Council for Sustainable Development LinkedIn | Twitter Sister True Dedication Twitter | Instagram Plum Village LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Helen Pankhurst, women’s rights activist and Senior Advisor, CARE International LinkedIn | Twitter CARE International Twitter | YouTube Learn more about Pankhursts’s great-grandmother Emmeline Pankhurst and grandmother Sylvia Pankhurst, both leaders in the suffragette movement. 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 - Click Here to see the full show notes for this episode Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 16, 2023 • 1h 29min
192. Momentum VS Perfection: The Biggest Question in Climate Right Now? (Part One)
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview change-makers, and transform our anger into productive dialogue about building a sustainable future. This week Tom Rivett-Carnac introduces the first of his two-part series on Momentum vs Perfection by looking at the different theories of change within the climate movement and asking if and how they can co-exist to drive the level of scale and action needed in this decisive decade. He is joined on this complex and emotive journey by guest co-host Fiona McRaith, Manager of Engagement & Delivery and Special Assistant to the President & CEO at climate philanthropy fund Bezos Earth Fund. Fiona brings a (significantly younger) Gen Z perspective to this thought-provoking discussion. Our co-hosts speak with a series of esteemed guests on this timely and important question, including: Helen Pankhurst, Senior Advisor at international humanitarian agency CARE International, women’s rights activist, and the direct descendant of Emmeline Pankhurst and Sylvia Pankhurst, both leaders in the suffragette movement Author, educator, environmentalist, and Co-Founder of international environmental organization 350.org, Bill McKibben Environmental activist and Co-Founder of global environmental movement Extinction Rebellion, Gail Bradbrook Jerome Foster II, Co-founder of Waic Up and youngest member of the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council Director of mission-driven consulting firm Reos Partners, Adam Kahane Previous Director of Strategy for the Cabinet Office for COP 26 (the United Nations’ annual climate conference) Charles (Charlie) Ogilvie Don’t miss Part One of this incredible and timely conversation, including insights from previous movements, generational collaboration, the value of civil disobedience, the role of data and measurement, and whether agreement between sides is necessary for advancement. And be sure to look out for the final episode of this mini-series next week, in which our co-hosts, with the help of their guests, will hopefully draw some conclusions to help guide us in these crucial years. 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


