

The Climate Question
BBC World Service
Why we find it so hard to save our own planet, and how we might change that.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 28, 2024 • 24min
Is climate change on the ballot paper in 2024?
Explore the potential impact of climate change on the 2024 elections, with insights from voters around the world. Discover the varying political approaches to climate change, including the US re-entering the Paris Climate Accord and Britain's net zero emissions commitment. Uncover the influence of climate change on the Australian election, and the importance of involving people in climate solutions. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes on the US, Ghana, and India.

Jan 21, 2024 • 24min
Your questions answered: The impact of war; "green" rooftops; carbon cost of pets
You asked, we answered. In this episode, a panel of experts dive into your questions. How does war impact climate change? What are the carbon footprints of pets? Can so-called "green" or "living roofs" increase the resilience of cities? Send your questions to: theclimatequestion@bbc.comJoin Presenter Graihagh Jackson and her guests:
Dr Akshat Rathi, Senior Reporter for Climate, Bloomberg
Esme Stallard, Climate and science reporter, BBC News
Prof Tamsin Edwards, Climate scientist, Kings College LondonProduction Team: Osman Iqbal, Octavia Woodward, Simon Watts, Matt Willis
Sound Mix: Rod Farquhar, Tom Brignell

Jan 14, 2024 • 27min
Tidal power: What’s holding it back?
Lake Sihwa in South Korea is home to the world’s largest operating tidal power station, using the tides to generate enough power for a city of half a million people. This regular rise and fall of the seas is more predictable than sunny or windy weather and can be forecast years in advance.
Nine thousand miles away in Northern Ireland is Strangford Lough. A narrow inlet leading to the mighty Atlantic Ocean means it’s one of the world’s best sites for harnessing tidal energy. The fast and strong currents have led to the world’s first commercial-scale tidal energy power station being built here. But now that’s being decommissioned.The technology for harnessing tidal energy has been around for more than half a century and the potential to create energy from the sea is huge. Yet tidal power only accounts for a tiny proportion of the global renewable energy mix. Presenter Graihagh Jackson finds out what’s holding tidal power back.
Thanks to our contributors:
Rémi Gruet, CEO of Ocean Energy Europe
Dr Carwyn Frost, Lecturer at Queen’s University Belfast
Choi Jae-baek, Senior Manager of K-water
Email: theclimatequestion@bbc.com
Presenter: Graihagh Jackson
Reporters: BBC’s Jordan Dunbar in Norther Ireland and freelance journalist Malene Jensen in South Korea
Producer: Ben Cooper
Researcher: Octavia Woodward and Shorouk Elkobrosi
Editor: Alex Lewis
Sound Engineer: Tom Brignell

13 snips
Jan 7, 2024 • 24min
Will 'sustainable' fuels transform air travel?
The podcast explores the potential of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) in decarbonizing air travel. It discusses the challenges of producing SAF, sourcing renewable raw materials, and the limitations of biofuels. The episode highlights the world's first transatlantic flight powered by SAF, addressing skepticism and the importance of collaboration and innovation.

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.


