The Climate Question

Climate Question Host Graihagh Jackson and BBC Climate Editor Justin Rowlatt cover topics like COP 28 concerns, protecting and renewing forests, nuclear fusion as an alternative energy source, and taking personal action on climate change.

Dr Mosunda Mumba, Professor David Victor, and Adil Najim join the host to discuss how COP, the world's biggest climate conference, works and its impact. They cover the importance of international cooperation, the role of journalists, the evolution of COP, and measuring progress in tackling the climate crisis.

Exploring the importance of 1.5 degrees Celsius target in tackling climate change, significance for small island developing states, global warming risks, urgency of limiting global warming and transitioning away from fossil fuels.

The podcast explores the achievements and challenges of COP over nearly three decades, including agreements like Kyoto and Paris. It discusses the erosion of trust, the need for increased finance, and the complexity of the climate change problem. It looks ahead to COP 28 and industry actions, and highlights the importance of inclusivity and collaboration. The significance of food is also discussed, emphasizing its role in survival and culture.

Guest Merlyn joins the conversation to discuss the abuse climate scientists face. They delve into climate misinformation on social media, controversy surrounding solar geoengineering and aviation emissions, harassment of climate scientists, and accusations of downplaying or exaggerating climate change claims.

Greenland is an island covered in a sheet of ice that is over 3km thick in places, containing 7.4 metres of average global sea level rise. Due to climate change, it’s melting at an astonishing rate. We meet some of the people being forced to rapidly adapt their traditional ways of life. And find out why ice loss means sea level rises for elsewhere in the world – but the opposite for the island itselfJoining presenter Graihagh Jackson are: • Mads Malik Fuglsang Holm, reporter in Greenland • Twila Moon, deputy lead scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Centre, University of Colorado, USA Email us : theclimatequestion@bbc.comProducer: Ben Cooper Series Producers: Simon Watts and Alex Lewis Editor: China Collins Sound Engineer: Tom Brignell Production Coordinators: Debbie Richford, Sophie Hill and Jacqui Johnson

The Yasuni National Park in Ecuador forms part of the Amazon rainforest and is one of the most bio-diverse places on the planet. It also produces 60,000 barrels of oil per day. In a recent referendum, held as part of Ecuador’s Presidential elections, people voted to stop drilling for oil – including the newly elected President Daniel Noboa. We visit the town of El Coca – the gateway to the park - where the result thrilled people who are concerned about the climate. But many, especially those whose livelihoods depend on the oil industry, feel the opposite. Presenter Sophie Eastaugh speaks to: Lisette Arevalo, reporter in Ecuador Alejandra Santillana, activist with Yasunidos group in Ecuador who campaigned for the vote Fernando Santos, Ecuador’s Energy & Mining Minister Tessa Khan, climate lawyer and cofounder of the Climate Litigation Network, UK Navraj Singh Ghaleigh, Senior Lecturer in climate law at Edinburgh University, UK Email us: theclimatequestion@bbc.com Presenter: Sophie Eastaugh Producer: Greg Brosnan Production co-ordinators: Sophie Hill and Jacqui Johnson Series Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: China Collins Sound mix: Tom Brignell

This week we hear from listeners about the ways they cope and how they remain positive on climate change. From being involved in a like-minded community, to taking action in everyday ways. Or just knowing that the brightest minds are pushing innovative climate solutions forward every day. In a wave of negative climate news, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about the future. Climate change is a real threat, and it’s normal to experience worry, but there are reasons to be positive. We hear from a psychologist about how ‘climate anxiety’ is a normal response to the uncertainty around us and from a Libyan climate activist about what motivates her, despite experiencing climate devastation in her own country. Presenters Jordan Dunbar and Graihagh Jackson are joined by;Susan Clayton, Professor of Psychology at The College of Wooster, USA. Nissa Bek ,climate activist and the founder of Project Mulan, LibyaWith thanks to listeners: Ben, Tim, Sarah, Brian, Michael, Tony, Sean and SolomonEmail us: theclimatequestion@bbc.comPresenters: Graihagh Jackson and Jordan Dunbar Producer: Osman Iqbal Series Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: China Collins Sound Engineer: Tom Brignell

Bill Gates, a tech billionaire turned philanthropist, discusses his positive outlook on climate change and his efforts through Breakthrough Energy to combat the crisis. They also talk about technological innovations for climate resilience in tropical zones, decreasing carbon footprint, promoting green aviation, individual action in addressing climate change, and wrapping up the conversation on staying positive on climate change.

The podcast explores the devastating impact of drought in the Horn of Africa, including food scarcity and displacement. It discusses climate adaptation strategies, the implementation of Early Warning Systems, and the barriers to government action. The Adsmiles technique is highlighted as a successful approach to prevent soil erosion and restore land. Re-greening efforts have shown positive results in combating drought, requiring changes in traditional livestock practices. The podcast also mentions a shift in community perception and an upcoming interview opportunity with the United Nations General Secretary.