The Climate Question

The southern US state of Georgia has received billions of dollars in investment in clean technology, creating tens of thousands of jobs at solar power factories and electric vehicle factories. It is also on the front-line of extreme weather - facing the threat of hurricanes, heatwaves and drought. So will voters in this swing state be considering climate change when they cast their ballots for the US presidential election in November? And how are politicians in Georgia talking about the issue. Jordan Dunbar takes a road trip across the state to find out.Got a question you’d like answered? Email: TheClimateQuestion@bbc.com or WhatsApp: +44 8000 321 721Presenter: Jordan Dunbar Producer: Beth Timmins Sound engineer: Tom Brignell Editor: Simon Watts

This week, Christian Freytag, from Vulcan Energy Resources, and Moroccan geologist Amal Barish, share insights on geothermal energy's untapped potential. They discuss innovative projects that combine geothermal power with lithium extraction, highlighting the challenges and profitability of this renewable source. Amal reveals plans to drill into volcanic magma in Iceland, which could revolutionize geothermal energy. The conversation also touches on community concerns in Indonesia regarding local geothermal initiatives, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices.

Explore the profound impact of rising sea levels on communities, with heart-wrenching stories from Fiji and the UK. Hear personal accounts of loss and resilience as families confront displacement and nostalgia for their homes. Feel the emotional strain of relocation and the importance of community connection. Experience the cultural transition of building new lives while preserving identity through music and shared memories. This journey paints a vivid picture of the urgency surrounding climate migration and the human spirit's fight for survival.

Esme Stallard, a BBC Climate Reporter, reveals alarming insights from the latest UN report on sea level rise, emphasizing the impact on vulnerable Pacific islands. Will Grant shares a lively account of Mexico's new president, Claudia Sheinbaum, an environmental scientist, and her ambitious sustainability plans. Meanwhile, the podcast dives into the chocolate crisis in Ivory Coast, where climate change has driven cocoa prices soaring. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by farmers and the urgent need for supportive measures.

Justin Rowlatt, BBC Climate Editor, shares his insights from a visit to Somalia, where climate change intertwines with longstanding conflict. He highlights how extreme weather challenges both farmers and herders, intensifying resource struggles. The harrowing tales of families, like Salma Abdul-Kadhir seeking medical help, showcase the urgent humanitarian crises exacerbated by climate shifts. Amidst adversity, Rowlatt paints a picture of resilience, featuring grassroots renewable initiatives and the innovative spirit of communities striving for a sustainable future.

Climate change is reshaping the wine industry worldwide, creating new hotspots like the Crouch Valley in England while traditional regions face crises. The podcast explores the effects of rising temperatures on grape ripening and wine flavor, and how winemakers are adapting. With insights from innovative producers in Essex and a historic family winery in Spain, listeners learn about sustainable practices, crop resilience, and even the revival of lost grape varieties, highlighting both challenges and hopeful strategies in the evolving world of wine.

Gabrielle Szabo, an advocate with UNICEF and Save the Children, sheds light on the alarming rise of child marriage linked to climate change. She discusses how extreme weather in Bangladesh forces families to marry off their daughters early as a survival strategy. Personal stories reveal the impact on young girls' dreams and rights, while community hubs are highlighted as vital support systems. The discussion emphasizes the need for education and empowerment to combat this issue, presenting a path toward resilience in vulnerable communities.

Engineers worldwide are embracing nature-based solutions to combat urban flooding caused by climate change. The concept of 'sponge cities' is revolutionizing urban design, transforming unyielding concrete into green, absorbent landscapes. From wetlands to parks, these innovations enhance biodiversity and support community well-being. Exciting projects in China and Portland showcase the positive impact of restoring natural elements. The practice of 'depaving' further underscores grassroots efforts to reclaim urban spaces, making them resilient against flooding.

Join BBC Climate Editor Justin Rowlatt, Prof Tamsin Edwards from King's College London, and Bloomberg's Dr. Akshat Rathi as they tackle listener questions on geo-engineering and climate solutions. They discuss innovative methods for cooling homes, including the quirky idea of using yogurt as a reflective window coating. The trio also dives into the roles of sharks in carbon storage and the impacts of shipping on climate change, shedding light on the intersection of nature and technology in our fight against global warming.

Afghanistan grapples with severe climate change impacts, including worsening floods and droughts, amid ongoing conflict. With aid dwindling post-Taliban takeover, locals are innovating solutions like building life-saving dams. The diaspora plays a crucial role in funding these efforts, while experts discuss the challenges of international support without legitimizing the Taliban. Stories of resilience highlight how individuals adapt to these crises, stressing the urgent need for global action to address Afghanistan's unique climate struggles.