An Idiot's Guide to Saving the World

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The world is in crisis, right? We are facing a climate emergency, a refugee crisis, on-going inequalities and increasing numbers of people living in extreme poverty.. But what can we do to make a difference? It can be overwhelming to know where to begin. But we mustn't give up. There are moments of optimism in this darkness, there are solutions to some of these issues and there are incredible people around the world making a difference. And there is a plan to guide this action. In 2015, world leaders responded to these challenges by committing to 17 Global Goals. But what are these goals? How are they being achieved? And how can we get involved?   In 'An Idiot's Guide to Saving the World', Gail Gallie and Loyiso Madinga will answer these questions and take you on a journey across the globe to meet the people on the frontline; those who are affected and those making a difference. We demystify the gloomy narrative and harness some optimism to leave you feeling empowered and armed with ideas and the ability to take action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Radio Wolfgang


    • Apr 4, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 39m AVG DURATION
    • 20 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from An Idiot's Guide to Saving the World

    An Idiot's Guide to Using Collective Power for Change

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2024 33:05


    Whether you are the head of a global corporation or a non-profit, everyone has a role to play in driving action that benefits the planet. And as customers we have the power and responsibility to put our money with the businesses that are fighting for that action.In the final episode of this bonus halftime series, Loyiso Madinga and Gail Gallie meet two leaders who are striving for sustainable outcomes in very different ways. Jesper Brodin is CEO of the Ingka Group, owners of IKEA. He has set his own goal for 2030: to reduce IKEA's carbon footprint by 50%. Jesper tells us how he keeps climate concerns at the heart of his decision-making while running a very successful company, and why other businesses need to evolve too.Gloria Walton is CEO and president of the Solutions Project, which amplifies and funds climate justice solutions created by frontline communities to take control of their own futures. She tells us why giving power to these communities is key to creating meaningful change in the second half. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    An Idiot's Guide to Shaping a Better World Through Sport

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2024 39:44


    As we blow the halftime whistle we look to the sports world for some bright ideas in succeeding in the second half. Sport is an enormous industry with huge power, so how can we harness that to keep us moving towards our 2030 goal?In this episode Gail Gaillie and Loyiso Madinga meet Olympic sailor Hannah Mills, who has become an advocate for sustainability and clean oceans. She tells us how technological innovation in sport is being applied to other industries to create greener solutions. They also speak to the daughter of footballing legend Pelé, Kely Nascimento, a filmmaker and activist who works at the intersection of sport and social justice. Kely discusses how sport is a lens through which you can view any issues in society, and the investment still needed to develop women's sport. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    An Idiot's Guide to Bold Leadership in Unexpected Spaces

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2024 43:40


    We are officially halfway to the deadline of the Global Goals - 17 goals the world promised to deliver by 2030 - but we are not halfway to achieving them. In this bonus mini-series of ‘An Idiot's Guide to Saving The World' we take a half-time assessment of where we need to get to and how we are going to do it. Gail Gallie and Loyiso Madinga are joined by politicians, filmmakers, sports stars, activists and business leaders to give some ideas on what we can do to bring fresh energy to the second half. In this episode former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson teaches us a thing or two about communicating with people who might not share our values, and tells us why the future lies with women in leadership. And over in the USA, Chi Ossé - the youngest member of the New York City Council - is an advocate for the importance of getting people involved in local politics, and says that if you think something needs changing you might be the person to get it done. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    LIVE from Stockholm Climate Week - Bonus Episode

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2023 55:16


    In a bonus live episode recorded at Stockholm Climate Week, Gail, Loyiso, and their guests examined how value-based innovation, supported by the 17 Global Goals, can unlock exponential solutions for both people and the planet. They explored how such innovation can help accelerate the necessary systemic changes to address the climate crisis. The episode featured a range of guests, including Sarah Hunter from the Advanced Research and Invention Agency, Bengt Rittri from the Bluewater Group, and Maya Rebermark from Future Earth who provided insights into system change and climate innovation from a climate policy perspective. Michael Smith from Regeneration VC, Sian Sutherland from PlasticFree, Dominique Souris, a social entrepreneur and climate activist, and Frances Simpson-Allen from Ebb Carbon then discussed how design and product-led innovation can drive climate action and facilitate scaling of impact towards system change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Let's come together so we don't fall apart

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2023 46:40


    In the final episode of this season, Gail and Loyiso look at Goal 17, Partnerships for the Goals. They ask what the ingredients are of a good partnership and find out which sectors are working together to make a positive impact.They are joined by two SDG ambassadors who have been campaigning for the Goals since their inception. Dr Alaa Murabit and filmmaker and campaigner, Richard Curtis bring their wealth of experience to the table and share some encouraging examples of successful collaborations. Alaa highlights the importance of seeing who holds power in the room, and Richard shares why he's optimistic that the match could be won in the second half.Guests:Alaa Murabit, Medical doctor, UN High-Level Commissioner on Health, Employment, and Economic Growth, and Director of Global Programs, Advocacy, and Communications at the Gates Foundation.Richard Curtis, Writer, director, campaigner and co-founder of Comic Relief and Project Everyone. For more:https://www.globalgoals.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    We need to talk about Money

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2023 46:04


    The fight to eradicate extreme poverty has been fought for years. But despite this, over 700 million people still survive on less than $2.15 a day. So is it time we talk about cash? In this episode Gail and Loyiso dive deep into the Global Goal to end poverty (Goal 1). They are joined by two of the most exciting speakers in this field. Rory Stewart is the President of GiveDirectly, a fast growing nonprofit that is revolutionising the aid sector by allowing donors to send money directly to those in need, with no strings attached. Rutger Bregman is a historian and bestselling author and has been at the forefront of an equally simple, evidence-based solution: Universal Basic Income. Guests:Rory Stewart, President of GiveDirectly, host of 'The Rest is Politics', former politician and diplomat. Rutger Bregman, Historian and author of New York Times Bestsellers 'Humankind' and 'Utopia for Realists'. For more:https://www.globalgoals.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Nurturing Nature

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2023 34:05


    Protecting life on land means protecting ourselves. Natural ecosystems are the best technology to help feed populations, cool the planet, provide fresh water and clean the air we breathe. But our biodiversity is under severe threat. Globally, over 1.2 million plant and animal species are predicted to face extinction in the coming decades. Experts now believe we're in the midst of a ‘sixth mass extinction', the first in Earth's history to be driven primarily by human activity.In this episode Gail and Loyiso ponder the wonderful services nature provides and take a closer look at the Global Goal to protect life on land (Goal 15). They ask renowned conservationist Gerardo Ceballos, who is credited with spearheading the first Endangered Species Act of Mexico, how we can halt the loss of biodiversity, and hear from indigenous activist Archana Soreng, why it all starts with considering ourselves as being part of nature itself. Guests:Gerardo Ceballos, Ecologist and conservationist, Professor at the University of Mexico and co-founder of Creatures United.Archana Soreng, Indigenous climate activist and Member of the United Nations Secretary General's Youth Advisory Group.For more:https://www.globalgoals.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why Mental Health matters

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2023 40:46


    The pandemic severely disrupted health services and derailed progress towards ending HIV, tuberculosis and malaria. It also triggered an increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depression, contributing to an already growing mental health crisis. 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness every year, and nearly half of all adults will experience it at some point in their lives. In this episode, Gail and Loyiso dive deep into the often-overlooked topic of mental health when discussing the Global Goal to good health and well-being (Goal 3). They speak with Will Poulter and Alex Holmes about their anti-bullying campaign and what might be contributing to skyrocketing rates of anxiety in young people and men, and they are joined by Sutton King to learn about mental health issues in urban indigenous communities and how plant medicines or psychedelics can offer a potential solution, as long as we learn from past mistakes.Guests:Will Poulter, BAFTA award-winning actor and Anti-Bullying Ambassador for the Diana Award.Alex Holmes, Founder of the Anti Bullying Ambassadors programme and Deputy CEO of The Diana Award. Sutton King, Indigenous rights activist, co-founder and President of the Urban Indigenous Collective, and Program Manager of Engagement at the Indigenous Medicine Conservation Fund For more:https://www.globalgoals.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    How do we design a better world?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2023 37:30


    Our cities are inherently unequal by design. They were often designed by tall, white, able bodied men. So what have they overlooked? Can we reduce inequality by designing a better world? In this episode Gail and Loyiso explore the Global Goal to reduce inequality (Goal 5) and are joined by famous youtuber Molly Burke, who happens to be blind and has a load of helpful tips for designing better accessibility offline and online. And architect turned big thinker Indy Johar calls for a fundamental overhaul of an old system that perpetuates inequalities in all its forms. Guests:Molly Burke, Speaker, Digital Creator, Author, and Advocate. Indy Johar, Architect, co-founder of project00 and Dark Matter Labs.For more information go to www.globalgoals.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Women Reclaiming the Narrative

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2023 54:01


    Ending all discrimination and violence against women and girls is not only a human rights issue, it's crucial to achieving a more peaceful and sustainable world. In March we highlight and celebrate women's stories on ‘International Women's Day' and during ‘Women's History Month', because it's through stories that we understand their perspectives and experiences, and reshape the world. In this episode Gail and Loyiso look at the Global Goal to achieve gender equality (Goal 5) and are joined by three storytellers. Author and podcaster Janet Mbugua explains why we need to talk about periods, journalist Zahra Joya ensures Afghan women's stories don't go untold, and activist Gina Martin engages boys into the conversation about gender.Guests: Janet Mbugua, Media personality, founder of Inua Dada foundation, author of ‘My First Time' and host of ‘My First Time Stories'.Zahra Joya, Journalist and founder of Rukhshana Media.Gina Martin, Gender equality activist, speaker, author of ‘Be The Change : A Toolkit for the Activist in You' and ambassador for Beyond Equality.For more:https://www.globalgoals.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Can Technology Save the Day?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2023 40:51


    Burning fossil fuels to generate electricity and heat is one of the biggest contributors to climate change, making a fast transition to clean energy crucial to the solution. Fortunately, the technologies for a sustainable energy system already exist. Wind, solar and batteries all offer a promising pathway to a healthy and liveable planet, but what are some of the other, lesser known technologies that could help save the day?In this episode Gail and Loyiso look at two Global Goals and discover how new innovations (Goal 9) are offering solutions to greener, cheaper and cleaner energy (Goal 7). They ask Gabrielle Walker, a leading voice on carbon capture technologies, how we can remove the carbon that's already in the atmosphere, they find out from Vaitea Cowan, founder of Enapter, if Green Hydrogen will make it OK to fly again, and ask plasma physicist Tammy Ma, if one day we will be able to generate unlimited energy like the stars. Guests:Gabrielle Walker, co-founder of CUR8 and co founder of Rethinking Removals.Vaitea Cowan, co-founder of EnapterTammy Ma, plasma physicist at the Lawrence Livermore's National Ignition Facility. For more:https://www.globalgoals.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    How do we Consume Better?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2023 40:24


    Today we need about 1.7 Earths to provide the natural resources for our consumption. If we continue to consume at the rate we have, we will need 2 earths by 2030. So how do we stay within the boundaries of what our planet can take? And how are young change makers leading the way?In this episode, Gail Gallie and Loyiso Madinga look at Global Goal 12 and ask what it means to consume “responsibly”. They speak with Johan Rockström, one of the foremost experts on sustainable consumption and production systems and renowned for his groundbreaking ‘planetary boundaries' framework. They are also joined by change maker Melati Wijsen who aged 12, together with her sister, successfully banned plastic bags in their home country Bali. Today, after a decade of campaigning, she aims to connect younger generations and provide them with the tools to make a lasting impact. Guests:Johan Rockstrom, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and Professor in Earth System Science at the University of Potsdam.Melati Wijsen, full time changemaker, movement builder and founder of Bye Bye Plastic Bags and YOUTHOPIAFor more:https://www.globalgoals.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Season 2 Trailer

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2023 2:11


    The award winning Idiot's Guide to Saving the World is back! Gail and Loyiso give you a sneak peek on who you can expect to hear from in the new season of this podcast focussing on the UN's Global Goals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Climate Action

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2022 55:41


    Climate change is already here for many people around the world and tackling it is seen as the biggest challenge our species has ever faced. To reverse the worst impacts, climate activists around the world are calling for action now. But what does 'action' mean? What do activists do? And is it actually intimidating to become one? Plus: how to find hope. Gail and Loyiso go behind Goal 13 and travel from the Global South to the Global North to find out.Featuring: Elizabeth Wathuti, Environment and climate activist, Founder of the Green Generation Initiative Mitzi Jonelle Tan, Climate justice activist Mikaela Loach, Climate justice activist Tom Rivett-Carnac, Founding Partner at Global Optimism, co-author of 'The Future We Choose'. Audio from COP26 provided by UN Climate Change , with thanks to UNFCCC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Education

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2022 40:39


    Episode 5 of the new Global Goals Podcast. Education is at the heart of achieving the Global Goals. Everyone deserves a quality education, but what does 'quality' mean in the 21st century? How are our children being taught, what are they being taught and who has access to it? To tackle Goal 4, Gail and Loyiso travel to India, Sierra Leone and the UK to meet the education reformers trying to make our schools more accessible, more inclusive and more empowering. Featuring:Kiran Sethi, Founder and Director of The Riverside School and Founder of “Design for Change”.Lavinya Stennett, Founder of The Black Curriculum.David Moinina Sengeh, Sierra Leone's Education Minister and Chief Innovation Officer. Find out more at GlobalGoals.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Clean Water

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2022 32:44


    A brand new podcast for the Global Goals - episode 4 focuses on Clean Water. Is the world running out of water? As populations grow and the climate warms, water demand is increasing. But why does no one seem to be talking about it? Opening the tap and having access to clean drinking water is something many of us take for granted while one in three people worldwide still don't have access to it. In this episode, Gail and Loyiso explore water scarcity as part of Goal 6 and remember when Cape Town came close to becoming the first major city to run out of water. Plus: Gail finds out that London is predicted to do the same.... Are we prepared? Featuring:Mariechen Puchert, Medical DoctorLucy Easthope, Emergency Planner, Co-Founder of the After Disaster Network, author of 'When the Dust Settles'. Hosts:Gail Gallie, Co-founder of Project Everyone.Loyiso Madinga, Comedian and South-Africa correspondent for Trevor Noah. Find out more at GlobalGoals.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Food

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2022 44:55


    Hunger is the biggest single risk to global health. A staggering one in nine people still go to bed on an empty stomach each night and yet an estimated one third of all food produced globally is lost or goes to waste. What is going wrong? In this episode we will be exploring Global Goal 2, as Gail and Loyiso find out what are the main causes of world hunger, discovering our relationship to food; how we should grow it, who we grow it for, and how we can avoid wasting it. Featuring: Corinne Woods, Director of Communications and Advocacy for the UN's World Food Programme.Sean Sherman, Founder of The Sioux Chef and Chef at Owamni.Andy Cato, mixed arable and livestock farmer and co-founder of Wildfarmed.Anna Scavuzzo, Milan's Vice Mayor and coordinator of The Milan Pact. Hosts:Gail Gallie, Co-founder of Project Everyone.Loyiso Madinga, Comedian and South-Africa correspondent for Trevor Noah. Find out more at globalgoals.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Refugees

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2022 53:59


    Around the world, more than 84 million people have been forcibly displaced. And that's only the number from last time it was counted. In the meantime, the war in Ukraine has unleashed another refugee crisis on top of the devastating ongoing crisis around the world. So how can we offer a warm home to those who were forced to flee theirs? What is the power of home? And how can we avoid this becoming the humanitarian issue of the decade? Through the lens of Global Goal 16, but touching on so many of the others, Gail and Loyiso hear powerful stories from around the world. Featuring:Jaz O'Hara, Human rights activist, founder of The Worldwide Tribe and host of the Asylum Speakers Podcast. Amali Tower, Founder and executive director of Climate Refugees.Ilwad Elman, Director of Programs and Development at the Elman Peace and Human Rights Center and Extremely Together Young Leader.Hamed Amiri, author of 'The Boy With Two Hearts'. Hosts:Gail Gallie, Co-founder of Project Everyone.Loyiso Madinga, Comedian and South-Africa correspondent for Trevor Noah. Find out more at globalgoals.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Oceans

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2022 45:14


    A brand new Global Goals Podcast.Some say our oceans are the second lungs of the planet. Not surprising, considering they produce over 50% of the worlds oxygen. But this life-source has been devastated by human activity. In this episode, Gail and Loyiso dive into Goal 14 of the UN's SDGs, as they explore the impact of rising sea levels, who is being affected and what we can do to protect them. They discover a promising alternative to overfishing and ask a marine biologist if it's okay to go on a beach holiday. Plus: An Idiot's Guide to Saving our Oceans in 30 seconds. Featuring:Shauna Aminath, the Maldives' Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Technology.Sabra Noordeen, the Maldives' Special Envoy for Climate Change.Bren Smith, Restorative ocean farmer, co-founder of GreenWave, and author of Eat Like a Fish.Dr Emma Camp, Marine Biologist and co-founder of the Coral Nurture Program. Hosts:Gail Gallie, Co-founder of Project Everyone.Loyiso Madinga, Comedian Find out more at globalgoals.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Trailer

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2022 2:44


    Ahead of the launch of this new Global Goals themed podcast, listen to a teaser of what you can expect. First 3 episodes drop 19th April Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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