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Are we witnessing the beginning of the end for fossil fuels?This Earth Day, Outrage + Optimism explores a seismic shift in global energy: the possibility that major oil and gas companies are entering a self-managed decline. Have fossil fuel companies been overvalued for decades? And are they now quietly winding themselves down? For years, analysts and campaigners have questioned why these companies are valued as if they'll pump oil forever. With rising climate risks, tightening regulation, and growing investor scrutiny, the foundations of their business model have looked increasingly shaky.Now, something remarkable is happening. From Exxon to Shell, oil majors are cutting back on capital investment, failing to replace their reserves, and instead handing profits back to shareholders. Could this be the beginning of an industry in managed decline?In this Earth Day special, Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac, and Paul Dickinson sit down with Mark Campanale, founder of Carbon Tracker and the originator of the ‘stranded assets' concept that helped launch the global divestment movement.Is this truly the start of fossil fuel's final chapter? Or is it a strategic pivot - away from fuels and toward petrochemicals, plastics, and a long tail of influence?Learn more
Is Canada a climate leader or a fossil-fueled dinosaur? And what will the recent ascension of Mark Carney as Prime Minister mean for the country's climate agenda - both domestically and on the world stage?In the second of our country deep-dives, Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac speak with Catherine McKenna, Canada's former Minister of Environment and Climate Change, to discuss the mixed history, uncertain present and possible futures of the nation's climate record.As Canada's representative at the COP 21 negotiations in Paris, Catherine set the tone for the decade that has followed, during which time the country has increasingly engaged in international climate leadership. Back home, she also spearheaded an innovative carbon pricing system, which, though not always popular, attempted to shift the nation away from its fossil fuel dependency while delivering an economic net benefit for most Canadians.While former Bank of England and Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney has become widely known as a climate progressive, his first act in office was to end this carbon tax, leading many to question how his climate ideals will fare in the face of political reality. Catherine reflects on why the tax was scrapped, and the lessons that must be learned if we are to defend climate action.Along with Paul Dickinson, Christiana and Tom consider the challenges facing former Outrage + Optimism guest Carney as he takes the helm of one of the G20's highest emitters, and ask if we're witnessing a wider backlash against corporate net zero commitments.Learn more
How can the law be used to champion human rights, drive progress and fight for climate justice? Paul Dickinson is joined by Laura Clarke, CEO of ClientEarth, the non-profit lawyers for the planet working to protect life on Earth. Laura shares how ClientEarth has successfully challenged corporate greenwashing, from the Dutch courts ruling against airline KLM for misleading customers, to forcing a Polish company to change the misleading name of its ‘eco-pea coal'. And beyond corporate accountability, how they take on national governments to ensure they uphold their environmental commitments. In this latest in our series on the new levers of change, co-presenters Tom Rivett-Carnac and Christiana Figueres join Paul to reflect on the ways in which law, climate and justice intersects. Christiana shares her excitement on the new ways in which the ‘web of jurisprudence' is being woven in a field with little legal precedent. Plus, each share their take on the news that former Outrage + Optimism guest Mark Carney will become the next Prime Minister of Canada. How will he deal with President Trump amid the ongoing US-Canada trade war?Learn more
Culture, Society, News, Science - Persephonica and Global Optimism
Outrage + Optimism is for anyone who is not ready to give up on making the world a better place. Feeling exhausted at the thought of keeping up with climate news ahead of this pivotal year? Join Christiana, Tom and Paul in their weekly conversations to make sense of it all, bringing you expert insight, analysis and inspiring conversations with some of the world's most visionary thinkers and influential decision makers. Subscribe to Outrage + Optimism: The Climate Podcast. Follow us on LinkedIn, on Instagram and X.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.
General frustration with the result of the most recent UN climate conference (UNFCCC COP29) spurred the former UN climate chief, Christiana Figueres – under whose leadership the Paris Agreement was struck – to co-author a letter to the UN urging an overhaul to the COP process, and calling it “no longer fit for purpose.” Figueres joins this episode to speak about why the world's governments seemingly cannot agree to move decisively on climate action, and what can be done about it. She shares why – despite these frustrations and disappointments – she remains optimistic about the global effort to decarbonize economies and transport systems, citing recent advancements in the deployment of renewable energy and the power of everyday actions: “I used to think that it was our collective responsibility to guarantee to future generations that they would have a perfect world. And now that I am a recent grandmother, I really look back at that and I go, ‘my God, we cannot guarantee to future generations that they're going to have a perfect world.' We cannot. So, what can we do? We can do our darndest and we can wake up every morning and make a choice and say ‘where am I going to put my energy today?'” she says. Figueres is also the co-host of the popular podcast, Outrage + Optimism, which features conversations and analysis about the climate crisis. Related reading at Mongabay.com: · COP29 ends in $300 billion deal, widespread dismay — and eyes toward COP30 · Top Mongabay podcast picks for 2024 Subscribe to or follow the Mongabay Newscast wherever you listen to podcasts, from Apple to Spotify, and you can also listen to all episodes here on the Mongabay website. Timecodes --- (00:00) A disappointing COP process (03:33) Has the Paris Agreement failed? (08:01) The renewable energy adoption s-curve (13:34) Electricity generation vs. consumption (18:55) Decarbonizing without mandates (23:29) Are we standing still? (31:16) Courage in choosing optimism (41:25) Reflections from a Colombian forest (48:12) Rachel changes her mind
This week, Christiana, Tom and Paul tackle the latest on the global plastics treaty (known as INC-5), which ended last week without a deal. Why were countries unable to agree a deal despite the huge amount of public concern about plastic pollution? What pathways remain for an agreement in 2025? And why is it so important to maintain focus on plastic from a climate point of view? Dive into the challenges and explore potential solutions with the team. Continuing this critical theme, Ellen MacArthur, Founder & Chair of Trustees of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, world record-breaking sailor and circular economy advocate, joins Christiana to share an exclusive conversation as part of a collaboration between The Circular Economy Show and Outrage + Optimism. Together they consider what's next for the global plastics treaty, get excited about the role of the private sector in tackling plastic pollution, and highlight how the visibility of plastics can help capture public attention on climate. Before you go… Listener Survey Help shape the podcast for 2025! If you haven't yet completed our annual listener survey, we'd be so grateful if you can spare 10 minutes to complete it here. Tell us what you like, what you don't like, and what you want more of from Outrage + Optimism. NOTES AND RESOURCES GUEST Dame Ellen MacArthur Website | Twitter (X) Ellen MacArthur Foundation Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter (X) The Foundation works to accelerate the transition to a circular economy, if you'd like to find out more, the Foundation's podcast ‘The Circular Economy Show' talks to experts from across industry, governments and academia to hear first hand about how the circular economy is being developed and scaled. December Mailbag Episode We would LOVE to hear your questions for our end of year listener Mailbag episode. Whether it is your questions on our most recent How to Live a Good Life series, questions on the recent COPs or everything and anything in between. Please either: Send us an email: contact@globaloptimism.com with Climate Questions: December Mailbag in the title. Visit our social media pages and drop the question in the comments. Alternatively, if you want the chance for your message to be played on the show, record a message for us 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! Instagram | LinkedIn
In this special episode of The Circular Economy Show, we're sharing a conversation between Ellen MacArthur and Christiana Figueres from the climate podcast Outrage + Optimism.Christiana was Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change from 2010 to 2016, where she oversaw the delivery of the historic Paris Agreement. In this episode, the pair reflect on the outcomes of the INC-5 negotiations for a global plastics treaty, the role businesses play in addressing plastic packaging pollution, and why a global, legally-binding treaty is necessary to address this global challenge.Listen to episode 165 to find out more about why the INC-5 negotiations matter, or visit the Ellen MacArthur Foundation website.Find out more about a circular economy for plastic.Check out the Outrage + Optimism podcast.
This week, the team dives into the dramatic highs and lows of COP29 in Baku. With negotiations stretching into the final hours, a hard-fought finance deal emerged to bolster climate action and support for the most vulnerable. Yet, Christiana describes the agreement as “paltry at best,” highlighting the yawning chasm between what was agreed upon and what is truly necessary to address the climate crisis. For those advocating for an ambitious, needs-based outcome, this year's COP was a bruising experience—marked by frustration, hurt, and disappointment. The hosts share their thoughts on the controversies surrounding Azerbaijan's COP presidency and the challenges faced by negotiators committed to transformational change. Finally, the team welcomes a very special guest: superstar producer Clay Carnill. As Clay prepares to leave the show, the hosts reflect on his incredible contributions to Outrage + Optimism—from the early days to now. Known for his humour, joy, unparalleled talent, attention-to-detail, professionalism, musicality and general all-round awesomeness, Clay has been a cornerstone of the podcast's success. He will be deeply missed by the entire team. We send Clay off with all our love—and best wishes for him (and the Detroit Lions!) on the journey ahead.
As the news of Donald Trump's 2024 US election victory makes headlines around the world, Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac and Paul Dickinson unpack Trump and Harris's campaign and discuss the implications of a Trump-led administration on US climate ambition, both domestically and internationally. Or as Tom puts it, “What the hell just happened in the US?” Join the hosts as they analyze potential shifts in policy, how business and finance could counterbalance federal setbacks, and what this means for COP29, NDCs, and global multilateral efforts. During their discussion, the hosts pose some crucial questions: how would a US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement impact global decarbonisation progress? What role will China play as the climate leadership landscape shifts? Amidst these turbulent times, we're thrilled to inject a dose of much needed optimism by welcoming Congresswoman-Elect Yassamin Ansari to Outrage + Optimism. Fresh from her election to the US House of Representatives for Arizona's 3rd District, Yassamin joins us with her inspiring perspective on leading progressive change at the federal level. Her election, which makes her the second ever Iranian American to be elected to Congress, brings hope for resilient climate leadership despite federal setbacks. NOTES AND RESOURCES GUEST Congresswoman-Elect Yassamin Ansari Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter (X) 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
This week, our hosts dive into The Rio Trio! No, this is not the name of a new cocktail but three COPs (Biodiversity in Colombia, Climate in Azerbaijan and Desertification in Saudi Arabia) which are about to happen back-to-back. Plus the plastics treaty negotiations in South Korea. Join our hosts for their take on the history of these three different but interrelated COPs, all conceived in the Earth Summit in Rio in 1992. How have they evolved, and how might they continue to evolve to be fit for purpose in a changed world? Since this subject is complex, Christiana uses her get-out clause and phones a special friend for much-needed clarity. Christiana also asks the question: If we had a blank slate now, would it make more sense to kick start a process based on all nine planetary boundaries? Would this help us focus holistically on the interconnected challenges we face? Sit back and listen as the hosts try to make sense of this negotiating super season for the planet and all its peoples. Please keep tuned for special and in-depth coverage from the Outrage + Optimism team to guide you through each of these key moments. NOTES AND RESOURCES How COPs are organised - Questions and answers From Cancun to Durban: Implications for Climate and Multilateral Diplomacy by HE Patricia Espinosa COP16 host Colombia pushes for unified UN climate and nature pledges COP Presidencies Launch ‘Rio Trio' Biodiversity COP Climate COP Desertification COP GUEST Richard Kinley, President, Foundation for Global Governance and Sustainability and former senior official at the UN Climate Change Secretariat (UNFCCC) from 1993 to 2017. He served as Deputy Executive Secretary from 2006 to 2017 and was intimately involved in the development of UNFCCC as an organization from its establishment and in its management and operations. 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
Christiana Figueres (the woman behind the Paris Agreement) is possibly the best-known official in the global climate change movement. The former Costa Rican diplomat and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (2010-2016), managed to bring together 195 nations to sign the historical 2015 agreement that set the “1.5C” target/warning. She wrote The Future We Choose, cohosts the Outrage + Optimism podcast, has a moth, a wasp and an orchid named after her, and has won countless international awards for her work. In this episode, we challenge each other on whether hope and optimism are still useful given we've passed the 1.5C threshold in February, whether the Paris Agreement is still viable almost 10 years on and the viability of the green energy transition. We don't agree on a number of points, but we come together on what keeps us in the “fight” …love. Listen to the end with this one.SHOW NOTESThe work of rare earth minerals expert Olivia Lazard and energy futurist Nate Hagens supports the energy points I make in this episode. This international team of researchers and this team working out of France show fossil fuels will become net-energy negative in the future. We are spending more energy to get less energy than before—our net energy is “plummeting”.The world's consumption of fossil fuels climbed to a record high last year according to the University of Exeter's Global Carbon Project and NASA. A Finnish Geological Survey finds that “global reserves are not large enough to supply enough metals to build the renewable non-fossil fuels industrial system”.According to a study on societal tipping points, a peak and fall in global oil production would bring down the entire financial and trade system like a house of cards.This chapter of my book outlines the argument in detail.And here are the first two chapters of my book, that outline my position on hope v truth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In episode 1 of our How To Live A Good Life in a Climate Crisis series, the Outrage + Optimism hosts introduce you to their new mini series and discuss how they define a good life. For the next few weeks, Tom, Paul and Christiana will explore questions that you, the listeners, have asked us to address, around what it means to live a good life at this pivotal moment, facing uncertainty and judgments. They'll talk about whether we should fly, what we eat, how to enjoy a meaningful career and whether or not we should have children. This free ranging discussion attempts to shine a light on the interplay between the largest issue facing humanity - the climate crisis - and the difference each of us can make. Although this series concerns itself with individual action, part of our role is to call on governments and other institutions to precipitate systemic change. Please don't expect any right or wrong answers! Tom, Paul and Christiana will not prescribe you the ingredients for the perfect life! They will share their own insights, stories and struggles. And after listening there's a good chance you might feel more confused - we only hope you'll be confused at a deeper level. We'd love to hear what you think. NOTES AND RESOURCES Understanding Ireland Citizen Visions of a Good Life 2030 Fifty Ways to Start a Climate Conversation Climate Week NYC: Love is the Answer 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
Since Dr Stephan Harding passed away in September 2024, he has been deeply mourned by the climate community, many of whom have been touched and inspired by his life and work. In honour of his extraordinary contributions to our understanding of this beautiful planet, we're re-releasing the Deep Time Walk, narrated by Stephan, and which has already been downloaded over a million times. This re-release includes an introduction by hosts Paul and Tom, and Tom's eulogy, which he shared at Stephan's memorial service on 30th September. Stephan Harding was a founding member of Schumacher College where he was a Deep Ecology Research Fellow, celebrated teacher and author. As a celebration of this remarkable and beloved man, we hope you enjoy his history of Gaia, told through immersive sound. We encourage you to set aside time to sit comfortably, relax, and learn to “walk well into the life of Gaia” as Stephan puts it. Stephan has had a massive influence on the climate movement, inspiring global leaders to shift their world view towards a Gaian view. We have the privilege of sharing an exercise of that shift with all of you. Enjoy and RIP Dr Stephan Harding. — Christiana + Tom's book ‘The Future We Choose' is available now! — Mentioned links from the episode: DOWNLOAD: The Deep Time Walk App CHECK OUT: The Deep Time Walk Field Kit LEARN MORE: Deep Time Walk Project Dr. Stephan Harding Deep Ecology Research Fellow | Senior Lecturer in Holistic Science Author of Animate Earth and Gaia Alchemy LINKS: Schumacher College Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn Deep Time Walk Website — Keep up with Christiana Figueres here: Instagram | Twitter Tom Rivett-Carnac: Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Paul Dickinson: LinkedIn | Twitter — Follow @GlobalOptimism on social media and send us a message! Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn Don't forget to hit SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss another episode of Outrage + Optimism!
This week, The Climate Pledge turns five and Tom and Christiana talk to Kara Hurst, Chief Sustainability Officer at Amazon, to reflect on the journey of this initiative co-founded by Amazon and Global Optimism. At the top of the episode, Tom and Christiana anticipate the frantic and sometimes frustrating weeks ahead in this hectic period for those working in climate, and as wild weather continues to wreak havoc, Christiana and Tom invite us to pause for a moment. How can we listen and better contribute? How can we roll up our sleeves - with hope - and get to work on having a positive impact and building momentum? In their thoughtful interview with Kara, the hosts reflect on how The Climate Pledge has grown over the last five years to over 500 signatories - companies who share an ambition to innovate, accelerate joint action and collaborate across sectors to get to net zero carbon emissions by 2040, ten years earlier than the Paris Agreement. Kara, Tom and Christiana discuss the specific challenges companies face and the solutions and strategies they're adopting to meet targets. Sharing failures has been just as valuable as sharing successes because, as Tom points out, none of us have decarbonised the global economy before. Unafraid to go deep, they question how we would reduce emissions and redesign society if we kept in mind the earth's atmosphere. NOTES AND RESOURCES Outrage + Optimism, Live at Climate Week NYC Event Title: It's Time To Unite For Mission 2025 Event Details: Tuesday 24th September, 12:00 - 13:00 ET, Glasshouse (NYC) Event Description: Mission 2025 is a coalition of courageous leaders - mayors, governors, CEOs, investors, athletes, musicians and citizens - who are inviting governments to ratchet upcoming national climate plans (known as Nationally Determined Contributions) in line with the Paris Agreement target of limiting global warming to 1.5C. Described as ‘Defenders of Paris', Mission 2025 Partners arrive at Climate Week New York with a major update of new organizations who are ready to embolden governments to set more ambitious plans and accelerate implementation because they know this can unlock trillions in private investment, scale cheap renewable energy, support industries to compete in a low carbon economy, and safeguard living standards equitably for our people. As a live recorded Outrage + Optimism podcast, this flagship event will demonstrate how these plans can be upgraded by showcasing government and real economy leaders who are driving towards ‘positive tipping points' across the three themes of energy, nature & food, and finance. The event is supported by the Mission 2025 Partners and convened by Groundswell – a collaboration between Global Optimism, Bezos Earth Fund and Systems Change Lab – together with the Climate Group. Registering: Please reach out to groundswell@globaloptimism.com if you are interested in joining this event The Climate Pledge The Climate Pledge and C40 Cities Launch Laneshift GUEST Kara Hurst, Chief Sustainability Officer at Amazon LinkedIn | Twitter (X) 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
Welcome back to Season 10! With the hosts together again following our break, Tom, Paul and Christiana are bursting with news and analysis. Up for discussion this week, the hosts try to understand why the Democrats haven't been talking much about climate change and what drives Kamala Harris' outrage and optimism. They delve deeper into the UK's new Labour Party's plans around energy, nature and climate change. Plus the hosts scan the horizon for the consequential moments in climate policy, with UNGA, Climate Week NYC and two COPs hurtling towards us. NOTES AND RESOURCES Outrage + Optimism, Live at Climate Week NYC Event Title: It's Time To Unite For Mission 2025 Event Details: Tuesday 24th September, 12:00 - 13:00 ET, Glasshouse (NYC) Event Description: Mission 2025 is a coalition of courageous leaders - mayors, governors, CEOs, investors, athletes, musicians and citizens - who are inviting governments to ratchet upcoming national climate plans (known as Nationally Determined Contributions) in line with the Paris Agreement target of limiting global warming to 1.5C. Described as ‘Defenders of Paris', Mission 2025 Partners arrive at Climate Week New York with a major update of new organizations who are ready to embolden governments to set more ambitious plans and accelerate implementation because they know this can unlock trillions in private investment, scale cheap renewable energy, support industries to compete in a low carbon economy, and safeguard living standards equitably for our people. As a live recorded Outrage+Optimism podcast, this flagship event will demonstrate how these plans can be upgraded by showcasing government and real economy leaders who are driving towards ‘positive tipping points' across the three themes of energy, nature & food, and finance. The event is supported by the Mission 2025 Partners and convened by Groundswell – a collaboration between Global Optimism, Bezos Earth Fund and Systems Change Lab – together with the Climate Group. Registering: Please reach out to groundswell@globaloptimism.com if you are interested in joining this event Fact check: Sea levels are already rising faster per year than Trump claims they might rise over ‘next 497 years' CNN, June 2024 Trump's chat with Musk on X fact-checked BBC, August 2024 Climate Concerns Dip - Monmouth University Poll, May 2024 Labour Government's In-Tray for Climate Change, Energy and Nature Carbon Brief Summit of the Future Watch Sherman Guity win Costa Rica a Gold Medal in the Paralympics 100m 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
Since we've just completed the release of our 10-part series, We Are the Great Turning, we wanted to introduce you to another podcast with a spirit similar to ours: Outrage + Optimism. The episode we're going to play for you is called “Our Story of Nature: From Rupture to Reconnection.” It's the first in a miniseries that shines a light on our relationship to the rest of nature. Remembering our place in the web of life is an essential part of building the Great Turning. Be sure to subscribe to their podcast, and give them a follow on social media @outrageoptimism. Now that this season of We Are the Great Turning is over, naturally, the question that's emerging is … “What's next?” As we consider whether to do a second season, we'd love to hear more about what you got from the first. What impact has it had in your life, and what might you love to hear from us next? Send us an email or a voice note at greatturning@soundstrue.com or send Jess a DM on Instagram @jess_serrante.
Since we've just completed the release of our 10-part series, We Are the Great Turning, we wanted to introduce you to another podcast with a spirit similar to ours: Outrage + Optimism. The episode we're going to play for you is called “Our Story of Nature: From Rupture to Reconnection.” It's the first in a miniseries that shines a light on our relationship to the rest of nature. Remembering our place in the web of life is an essential part of building the Great Turning. Be sure to subscribe to their podcast, and give them a follow on social media @outrageoptimism. Now that this season of We Are the Great Turning is over, naturally, the question that's emerging is … “What's next?” As we consider whether to do a second season, we'd love to hear more about what you got from the first. What impact has it had in your life, and what might you love to hear from us next? Send us an email or a voice note at greatturning@soundstrue.com or send Jess a DM on Instagram @jess_serrante.
On this episode of Point of Relation, Thomas is joined by Christiana Figueres, an internationally recognized leader on global climate change. They discuss her extensive work in helping to create global regulatory frameworks around climate change, and how we can apply the power of our agency as a collective to work towards regeneration instead of creating more destruction. Christiana and Thomas observe how our individual healing processes mirror the social transformation humanity must undergo to address the climate crisis. They explore how we can fertilize the ground of possibility and see climate change not as an inevitable disaster, but as a portal for change and an opportunity to heal global injustices. ✨ Join Thomas and couples therapy expert Terry Real for a free, LIVE event: Daring to Embrace Intimacy in a Fractured World On July 18, Thomas and Terry will come together to explore how trauma in our world creates a pressure cooker for our day-to-day relationships, and share tools and practices to help you shift from conflict to connection to heal your relationships—with yourself, your partner, and the world at large. Sign up for free here:
Welcome to episode 70 of The Way Out Is In: The Zen Art of Living, a podcast series mirroring Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh's deep teachings of Buddhist philosophy: a simple yet profound methodology for dealing with our suffering, and for creating more happiness and joy in our lives. We're delighted to be able to share with you this special two-part installment, recorded in June 2024 at the recent Plum Village retreat, Ancient Path for Modern Times. This is the first recording of a panel discussion based loosely around the 14 mindfulness trainings – Thich Nhat Hanh’s ethical guidelines for living, a modern distillation of the traditional Bodhisattva precepts of Mahayana Buddhism. The trainings are followed by monastics and lay friends who have made a a formal vow to receive, study, and observe them. In the panel, you will hear two of our frequent guests, Sister True Dedication (Sister Hien Nghiem) and Christiana Figueres, as well as Dharma teacher Shantum Seth. These three panelists explore how the Buddha faced war and violence in his own time; the principle of ahimsa and Gandhian nonviolence; handling anger, despair, and burnout as activists; practicing in times of polarization and division; insights around the victim-perpetrator dynamic; sanghas as sanctuaries, and their role in activism; different aspects of engaged Buddhism and its evolution over time; the spiritual dimension of change; and much more. And does anger help? Christiana Figueres, one of the architects of the Paris Climate Agreement in 2015, was a student of Thich Nhat Hanh and is a valued member of the Plum Village Sangha. Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) from 2010 to 2016, she is also the co-founder of Global Optimism, co-host of the Outrage + Optimism podcast, and co-author of the bestselling The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis. Shantum Seth, an ordained Dharmacharya (Dharma teacher) in the Buddhist Mindfulness lineage of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, teaches in India and across the world. A co-founder of Ahimsa Trust, he has been a student of Thich Nhat Hanh's teachings for the past 35 years. Since 1988, he has led pilgrimages and other multi-faith, educational, cultural, spiritual, and transformative journeys across diverse regions of India and Asia. He is actively involved in educational, social, and ecological programmes, including work on cultivating mindfulness in society, including with educators, the Indian Central Reserve Police Force, and the corporate sector. Across various Indian sanghas, Dharmacharya Shantum is the primary teacher of different practices of mindfulness from Thich Nhat Hanh's tradition.Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Co-produced by the Plum Village App:https://plumvillage.app/ And Global Optimism:https://globaloptimism.com/ With support from the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation:https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/ List of resources Interbeinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interbeing The Fourteen Mindfulness Trainingshttps://plumvillage.org/mindfulness/the-14-mindfulness-trainings Mahayanahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahayana Bodhisattva vowhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodhisattva_vow Magadhahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magadha Kosalahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosala Ahimsahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AhimsaMahavirahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MahaviraPatanjalihttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patanjali Mahatma Gandhihttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahatma_Gandhi Jan Smutshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Smuts Sister Chan Duchttps://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/sr-chan-duc Sister Chan Khonghttps://plumvillage.org/about/sister-chan-khong Paris Peace Accordshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris_Peace_Accords The European Institute of Applied Buddhism (EIAB)https://plumvillage.org/practice-centre/eiab Quotes “I need to find a way of being peace, not just fighting for peace.” “There’s no teaching as clear as ‘no mud, no lotus', because that is the kernel of transformation. And if we can all give that to ourselves every day, then we can make space for the despair and the anger and maybe even the hatred. And, at the same time, be able to make space for the reconciliation and for the growth in our shared humanity.” “What has always been important for me, as a guidance, is to understand that, because of the truth of interbeing, we all play a role. We all have our different positions, our different opinions, our different interests, and they’re all necessary.” “I wake up, honestly, most mornings, despairing at what I’m seeing. The question for me, then, is: do I let that control my day? Do I let that control my thought, my word, and my action? Or do I use the despair as the very rich mud to transform into the lotus?” “I know the reasons for anger. And if anger is directed at me it’s probably a good direction, because it means that it won't be reflected back.” “Whatever is in me, I mirror out there in the world. Whatever I do has an effect on the world. The other option is to let the world determine what goes on inside me. I did that for many years, and it doesn’t lead to good results. So the invitation is to actually take responsibility. What is the world in here doing, and how do I reflect that onto the outside world?” “If you can still see that the flowers are smiling, you’re okay.” “True mindfulness or right mindfulness always contains ethics within it. And if it doesn’t have ethics in it, like, for example, using mindfulness to hold a gun and pull the trigger, then, actually, that’s not mindfulness. That would just be concentration or focus. Mindfulness is your whole being, including the ethical values that are there in the present moment.” “You could send all the bombs to the moon, but the roots of war would still be in our hearts and minds.” “The way we show up, the quality of our presence – whether it’s teachers or leaders in politics, the climate movement, our own organizations, or in our families – that quality of applied mindfulness in our presence is our engagement, and that’s what the world needs most.” “Don’t underestimate the power of our applied mindfulness, the quality of our presence in the most simple moments. That is how we can take our civilization in the right direction.”
This week, Outrage + Optimism celebrate World Refugee Day with an interview with Gaia Vince. The hosts discuss how extreme heat, floods or natural disasters cause tens of millions of people to leave their homes behind. They look at how climate migration is happening now and will only happen faster and with greater impact. With each degree of temperature rise, a billion people will be displaced and huge swathes of the world will become uninhabitable. Gaia Vince, author of Nomad Century: How to Survive the Climate Upheaval talks to the hosts about the need for what she calls ‘honest pragmatism about human mobility'. With Gaia's steer, the hosts and Gaia discuss ways we might manage this inevitable movement of people; why the right wing, anti-immigration narrative might resonate but is not rooted in the fact that migrants historically enrich societies, both culturally and financially, and how to implement long-term solutions rather than patch-ups. NOTES AND RESOURCES Please fill out our 2024 Listener Feedback Survey! Vote for Outrage + Optimism in the British Podcast Awards Listeners' Choice Category! GUESTS Gaia Vince Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter (X) NOTES World Refugee Day Refugee Week: 17 - 23 June What is the ‘human climate niche' and why does it matter? ‘Simple Acts' for Refugee Week! 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
This week, we go deep into trauma with Thomas Hübl, who developed the Collective Trauma Integration Process for working with individual, ancestral, and collective trauma. With the help of Thomas, hear our hosts unpack why, and how, we have to keep working on the solutions even as we are still experiencing the trauma of the climate crisis. Thomas Hübl, is a renowned teacher, author, and international facilitator who works within the complexity of systems and cultural change by integrating the core insights of the great wisdom traditions and mysticism with the discoveries of science. NOTES AND RESOURCES GUEST Thomas Hübl, Teacher, Author, and International Facilitator Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube | attuned Please fill out our 2024 Listener Feedback Survey! Vote for Outrage + Optimism in the British Podcast Awards Listeners' Choice Category! 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
This week, with Tom away, our hosts are joined by Dr. Sweta Chakraborty, Climate Behavioural Scientist & CEO of North America, We Don't Have Time. Together they wrestle on the spectrum of outrage and optimism with the news of Trump's message to oil and gas executives, the part young people play in the climate vote and what impact the survey of IPCC scientists published in the Guardian had on the global community. Please remember to keep sending in your conundrums for our up and coming ‘How to Live a Good Life' series. Email us at podcast@globaloptimism.com or send a voice message to Outrage + Optimism. NOTES AND RESOURCES GUEST Dr. Sweta Chakraborty, Climate Behavioural Scientist & CEO of North America, We Don't Have Time LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter (X) We Don't Have Time Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter (X) | Instagram | YouTube 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
Earlier this week, some of the world's leading astrophysicists came together at The Royal Society to question the very nature of our Universe. Does the Lambda Cold Dark Matter model, which explains the evolution of the cosmos and the Big Bang, need a rethink? Dr Chris North, an astrophysicist from the University of Cardiff, joins us in the studio to explain what this model says, and why it might need to be changed. The last few weeks seem to have been a non-stop cycle of depressing climate stories, with floods in Pakistan, mass coral bleaching and last month being the hottest March ever recorded. It's perhaps no surprise that many people are anxious about the news. Vic Gill is joined by Prof Lorraine Whitmarsh, an environmental psychologist at the University of Bath, and Tom Rivett Carnac, an author, political strategist and co-host of the podcast Outrage + Optimism. Together they discuss climate anxiety, and how to stay engaged with the news without feeling overwhelmed.And with all this wet weather, how are our precious insects faring? It turns out, bumblebees might have a trick up their fuzzy sleeves when the ground gets flooded - at least according to a new experiment led by Sabrina Rondeau from the University of Ottawa. We also get bumblebee expert Dave Goulson on the line to tell us more about these charismatic insects. Presenter: Victoria Gill Producers: Alice Lipscombe-Southwell, Ella Hubber and Hannah Robins Editor: Martin Smith Production Co-ordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth
This week, Christiana, Tom and Paul are back together and, as we continue to experiment with a new format, they each bring the topic they are feeling particularly outraged or optimistic about; listen in for discussions about deceitful campaigns by the oil and gas industry dating back to the 1960's, small thinking in Europe and fiduciary duty with a capital F. And remember, we need your help. Be part of our new podcast series! We'll be asking, ‘What does it mean to live a good life in a climate crisis?' and we'd love to include questions and stories from you. While we are working to change systems, how do we also adapt our everyday lives - eating, traveling, parenting, working - to best fit with the demands of the times? Email us at podcast@globaloptimism.com or send a voice message to Outrage + Optimism. NOTES AND RESOURCES 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
This is an episode of Outrage + Optimism we think you'll enjoy, a podcast that explore the stories behind the headlines on climate change, talking to the change-makers turning challenges into opportunities. On this episode the hosts welcome Hannah Ritchie, Deputy Editor at Our World in Data and a Senior Researcher at the University of Oxford and discuss her book “Not the End of the World, How We Can Be the First Generation to Build a Sustainable Planet.” Tune in for a thought-provoking dialogue you won't want to miss!
Christiana Figueres' podcast Outrage + Optimism is essential listening for anyone who wants to understand the complexity of the climate situation. This podcast is a preview of their mini-series, Our Story of Nature. In Episode 1 of the three-part series, Christiana Figueres, Isabel Cavelier Adarve and guests delve deep into the roots of humanity's separation from nature. They explore moments where cracks may have appeared and widened, including the advent of farming and a particular interpretation of the Book of Genesis. How have certain ideas shaped different cultures' relationships with the natural world, and what are their consequences? Is our distance from nature related to other forms of separation, like colonialism? How can we nurture and narrate new stories of our relationship with nature to address 21st Century problems? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Get ready to celebrate International Women's Day with Tom and Christiana on Outrage + Optimism! We're discussing the fallout from Super Tuesday and the uphill battle for female parliamentary leadership. Plus, don't miss our exclusive interview with the incredible Gaia van der Esch! Tune in for insights, inspiration, and empowerment! Gaia van der Esch, is an executive in the non-profit and public sectors, a policy expert and author, and we discuss her book, "Leading Our Way: How Women Are Re-Defining Leadership". She is currently the Managing Director of a large international foundation working across 40+ countries to build a world with zero exclusion, zero carbon and zero poverty. Laura Lucas closes this week's episode with her beautiful song, ‘The Sun Touches Everything'. Laura's introspective songwriting is delivered by delicate vocals and dreamy instrumentation rooted in a warm, modern take on the indie-folk genre. And remember, if you'd like to be part of our miniseries, Our Story Of Nature, Christiana and Isabel will be answering your questions in a special episode on Thursday 21 March. Submit your questions now by emailing contact@globaloptimism.com with 'Audience Q&A' in the subject line. You can send your question in writing or as a video or voice note. NOTES AND RESOURCES GUEST Gaia van der Esch, CEO, Author of "Leading Our Way", Policy Expert Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn Leading Our Way: How Women are Re-Defining Leadership, also available on Amazon MUSIC Laura Lucas Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Spotify Submit your question for Christiana + Isa's Q+A here Check out Climate Clock's Gender Parity Lifeline which tracks the global averages of women in all national parliaments. 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
Welcome back to Outrage + Optimism! Season 9 starts here… Our hosts - Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac and Paul Dickinson - are back in conversation, sharing expertise, insights and camaraderie at the outset of the biggest election year in history with more voters than ever heading to the polls globally. Tune in as we explore what on earth does this all have to do with climate change? The three hosts also discuss Christiana Figueres and co-host Isabel Cavelier's mini-series ‘Our Story of Nature'. Over three episodes, they deep dive into how the ecological crisis - and the many crises we find ourselves in - have their roots in the fact that, by and large, over time, many of us have become disconnected from the rest of nature. This heartfelt inquiry into our relationship with nature has been months in the making. It includes conversations with many insightful guests, including Arturo Escobar, Xiye Bastida, Dr. Bayo Akomolafe, Kate Raworth and Sister True Dedication. Music comes from Wyldest and her beautiful song ‘Easier to Believe'. Wyldest is the artist project of London-based multi-instrumentalist and producer, Zoë Mead. NOTES AND RESOURCES Democracy by Margaret Atwood | Democracy 2024 Costa Rica: Civil War – The Rest Is History Paul's Book Recommendation: ‘Short Circuiting Policy' MUSIC Wyldest Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Bandcamp | Mailing List 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 And subscribe to our newsletter! Please follow us on social media! Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn
This week on Outrage + Optimism we bring you a serving of sizzling Cuban black bean soup in the form of a special live panel that was hosted by Tom Rivett-Carnac during COP 28! Joined by special guests Ellen Jackowski, Chief Sustainability Officer for Mastercard; Kate Brandt, Chief Sustainability Officer at Google; and Craig Hanson, Managing Director and Executive Vice President for Programs at World Resources Institute, Tom and the panel dug in to a series of fascinating questions: how do businesses and organisations shift consumer behaviour to close the value -action gap; what is the importance of the role of the CSO in corporations; why is providing people and businesses with the right information at the right time key to transformation; and why communicating what IS working will build momentum. Essential listening as we enter the run up to the holidays when many of us will be choosing gifts for loved ones and taking time to set intentions for the New Year ahead! NOTES AND RESOURCES Ellen Jackowski LinkedIn | Twitter Kate Brandt LinkedIn | Twitter Craig Hanson LinkedIn Listen to O+O regularly? Please fill out our 10 minute survey - We want to hear from you! 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
This week on Outrage + Optimism we bring you news that over 1000+ signatories from across business, finance, philanthropy, politics, academia and civil society have joined forces to call on Sultan Al Jaber and all Parties to deliver a 1.5C aligned outcome in response to the Global Stocktake - because later is too late! Tom reflects on this huge concerted effort to deliver outcomes at COP 28 and speaks to Halla Tómasdóttir, CEO & Chief Change Catalyst at the B Team about her motivations to galvinise the B-Team behind this effort to call for meaningful action, and we also hear from many of the signatories themselves explaining why transformative action must happen now. NOTES AND RESOURCES Link to the website STATEMENT: THE TRANSFORMATION IS UNSTOPPABLE Click here to see all signatories featured in this episode. Click here to see the full list of signatories. Listen to O+O regularly? Please fill out our 10 minute survey - We want to hear from you! 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
This week on Outrage + Optimism our hosts give a crucial update from Dubai's COP28 opening days. With Tom and Paul dialling in direct from Dubai and Christiana offering an outside perspective, the hosts ask: Will the word 'out' be in? What role will governments play in the climate crisis going forward? How brave was it for Dr Sultan to launch with a COP outcome (loss and damage) on day 1? They also discuss the incredible commitment from 134 countries to the food systems declaration, and much, much more in this packed episode. To close this week's episode, we have Louise Harris with ‘We Tried', a moving and beautiful song about the climate crisis and what will happen if we don't act. The song became the first ever climate song to reach UK iTunes No.1 and all proceeds go to climate causes. NOTES AND RESOURCES MUSIC Louise Harris Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | DistroKid | YouTube | Spotify Watch ‘We Tried' Here ‘We Tried' is just the beginning of Louise's music activist journey, with plans to release an entire Climate Album in 2024 if she can raise enough funds for it. You can donate to her GoFundMe if you would like to see more songs and videos like ‘We Tried' from Louise. Listen to O+O regularly? Please fill out our 10 minute survey - We want to hear from you! 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
This week on Outrage + Optimism our hosts discuss the leaked documents revealing how Adnoc, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and Dr. Sultan were planning to use COP 28 meetings with other countries to promote deals for its national oil and gas companies. With Dr Sultan set to give his speech on Thursday, our hosts ask what needs to happen to restore the faltering trust in his presidency and avoid derailing the COP agenda at such a vital time. Our guest this week is Nathaniel Stinnett who founded the Environmental Voter Project, which targets inactive environmentalists, transforming them into consistent voters to build the power of the environmental movement, something which may prove critical given the news that Trump would scrap the landmark IRA and BIL legislations if elected. To close this week's episode, we have Chris Redmond, Co- Artistic Director of Hot Poets with his poem ‘Blink', with a beautiful musical accompaniment by The Tongue Fu Band (music written by Riaan Vosloo). The poem was commissioned by 3M as part of a series of poems in collaboration with UNFCCC's Resilience Frontiers. NOTES AND RESOURCES GUEST Nathaniel Stinnett, Founder & Executive Director of the Environmental Voter ProjectTwitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram ARTIST Chris Redmond, Artistic Director - Hot Poets (the film of ‘Blink' will be released on Thursday 30 November on YouTube and across Hot Poets channels) Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok The Tongue Fu Band Twitter | Instagram 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
Matthew Bannister on Peter Betts, who was the UK's lead negotiator at international climate change summits. Audrey Salkeld, the mountaineering historian best known for her work on the ill-fated Mallory and Irvine expedition. Heather Rogers KC, the lawyer who championed freedom of speech in many high profile cases Louise Meriwether, the author and journalist whose acclaimed novel “Daddy was a Number Runner” told the story of her childhood during the depression in Harlem. Interviewee: Fiona MacGregor Interviewee: Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC Interviewee: Geoffrey Robertson KC Interviewee: Adam Salkeld Interviewee: Ed Douglas Interviewee: Cheryl Hill Reading extract by: Susan Abebe Producer: Gareth Nelson-Davies Archive used: News report following 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference, Copenhagen, BBC News, 12/19/2009; News report, The Paris Agreement, UN Climate Change Conference (COP21), BBC News, 13/12/2015; Pete Betts interview, 194: Making a Difference, Outrage + Optimism podcast, Outrage + Optimism Ltd, uploaded 30/03/2023; Spycatcher ruling, Newsnight, BBC Two, 13/10/1988; David Irving, HardTalk, BBC News, 28/04/2000; Denial - official movie promo, IMDB, uploaded 2016; Louise Meriwether Lecture, Lectures to the Black Experience in the Arts course, University of Connecticut 14/03/1972;
The ecological crisis we are standing before is at once civilizational and personal — intimately close to each of us in the places we love and inhabit, and unfolding at a species level. And as much as anyone alive on the planet now, Christiana Figueres has felt the overwhelm of this and stepped into service. She gives voice so eloquently to the grief that we feel and must allow to bind us to each other — and what she sees as a spiritual evolution the natural world is calling us to. If you have wondered how to keep hope alive amidst a thousand reasons to despair, if you are ready to take your despair as fuel — intrigued by the idea of stepping into love and immediate realities of abundance and regeneration — this conversation is for you.Christiana Figueres was Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change from 2010-2016, and is known as the powerhouse who made the 2015 Paris Agreement possible — in which 195 nations worked with their wildly diverse conditions and points of view on the what and the when and the why, and yet made commitments in service of our hurting planet and the future of humanity. Her book, written together with Tom Rivett-Carnac, is The Future We Choose. She is founding partner of the organization Global Optimism and co-hosts the podcast Outrage + Optimism.Find the transcript for this show at onbeing.org.______Sign up for The Pause — a Saturday morning companion to the podcast season.
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 joins us from Singapore where she has been attending the inspirational Earthshot Prize Awards, a week of climate and nature-based workshops and events, culminating in a prize awarded to 5 winners who are scaling the most innovative solutions to the world's toughest environmental challenges. She points to the fact that the prize itself also represents a mindset, by acknowledging that we do have what it takes to tackle these issues if we support and finance incredible initiatives such as these. The three hosts also discuss the recent concerning polls around the US Presidential Elections suggesting that our democratic institutions are not delivering solutions to the systemic global challenges we now face. They also touch on other topics; as insurance companies forecast more climate destruction, what does an uninsurable future look like? How do religion and faith communities deliver in the climate crisis? Music this week comes from DL Rossi, a Singer-Songwriter from the Metro Detroit area of Michigan. His latest single “With Two Feet” speaks to the random nature of life, and the lessons learned from just being able to show up and work through things as they come. NOTES AND RESOURCES The Earthshot Prize Awards How To Watch | YouTube MUSICAL GUEST DL Rossi Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | YouTube 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
This week, the team talk positive tipping points, grapple with the comms coming out of the pre-COP meets and send our tributes to dearly loved colleagues who have recently passed. With pre COP 28 meetings currently taking place, the host team discuss the mixed messaging that is currently making headlines and anticipate what this might mean for how the future of fossil fuels will appear in the final text at COP 28. Tim Lenton, the founding Director of the Global Systems Institute at the University of Exeter and Chair in Climate Change and Earth System Science is our guest this week, and with Tom unable to make the interview, our brilliant colleague from Global Optimism, Freya Newman, joins Christiana and Paul to interview her former professor. With negative tipping points racing along their own ‘S curve', the team ask Tim Lenton whether there are signs that the positive tipping points can win this race and avert the worst impacts of the climate crisis (pssst, the answer is it looks very, very possible). Music this week comes from Jemima Coulter with their beautiful song ‘[flowers]'. NOTES AND RESOURCES GUEST Professor Tim Lenton, Founding Director of the Global Systems Institute at the University of Exeter and Chair in Climate Change and Earth System Science Website | LinkedIn Here is the website on Global Tipping points where you can find resources and info on all that Tim and the team discuss. Spread the word! FREYA NEWMAN LinkedIn PETE BETTS We are all very saddened by the news of the death of Pete Betts, a former guest on Outrage + Optimism and an all round incredible human being. Please check out the episode here, to hear the man himself and his lifetime dedication to working for a better, fairer sustainable future. DAVID ATTENBOROUGH As mentioned by Tom here is one of the first O+O episodes recorded and it is one worth revisiting to hear the exchange between Christiana and David as they talk about the Garden of Eden and Garden of Intention. Truly worth a revisit. MUSICAL GUEST Jemima Coulter Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Bandcamp | Spotify | YouTube Go buy/stream ‘Grace After A Party' PLUM VILLAGE ‘An Invitation to Sit Together For Peace' 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
Welcome to Outrage + Optimism, where they examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview change-makers, and transform anger into productive dialogue for building a sustainable future. In this episode, the hosts discuss the slow progress made at the negotiations in Bonn and how the perceived lack of direction has led many in the climate community to feel anxious about how successful talks will be in Dubai later in the year. Christiana also touches on the New World Bank report, Detox Development: Repurposing Environmentally Harmful Subsidies, highlighting the trillions of dollars wasted on subsidies for agriculture, fishing and fossil fuels that could be used to help address climate change instead of harming people and the planet. With Tom off to the Global Citizen Power Our Planet Live event on Thursday, the hosts discuss their hopes for a more positive outcome from The Summit for a New Global Financing Pact also happening in Paris this week. Look out for the anticipated momentum to gather pace on Mia Mottley's Bridgetown Agenda for the much needed reform of international finance. Their special interview this episode is with the brilliant communications expert John Marshall, CEO of Potential Energy Coalition, to discuss climate change's marketing problem and how we can solve it. Essential listening and the team here all agree we could learn a lot from John's insights! For anyone wanting to learn more about the important work of Potential Energy, click here. Music this week comes from Hazel Mei and her song Golden Chains, another finalist from this year's Environmental Music Prize. Check out her links below. Thanks to Airaphon who mixed and sound edited the podcast this week. Please don't forget to let us know what you think here, and / or by contacting us on our social media channels or via the website. NOTES AND RESOURCES SUBSCRIBE TO OUTRAGE + OPTIMISM HERE John Marshall, Chairman and CEO of Potential Energy Coalition LinkedIn | TED Bio Potential Energy Coalition Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Hazel Mei, Environmental Music Prize Finalist Instagram | Facebook | YouTube For anyone wanting to watch the absurd Fox news interview with Power the Future founder, Daniel Turner, here is the link. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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 plays the role of roving reporter live from Climate Week NYC and shares his analysis of UNGA and the growing public concern around the UN's ability to maintain the momentum and vision that we so desperately need to keep us on track to meet our global goals. Tom also shares an incredible finding with us all presented by former O+O guest, John Marshall, CEO of Potential Energy Coalition, that the winning message that caused people to unite behind climate change action is….love. The hosts beautifully discuss what this means for us as a global community and how we should stay as close to this source as possible. Throughout the episode, we also hear from a range of voices captured by Tom throughout the first part of the week from leaders representing civil society, private corporations, youth, state legislatures and communication professionals. Music this week comes from Annie Hamilton and her incredible track, 'Electric Night'. NOTES AND RESOURCES Celine Herweijer, Group Chief Sustainability Officer at HSBC Twitter | LinkedIn Ellen Jackowski, Chief Sustainability Officer and EVP at Mastercard Twitter | LinkedIn Mary Robinson, Chair of The Elders Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube Isabelle Offer, Photographer Website | Instagram | LinkedIn Phil Drew, Partner at Brunswick Group LinkedIn Harjeet Singh, Head Of Global Political Strategy at Climate Action Network (CAN) Twitter | LinkedIn Sally Fouts, Director of The Climate Pledge at Amazon LinkedIn Secretary Wade Crowfoot, California Secretary for Natural Resources Agency Twitter | LinkedIn - MUSIC annie hamilton Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube Check out the dreamy and fuzzy version of ‘electric night' Annie's ‘production, sustainability, and brand ethos' - 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
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, we welcome back perennial friend of the podcast Nigel Topping as he joins Christiana, Tom and Paul on a fast-paced whistle stop analysis of the recent and up-coming events (Africa Climate Week, UN General Assembly and New York Climate Week) populating the climate change calendars. If that was not enough, the team also discusses the soon to be published IEA report, set to declare the ‘beginning of the end' of the fossil fuel industry, (watch out for the ‘Minsky Moment') as well as the much anticipated recent UNFCCC Global Stocktake report, with an invitation to view these reports in a more integrated way. Music this week comes from Nu Deco Ensemble and their beautiful piece of music titled 'Sacred Earth'. The orchestra's mission is to create compelling and transformative genre-bending musical experiences that inspire, enrich and connect new and diverse audiences and artists. NOTES AND RESOURCES Nigel Topping, Member of the Climate Change Committee (CCC) / Non-executive director of the UK Infrastructure Bank (UKIB) Twitter | LinkedIn Fatih Birol's op-ed: Peak fossil fuel demand will happen this decade THIS WEEK: Go to a March or Climate Action Near YOU - Fight Fossil Fuels Dot Net - MUSIC Nu Deco Ensemble Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube Check out their Daft Punk and Dr. Dre concerts on YouTube - 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
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. Back together following our break, the hosts discuss the devastating extreme weather events that have been happening across the world and they encourage us to think about how these changes within the global climate are impacting all our environments. Looking ahead to the next few months, we'll cover the major climate events, all requiring critical decisions to be made in this important decade. They also explore some positive news stories that have happened over the last month, including the vote by Ecuadorians to halt oil drilling in the biodiverse Amazonian national park. We have a fascinating and passionate interview from the incredible Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, he gives us an honest account of what he feels are the top political obstacles to climate solutions. Music this week comes from the very talented Hilang Child, a British-Indonesian alt-pop artist, songwriter and drummer from South London! NOTES AND RESOURCES Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Watch AG's New TED Talk - ‘What The Fossil Fuel Industry Doesn't Want You To Know' - Hilang Child Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube Pre-Save or Stream the new single - ‘Lapwings' Extra Listening - ‘Seimbang/Balance' - 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
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. For the final episode of the season, Christiana, Tom and Paul answer many of your fantastic questions including: ‘We hear a lot of talk about planting trees to sequester carbon, but most of our planet is covered by ocean, and the ocean is absorbing most of the heat. Should we be doing more to plant and restore seaweed, seagrasses, and mangroves?'; ‘If anything would be possible and all of us would work together towards one goal - what would your ideal world look like?' and “Are we gonna be OK?”' Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to send through a question to our hosts, you made this a very special episode. Apologies if we weren't able to get to yours, please do go and engage with us on social media and share your thoughts. Music this week comes from our very own fabulous host, Christiana Figueres, check out the video of her rap here. Feel free to spread the love! We will welcome you back in September with a very exciting not-to-be-missed interview, followed by episodes sharing insights into New York Climate Week, COP and many more important events which will see us through to the end of the year. NOTES AND RESOURCES Christiana's incredible rap video can be found here. Adam McKay's video can be found here. The song mentioned by Paul from Gracie Fields can be found here. Here is a link to the lawsuit against big oil companies by the city of San Francisco. 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
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. Pilita Clark, associate editor and business columnist at the FT is our very special guest this week and as huge fans of her work at Outrage + Optimism Tom and Christiana were thrilled to host this fascinating conversation. In this episode, Pilita discusses with the hosts the changing landscape of climate coverage against the backdrop of the extreme weather events across the globe, delves into her insights from her recent article The fossil fuel industry will not lead us out of the climate crisis | Financial Times and why exponential growth in climate solutions is a narrative that technology is leaving editors with no choice but to cover. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did! If you have not yet checked out Christiana's rap on social media - where have you been? Go show our brave host some love and let us know your thoughts. You can find it on Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn Look out for our end of season listener mailbag special on Friday! NOTES AND RESOURCES Pilita Clark, FT Columnist and Associate Editor LinkedIn | Twitter 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
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 Tom away, Christiana and Paul discuss the extreme and deadly heat waves facing multiple continents, news which is dominating the headlines. They review the details of the recently published Letter to Parties from the incoming COP president, which sets out his vision for what he thinks needs to be accomplished at COP28 later in the year. Also, they talk about the hard won law just passed by the European Parliament to restore degraded natural ecosystems. Our special guest this week is Fiona Morgan, Chief Purpose Officer of Sail GP, an extraordinary international sailing competition. Hear about the Sail GP Impact League, in which athletes race to win two podiums - one for sporting performance and one for the planet. They bring us a fascinating conversation on how climate, sport, ocean and nature collide. To close this week's episode, music comes from the Norwegian band Darling West, and their beautiful song ‘How I Wish'. You still have time to submit your questions to our hosts for next week's episode, email us at contact@globaloptimism.com or engage on our social media channels. NOTES AND RESOURCES Letter to Parties - COP28 UAE Fiona Morgan, Chief Purpose Officer at SailGP LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Here is a link to the video mentioned by the hosts, Season 4 Calendar Revealed | SailGP Purpose & Impact Report Darling West Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify 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
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, our podcast comes from Detroit, Clay's home city, where Christiana, Tom and Clay have been attending the TED Countdown conference. The hosts provide an insight into what has been an incredible week, with fascinating speakers including a not-to-be-missed speech by Al Gore, Xiaojun "Tom" Wang and Susan Lozier, many talking about the exponential change that we are seeing, a recurring message coming out of the event. They also discuss Christiana's recent op-ed, I thought fossil fuel firms could change. I was wrong' which really is worth a read if you haven't already. Our hosts speak with some special guests from across the TED Countdown conference about this idea of exponential change and the need for a shift in the narrative of climate change; Andrew Steer, Fiona McRaith, Dr Jonathan Foley and Ellen Jackowski. With Clay busy in Detroit at TED Countdown, huge thanks to Airaphon who mixed and sound edited the podcast this week. NOTES AND RESOURCES You can read Christiana's most recent op-ed here, I thought fossil fuel firms could change. I was wrong' Andrew Steer, President and CEO of the Bezos Earth Fund LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram Fiona McRaith, Manager, Engagement & Delivery and Special Assistant to the President & CEO, Bezos Earth Fund LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram Dr Jonathan Foley, Executive Director, Project Drawdown LinkedIn | Twitter Ellen Jackowski, Chief Sustainability Officer and EVP at Mastercard LinkedIn | Twitter TED Countdown Summit 2023 Learn more about the Paris Agreement.
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 the hosts back together, Christiana and Tom discuss their week at Plum Village with Paul, and Christiana mentions the privilege of meeting Emmanuel Faber, the Chair of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). They debrief on their fascinating conversation with him about the recently launched IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards, ushering in a new era of sustainability-related disclosures in capital markets worldwide, something very close to Paul's heart. Our interview this week is with Simon Sharpe, Director of Economics for the UNFCCC Climate Champions, Senior Fellow at the World Resources Institute and author of Five Times Faster. In conversation with Christiana and Tom, Simon discusses how we can accelerate climate action, why we need to decarbonise the global economy five times faster than we have managed so far, and why some of the real blocks to achieving this could be the very ideas and institutions that are supposed to be helping us. To close the episode, we have some exciting instrumental music from a listener of the podcast, Gilmore Trail. NOTES AND RESOURCES Simon Sharpe Director of Economics for the Climate Champions Team and Senior Fellow at the World Resources Institute. Author of Five Times Faster Five Times Faster Website I LinkedIn Gilmore Trail Website I Facebook I Instagram I Twitter I Youtube I Bandcamp I Soundcloud I Spotify 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
Welcome to episode 54 of The Way Out Is In: The Zen Art of Living, a podcast series mirroring Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh's deep teachings of Buddhist philosophy: a simple yet profound methodology for dealing with our suffering, and for creating more happiness and joy in our lives. This week, we bring you a very special joint episode of The Way Out Is In and fellow podcast Outrage + Optimism, which explores the stories behind climate change headlines. From the peace and tranquility of the International Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism, Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and leadership coach and journalist Jo Confino speak with Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac. Christiana Figueres, a student of Thich Nhat Hanh, was one of the architects of the Paris Climate Agreement in 2015, and is a valued member of the Plum Village Sangha. Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) from 2010 to 2016, she is also the co-founder of Global Optimism, co-host of Outrage + Optimism, and co-author of the bestselling The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis. Tom Rivett-Carnac is a political strategist, author, and podcaster who has spent more than 20 years working to address the climate and ecological crises. He is also a Founding Partner of Global Optimism, co-host of the podcast Outrage + Optimism, and co-author of The Future We Choose. Listeners of both podcasts are invited to join an intimate and deep conversation which covers the spiritual elements missing from the climate movement; moving beyond linear timelines into exponential transformation; how to develop the power within ourselves to drive change; non-attachment to views; listening without judgment; what happens when we all stop; and much more. Plus, what is spiritual power and how can it support us? So bring your tea to the table and let the radical collaboration begin. Co-produced by the Plum Village App:https://plumvillage.app/ And Global Optimism:https://globaloptimism.com/ With support from the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation:https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/ List of resourcesChristiana Figuereshttp://christianafigueres.com/#/ Tom Rivett-Carnachttps://www.globaloptimism.com/tom-rivett-carnac The Art of Powerhttps://www.parallax.org/product/art-of-power/ Brother Phap Linh (Brother Spirit)https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/brother-phap-linh The Four Dharma Seals of Plum Villagehttps://plumvillage.org/articles/the-four-dharma-seals-of-plum-village The B Teamhttps://bteam.org/ The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)https://unfccc.int/Zen and the Art of Saving the Planethttps://www.harpercollins.com/products/zen-and-the-art-of-saving-the-planet-thich-nhat-hanh Music for Difficult Times: Awakening the Heart of Compassion by Brother Phap Linhhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YarhXTDs8Z4 The Way Out Is In: ‘Being the Change We Want to See in the World: A Conversation with Christiana Figueres (Episode #21)'https://plumvillage.org/podcast/being-the-change-we-want-to-see-in-the-world-a-conversation-with-christiana-figueres-episode-21 The Way Out Is In: ‘Benefitting from a Spiritual Practice: In Conversation with Tom Rivett-Carnac (Episode #37)'https://plumvillage.org/podcast/benefitting-from-a-spiritual-practice-in-conversation-with-tom-rivett-carnac-episode-37 The Way Out Is In: ‘Bringing the Ultimate Dimension Down to Earth (Episode #40)'https://plumvillage.org/podcast/bringing-the-ultimate-dimension-down-to-earth-episode-40 Aeschylushttps://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Aeschylus Quotes “Recognizing our own presence is already a power.” “The linearity of time is something that those of us who work on climate change live with on a daily basis. We have an alarm clock that is with us all the time because we have very clear timelines. We know that by 2100, we absolutely must have guaranteed that we do not go over 1.5 degrees [Celsius]. We know that in order to get there, we have to be at net zero by 2050. We know that in order to get to net zero by 2050, we have to be at one half of global emissions by 2030. And we know that to be at half emissions by 2030, we have to reduce yearly by 7%. So we take time and we pull it into our current experience and we derive mathematically, we derive then the implications of time upon our work. And so it is not surprising that those of us who work on climate change have a huge anxiety about time.” “Time and space, we have to be attentive and mindful of them, but we can also be free from them, because this present moment that we’re living deeply is the seed that we need to plant for the future.” “Some of our transformation and actions of today, we may not see them until two, three, or five generations later – but nothing is lost. And that is the insight. And I believe it’s the truth of karma. The word karma, for us, is not what you hear in music: ‘What comes around, goes around,' ‘Do better'… Yes, do better, but karma is much more profound than that. The actions of today, we don’t see them. Some of it, we will experience right away; we experience the transformation right away. But there are deeper transformations that need time for ripening.” “Love has no frontier, it goes on forever.” “There’s no way to find common ground without respecting and understanding the differences, because then you don’t see what’s common.” “You can be a different person in how you show up.” “When you are able to live in the present moment, the right action emerges out of that space, out of that ultimate dimension that you are able to inhabit. If you can stay there and can trust that the best way to prepare for the future is to be in the present moment when it comes – rather than spend all of your time in your head trying to plan it out and think it through, which I think a lot of people get stuck in. Then, when that moment comes, what’s needed is there.” “Even in our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God” – Aeschylus.
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, we bring you a very special joint episode of Outrage + Optimism and The Way Out Is In. From the peace and tranquility of the International Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism, Christiana and Tom speak with Zen Buddhist monk Brother Pháp Hữu and journalist Jo Confino. Listeners of both podcasts are invited to join in on an intimate and deep conversation covering everything from the missing spiritual elements in the climate movement, moving beyond linear timelines into exponential transformation, and what happens when we all stop. So bring your tea to the table and let the radical collaboration begin. NOTES AND RESOURCES Listen and Subscribe to ‘The Way Out Is In' Listen to Brother Phap Linh perform ‘Music for Difficult Times' Plum Village App Twitter | YouTube | Instagram Thich Nhat Hanh Twitter | Foundation Plum Village Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube Brother Chân Pháp Hữu Instagram Jo Confino Instagram LISTEN: ‘Bringing the Ultimate Dimension Down to Earth' READ: ‘Zen and The Art of Saving the Planet' by Thich Nhat Hanh To learn more about our planet's climate emergency and how you can transform outrage into optimistic action subscribe to the podcast here.
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 our hosts discuss the slow progress made at the negotiations in Bonn which concluded last week and how the perceived lack of direction has led many in the climate community to feel anxious about how successful talks will be in Dubai later in the year. Christiana also touches on the New World Bank report, Detox Development: Repurposing Environmentally Harmful Subsidies, highlighting the trillions of dollars wasted on subsidies for agriculture, fishing and fossil fuels that could be used to help address climate change instead of harming people and the planet. With Tom off to the Global Citizen Power Our Planet Live event on Thursday, the hosts discuss their hopes for a more positive outcome from The Summit for a New Global Financing Pact also happening in Paris this week. Look out for the anticipated momentum to gather pace on Mia Mottley's Bridgetown Agenda for the much needed reform of international finance. Our special interview this week is with the brilliant communications expert John Marshall, CEO of Potential Energy Coalition, to discuss climate change's marketing problem and how we can solve it. Essential listening and the team here all agree we could learn a lot from John's insights! For anyone wanting to learn more about the important work of Potential Energy, click here. Our fabulous music this week comes from Hazel Mei and her song Golden Chains, another finalist from this year's Environmental Music Prize. Check out her links below. With Clay away, huge thanks to Airaphon who mixed and sound edited the podcast this week. Please don't forget to let us know what you think here, and / or by contacting us on our social media channels or via the website. NOTES AND RESOURCES John Marshall, Chairman and CEO of Potential Energy Coalition LinkedIn | TED Bio Potential Energy Coalition Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Hazel Mei, Environmental Music Prize Finalist Instagram | Facebook | YouTube For anyone wanting to watch the absurd Fox news interview with Power the Future founder, Daniel Turner, here is the link. 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
To close out the year on TED Talks Daily, we wanted to leave you with something special. It's an immersive sound journey through the history of Earth, as told by ecologist and author Stephan Harding. He's had a massive influence on the climate movement and has inspired global leaders to shift their perspective to a Gaian view of life, which respects both the living and nonliving elements of Earth. We're excited to share an exercise of that shift with all of you. If you can, listen to this with headphones while walking. (This episode is part of the TED Talks Daily end of year wrap-up, a collection of ideas to help you better understand the trends of the past year and feel ready for the one ahead. To hear more of Outrage + Optimism -- another podcast from the TED Audio Collective, which engages in inspiring debates on how we can face the climate crisis head-on -- follow wherever you're listening to this.)