Podcast appearances and mentions of simon watts

The Revenue Minister says Donald Trump was a factor in scrapping the incoming Digital Services Tax Bill. A legacy of the last Government, it would've imposed a three percent tax on revenue from Kiwis - earned by the likes of Facebook and Google. The US President has called such legislation 'overseas extortion', and said he'd act against it. Simon Watts says they considered recent developments, including in the US. "But at the end of the day - I took a look at this tax, we've been looking at it a bit and it's got some real drawback - and we've made the decision to pull it from the agenda." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Revenue Minister says Donald Trump was a factor in scrapping the incoming Digital Services Tax Bill. A legacy of the last Government, it would've imposed a three percent tax on revenue from Kiwis - earned by the likes of Facebook and Google. The US President has called such legislation 'overseas extortion', and said he'd act against it. Simon Watts says they considered recent developments, including in the US. "But at the end of the day - I took a look at this tax, we've been looking at it a bit and it's got some real drawback - and we've made the decision to pull it from the agenda." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The end of the Second World War in Europe came on 8 May 1945, after more than five years of conflict.British Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced that people could allow themselves "a brief period of rejoicing". Crowds in their thousands gathered outside Whitehall and Buckingham Palace.BBC correspondents, including Richard Dimbleby, capture the scenes of joy across the city - from the East End to Piccadilly Circus.This programme was produced by Simon Watts using material from the BBC Archives recorded on VE Day in 1945.It was first broadcast in 2020.Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more. Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.(Photo: VE Day in London. Credit: Getty Images)

The Government says it's reinstating confidence in the Emissions Trading Scheme. It comes as the Climate Commission's calls for carbon credits to stay the same price, to maintain stability. Climate Change Minister Simon Watts told Mike Hosking while some carbon credit auctions haven't taken off, things are improving on other years. He says the previous Government was getting too involved and causing volatility, but he's turning things around. He says the Commission's told the Government its changes are working well, and it can keep its hand off the tiller. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government's green investment fund is shutting down. The NZGIF came under fire last year over its $145 million loan to failed company Solar Zero. Climate Change Minister Simon Watts earlier spoke to Corin Dann.

The Government has revealed the New Zealand Green Investment Finance will stop making new investments - and will wind down its' existing portfolio. Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says it has invested almost $400 million into various projects, with 'limited' results. Watts says there's no need for the Government to be involved in this particular market going forward. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is calling in the Commerce Commission to help fix Wellington's water issues. This means Wellington Water will have to report details of its financial management to the Commerce Commission, and the commission will make sure that Wellington ratepayers aren't getting ripped off. How exactly are they going to do it? Local Government Minister Simon Watts talks to Ryan Bridge about the details. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Revenue Minister's confident changes to the Foreign Investment Fund will greatly benefit tech and startup companies. The Government's working on changes which would see new migrants taxed on a realisation basis for interests not easily disposable and acquired before coming to New Zealand. It applies to migrants who became tax residents here on or after April last year. Simon Watts told Mike Hosking this has been on the radar since he assumed the portfolio. He says the system hits migrants —particularly returning Kiwis and those who are wealthy unfairly— and they've been getting good feedback on the changes. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Energy Minister says new rules for the electricity sector can't come soon enough. The Electricity Authority's proposing changes to give independent power companies the same access to prices and hedge contracts. Simon Watts hopes that will create a more level playing field. Power companies are hiking prices, and Watts told Mike Hosking things could get worse as we head into winter. He says conditions are dry, lake levels are lower than they were this time last year, and we still have a gas shortage. Watts says the situation is acute and he's worried. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 28th of February, we talk to both the energy sector and Minister Simon Watts on the new recommendations that could level the playing field. We've got the list of MPs credit card expenses – who's buying Carl Jr's and who's buying the magnum of red wine? Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson discuss whether the producer of this show needs to fired and school lunches as they Wrap the Week. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steps are being taken to level the energy playing field. The Electricity Authority is proposing new measures to stop the big four electricity companies from giving preferential treatment to their own retail arms. It's working to increase competition - aiming to ultimately give consumers more choices and lower prices. Energy Minister Simon Watts says things need to change. He says prices are too high and are negatively impacting productivity and economic growth. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sixty years ago, on 21st February 1965, the controversial black leader, Malcolm X, was assassinated in Harlem, New York as he was preparing to speak there.In 2011, Simon Watts spoke to Herman Ferguson who was one of the people who was in the audience that day.This programme contains outdated racial language that may offend.Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more. Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.(Photo: Malcolm X speaks in Harlem six days before he was shot to death. Credit: Bill Quinn/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images)

Send us your feedback We are pleased to share with you our new podcast, Sustainable Impact - new series exploring the conversations and developments in sustainability that are shaping Aotearoa New Zealand's future. In our first episode, partners Holly Hill and Stephanie de Groot host Minister Simon Watts, the Minister of Climate Change. They discuss the Government's climate strategy, the challenges and opportunities in achieving New Zealand's climate goals, and the importance of collaboration between the government and the private sector. The episode provides insights into the implementation of the climate strategy, cross-party support, and the role of renewable energy in New Zealand's future.[00:00:34] Stephanie asks Minister Watts about the five-point climate strategy unveiled in July last year. Minister Watts outlines the strategy's components and discusses the implementation plan and specific timeframes.[00:02:18] Minister Watts talks about the comprehensive emissions reduction plan published before Christmas, highlighting the multi-sector approach and the progress already underway in increasing renewable energy capacity.[00:03:09] Holly asks about the Government's plans for working with the private sector on climate initiatives. Minister Watts emphasizes the importance of collaboration and provides an example involving Genesis and biomass production at Huntly.[00:04:36] Stephanie asks about the challenges of balancing climate ambitions with economic growth. Minister Watts explains how investment in renewables can drive economic growth and reduce emissions simultaneously.[00:06:31] Minister Watts discusses the potential of offshore renewable energy in New Zealand and the government's role in removing regulatory barriers to facilitate industry investment.[00:08:19] Stephanie asks about achieving cross-party support for climate initiatives. Minister Watts highlights the importance of enduring frameworks and bipartisan efforts, particularly in climate adaptation.[00:10:45] Holly raises the topic of New Zealand's commitment to the Paris Agreement. Minister Watts reaffirms the government's commitment and discusses the targets and progress outlined in the emissions reduction plan.[00:12:26] Stephanie asks which sectors might face the greatest challenges under the emissions reduction plan and whether the government will provide additional support. Minister Watts acknowledges the challenges across all sectors and emphasizes the need for increased renewable energy generation.[00:14:43] Holly brings up the recent review of methane targets. Minister Watts explains the steps being taken following the report's release and the importance of providing certainty to the agricultural sector.[00:16:32] Stephanie highlights the climate adaptation framework addressing extreme weather events. Minister Watts outlines the framework's four key components aFor show notes and additional resources visit minterellison.co.nz/podcasts

Full reaction to Portsmouth's midweek victory over Cardiff City and a preview of Saturday's trip to Oxford United with Jake Smith, Alex Fletcher and Simon Watts. There's also an interview with French Pompey supporter Quentin Bacon regarding his origins supporting the club, as well as the chief sports writer at The News, Neil Allen, who reported on his 1000th Blues game on Tuesday night.

The Climate Minister is reiterating support for climate targets. Act leader David Seymour's suggested New Zealand could pull out of the Paris Climate Agreement - following the lead of the US President. Foreign Minister Winston Peters says questions need to be asked if large nations aren't signed up. Climate Minister Simon Watts says we need to do all we can to meet climate targets. "We've set a target which we believe is aligned with allowing us to do and achieve our economic growth ambitions - but also balancing that with our national interests." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister's fired a warning to local councils - saying it's time for spending discipline and restraint. Stats NZ data for the year to December shows the inflation rate remains unchanged at 2.2 percent. Simon Watts has picked up the Local Government portfolio from incoming Health Minister, Simeon Brown. Nicola Willis says in too many cases, rates have been out of control. "We are looking at this concept of putting some limits on the level of rate increases that councils can do." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Climate Change Minister says their latest plan could get us to our net zero 2050 target six years early. The Government's released its second Emissions Reduction Plan. Key policies include planting trees on Crown-owned land and introducing both a network of 10,000 EV charging points and agricultural emissions pricing by 2030. Simon Watts told Heather du Plessis-Allan this gives us a path to hit the goal as early as 2044. He says we need a plan that's practical and achievable, and they've been very conservative in some of their estimates. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Raw Politics podcast: The hikoi's over, now for a half year of claim and counterclaim, dissent and debate. Plus: NZ speaks out of both sides of its mouth at COP29.Prime Minister Christopher Luxon did not meet the Treaty Principles Bill hikoi crowd, sees “nothing” of merit in the Act-proposed law but the Parliament his Government dominates will spend six months debating a “divisive” measure.That's because he has accepted there needs to be “aeration” of people's views on the Treaty, and his party acceded to Act's pressure to include the Bill in the coalition agreement. So, having made this legislative bed, Luxon will now have to lie in it.Newsroom political editor Laura Walters and co-editor Tim Murphy look at how Luxon has played his cards so far, and how he might withstand an ongoing storm of criticism from Māori and others.For Act's David Seymour, a possible nominee for most effective politician of the year before this latest play, the hearings on his Bill will finish just as he receives his coalition-deal-bauble of becoming Deputy Prime Minister until 2026.While he's successfully grabbed the political ground this year, and will no doubt use the new position to continue pushing his policies and views, is there a risk that Act will repeat the sins of its own past in straying away from economic reform, personal freedoms, minimising the state and ending waste, and be diverted by race and stunts?For our second topic, Laura talks to regular Raw Politics panelist Marc Daalder who is reporting for Newsroom at the COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan. He describes the pressures and expectations facing the 60,000 attendees in seeking answers on carbon finance and agreements to hold the world to the Paris targets.And we hear how the New Zealand climate minister Simon Watts has performed, with messages for an external audience that might not fly so easily to the domestic crowd.--------------------This week's recommendations:Tim: A story from Stuff's Tony Wall who was with the Mongrel Mob in Ōpōtiki on the eve of the ban on gang patches and consorting. A rare example of hearing direct from the gangsters on such a policy.Laura: Also crime-related, the NZ Herald's Jared Savage profiled the new police commissioner Richard Chambers and revealed where he'd come from and his path to the top.--------------------Raw Politics will be available every Friday here on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube too.Read more on Newsroom - https://newsroom.co.nz

New Zealand has pledged $10 million to a global fund to help developing countries respond to climate change damage. Minister-in-charge, Simon Watts has made the commitment at the UN Climate Change Summit in Azerbaijan. Watts says the contribution will help deliver effective support to help people in the most-affected regions build stronger communities. He explained that this will come out of New Zealand's overseas aid budget. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the help of Joe Wood and Simon Watts, Jake Smith delivers full reaction to Portsmouth's 1-1 draw with Oxford United in the Championship. The post-match thoughts of head coach John Mousinho, courtesy of Andy Moon, also feature.

In this week's episode of Raw Politics, Christopher Luxon must wake up some days with the Sound of Music song of exasperation playing in his head. How does he deal with the problem of ACT leader David Seymour and his will-o-the-wisp coalition contrarianism?Newsroom political editor Laura Walters, senior political reporter Marc Daalder and co-editor Tim Murphy discuss Seymour's carefully calibrated political agitation, externally on the Treaty Principles Bill and internally in the coalition, sticking his ACT Party's view into other minister's portfolios, other parties' business.Politics doesn't come any bigger globally than Wednesday's presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, and the Raw Politics panel assess the fallout, and the media and social media verdicts on an historic face-off.Our reader question asks where and why public servants have been made to sign additional Non-Disclosure Agreements under this Government. The panel has fears for growing secrecy in the machinery of state.Finally, the panelists recommend something to read, listen to or watch on the weekend ahead.--------------------This week's recommendations:Laura: Andrea Vance's latest piece in The Post on the $410k spend on contractors and consultants at the Ministry for Regulation;Tim: RNZ's Eloise Gibson's report on Climate minister Simon Watts distinguishing between ‘coal and coal' to defend opening up to mining;Marc: A piece by the second-best writer with the surname Daalder, in The Atlantic on the US election.--------------------Raw Politics will be available every Friday, and you can watch it on YouTube too.Read more on newsroom.co.nz

The latest carbon credit auction found little success, but the Climate Change Minister says there's still some positives.  The Government's auction attracted no bidders, increasing the chances of millions of tonnes of permits going up in smoke come December.  The Government has announced measures to address the issue, shrinking the number of permits available over the next five years in an effort to flush out surplus credits.  Minister Simon Watts said that there is demand for the credits, as there is an active secondary market that is trading with good liquidity.  He said that the function of the government's market is to introduce supply to the market if necessary, and the purpose of the credits is to reduce emissions, not generate revenue for the government.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Climate Change Minister believes slashing 24 million carbon credits will fix the struggling Emissions Trading Scheme. Companies buy the credits in quarterly auctions - to offset their pollution output. Repeated failures to sell credits triggered the Climate Change Commission to advise there are too many cheap units available, in order to drive down emissions. Minister Simon Watts says it's a simple supply and demand fix, but he can't speculate on the price implications. "What we've done here today is make sure we've put some credibility back into this market - which hasn't been the case in the past." Changes to unit numbers kick in from 2025. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts outlined the government's latest climate strategy; a three-page document narrowing the government's pathway to reducing emissions and decarbonising our industries into five core strategic pillars.  For their weekly catch-up, Oto spoke to Green Party MP Ricardo Menéndez-March to discuss the climate strategy, and went through the plan by addressing each of the strategy's core pillars.

The Climate Change Minister is defending his emissions reduction plan after revealing it's no longer on track to meet its third emissions budget.  This is despite being on track under the policies of the last government.  Projections published at the end of 2023 based on policies from the last Government, showed the country hitting its first three emissions budgets. Under new projections published today, which incorporate decisions the new Government has made to bin a host of Labour-era policies like decarbonising heavy industry and subsidies for EVs, the government will sail 17 Mt CO2-e above that third budget, which runs from 2031–35.   The government is on track to meet its current budget, emissions budget 1, and the second emissions budget.   An emissions reduction plan is a document the Government releases under the Zero Carbon Act. It is meant to set out policies that will help the Government to meet its emissions budgets on the way to hit the Government's ultimate goal of net zero emissions for long-lived gasses in 2050. The Government has one more emissions budget to deploy to hit its third budget.   The Government released its draft plan today for consultation. A final plan will be published before the end of the year.  The new reduction plan includes investing in electric car chargers, waste minimisation, and planting thousands of hectares of pine and native trees.  Climate Change Minister Simon Watts told Mike Hosking this plan has a short-term focus.  He says the initiatives will support the struggling economy while also still hitting the first two targets.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has unveiled a five-point strategy to deal with climate change. It focuses on infrastructure and community preparedness, clean energy, tech and nature-based solutions.  Some climate advocacy groups are calling it a kick in the guts, meaningless and contradictory.  Minister Simon Watts told Andrew Dickens that the strategy is more vague because it's focusing on the big dots they want to focus on as a country, and the detailed plan will be coming in the next two weeks.  He said they'll be measuring their success via two targets, one being the end of next year, the other being the end of 2030.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the 1950s, the transformation of the sleepy little town of Benidorm began when Pedro Zaragoza was appointed mayor. He started by getting pipes built to allow running water, then went on to pass a decree which allowed women to wear bikinis. Now, every year millions of tourists arrive in Benidorm, on Spain's Costa Blanca. This episode was produced by Simon Watts in 2018, using recordings of Pedro Zaragoza. (Photo: Tourists flock to the beaches in Spain. Credit: David Ramos via Getty Images)

The Climate Minister promises he's focused on a 'credible' carbon credit market after yesterday's auction came up empty.  Not one unit was bought out of 3.5 million available.  Questions have been raised about the price of the credits and the gap between demand and supply.  Minister Simon Watts told Mike Hosking that the Government's working on its emissions reduction plan alongside the trading scheme.  He says they've been working hard to send a signal to the market on what the Government's intent is.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 20th of June, what are we expecting from the GDP number for Q1? And just how much trouble are the Government in after yet another failed ETS auction?  Is professional cricket in NZ facing a turning point when you have captain Kane Williamson turning down a central contract to play T20 overseas?  Joseph Parker is back in a big way. Two huge wins and now he's turning into a promoter as well. He joined Mike Hosking in studio to compare biceps.  Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Climate Change Minister says plans to reduce agricultural emissions must be balanced with maintaining New Zealand's production. The Government plans to change the law in order to to stop farming being charged with credit offsets through the Emissions Trading Scheme. It was the fallback plan if partnership group He Waka Eka Noa couldn't find an alternative way to charge agriculture. He Waka Eke Noa will be replaced and Simon Watts says he's committed to pricing agricultural emissions by 2030. "We want that to be industry and farmer-led, because our farmers are some of the most carbon-efficient farmers in the world." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ninety years ago, the first surviving quintuplets were born in a small village in northern Canada.The Dionnes grew up in a specially-adapted nursery where millions of people could visit them. But, years later they struggled to adapt to life back with their parents which led to a fight for compensation. This programme was produced and presented by Simon Watts in 2012 using BBC archive.(Photo: The quintuplets on their fourth birthday. Credit: Bettmann via Getty Images)

The Climate Change Minister, Simon Watts, has just announced a cross party inquiry will be conducted by the Finance and Expenditure Committee into climate adaptation.

It's that time of the season again where our team from the Athletic carry out their 'Squad Audit' to determine who they think should be staying or going at Tottenham this summer.Danny Kelly is joined by Jack Pitt-Brooke, Charlie Eccleshare and James Maw to take you through the side.Produced by Simon Watts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's that time of the season again where our team from the Athletic carry out their 'Squad Audit' to determine who they think should be staying or going at Tottenham this summer. Danny Kelly is joined by Jack Pitt-Brooke, Charlie Eccleshare and James Maw to take you through the side. Produced by Simon Watts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Danny Kelly is joined by the Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke who's been speaking with Eric Dier about his final 6 months at Spurs. Charlie Eccleshare assesses the midfield options ahead of Newcastle with 19 combinations used this season! We preview Tottenham Women's FA Cup semi-final, plus discuss Alfie Whiteman's interesting hobbies. Produced by Simon Watts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Danny Kelly is joined by the Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke who's been speaking with Eric Dier about his final 6 months at Spurs.Charlie Eccleshare assesses the midfield options ahead of Newcastle with 19 combinations used this season!We preview Tottenham Women's FA Cup semi-final, plus discuss Alfie Whiteman's interesting hobbies.Produced by Simon Watts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic's James Maw joins Danny Kelly to look back on ANOTHER comeback win at home.Should Kulusevski have come off even earlier than half time? Can Dragusin convince at left sided centre back?Plus we discuss some big scouting changes and how that might impact this summer's recruitment on this Easter Monday pod.Produced by Simon Watts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic's James Maw joins Danny Kelly to look back on ANOTHER comeback win at home. Should Kulusevski have come off even earlier than half time? Can Dragusin convince at left sided centre back? Plus we discuss some big scouting changes and how that might impact this summer's recruitment on this Easter Monday pod. Produced by Simon Watts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Government is facing the threat of a hole in its tax plan.  Its promised relief on the back-pocket is meant to be partially paid for with a levy on online gambling - bringing in more than $730 million over four years.   But the Inland Revenue Department has crunched the numbers... and figures it will only bring in $155 million.   Revenue Minister Simon Watts told Heather du Plessis-Allan those calculations are correct.  He says there are a number of mechanisms which will come into play - including the reduction of costs in the public sector which will help balance the books.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the big COP climate summit last December, more than 20 countries pledged to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050 to help cut carbon emissions. The signatories included familiar nuclear names such as the US, France and Japan...but also newcomers, like Ghana. Although Ghana doesn't currently have any nuclear power plants, president Nana Akufo-Addo says he wants to build one or two by 2030. So why is this African nation turning to nuclear? How will it pay for the multi-billion-dollar power plants? And will this help fight climate change?Presenter Graihagh Jackson is joined by: on-the-ground reporter Thomas Naadi; Dr Michael Bluck, Director of the Centre for Nuclear Engineering at Imperial College London; and Dr Kacper Szulecki, research professor at the Norwegian Institute for International Affairs. Production team: Octavia Woodward, Ben Cooper, Brenda Brown, Simon Watts, Matt Willis. Sound design by Tom Brignell.

The world's wetlands store carbon and can help us tackle some of global warming's impacts. Are we overlooking their importance? And what can we do to protect them more?Graihagh Jackson travels to wetlands near her home in East Anglia while Qasa Alom reports from the Bay of Bengal. And The Climate Question catches up with an old friend of the show, Dr Musonda Mumba, Secretary-General of the Convention on Wetlands.Production team: Osman Iqbal, Octavia Woodward, Brenda Brown, Simon Watts, Matt Willis Sound design by Tom Brignell.Send your questions to: theclimatequestion@bbc.com

2024 will see billions of voters head to the polls in a record-breaking year for elections. It follows 2023 – another record-breaking year for the climate... so could global warming impact the way people vote? Or will it be eclipsed by the other big issues that dominate news headlines, like inflation and the cost of living, healthcare, education, and jobs. In this episode, presenter Graihagh Jackson hears from voters all over the world, and dives into research examining their priorities and what motivates them when they're at the ballot box. She also finds out how climate change policies affected the outcome of recent elections in the Netherlands and Australia. Guests: Jessica Long, Head of Environmental, Social and Governance Consulting at IPSOS UK Anna Holligan, BBC correspondent in the Netherlands Noora Firaq, Deputy CEO of Climate Outreach Phil Mercer, BBC correspondent in Australia Got a Climate Question for us? Email: theclimatequestion@bbc.com Production team: Ben Cooper, Octavia Woodward, Brenda Brown, Simon Watts, Matt Willis Sound Engineer: Tom Brignell

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

On 6 November 1975, tens of thousands of Moroccans poured into Spanish Sahara in a bid to claim it for their own.They danced, waved flags and played music as they faced off, unarmed, against gun-carrying Spanish soldiers.The so-called Green March led to a diplomatic victory for Morocco's King Hassan, but sparked a guerrilla war and decades of instability.In 2013, TV cameraman Seddik Maaninou and North Africa expert Francis Gillies told Simon Watts about that momentous protest.(Photo: Protestors on the Green March. Credit: Jacques Haillot/Apis/Sygma/Sygma/Getty Images)

For our weekly catch up with the Green Party, Rawan spoke with co-leader Marama Davidson about several topics that have been of concern recently.  The first topic was around COP28 which is currently being held in Dubai and is being attended by a few of Aotearoa's leaders including CLimate change minister Simon Watts and Green party co-leader James Shaw. Rawan asked about what the green party hopes to achieve and represent in this year's conference. They then spoke about the new government's plans to review Te Tiriti o Waitangi and what this will mean for Aotearoa. Rawan also asked about the government's plans to scrap the fair pay agreement and the impact this will have on working kiwis.  Finally they spoke about Prime minister Christopher Luxon's statement this morning alongside Leaders form Canada and Australia which essentially called for a ceasefire in Gaza amidst the war with israel.

The new Climate Change Minister, Simon Watts, may have a tricky time defending the Government if he goes to the global climate summit starting on Wednesday. Scientists and lobby groups say it's crucial he attends. Climate change correspondent Eloise Gibson reports.

The coalition Government says it will repeal the ban on offshore oil and gas exploration. That's despite the United Nations saying the world is on track to produce around 110-percent more fossil fuels in 2030 than are needed to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The extractive energy industry in New Zealand says fossil gas is needed to help the transition away from coal in energy plants. Minister of Climate Change Simon Watts spoke to Corin Dann.

At Easter 1916, a small army of Irish rebels attempted to start a revolution against British rule. They held out for more than a week against a massive British military response. Simon Watts brings together eye-witness accounts of the Easter Rising. (Photo: Irish rebels lying in wait on a roof getting ready to fire during the Easter Rising. Credit: Mondadori via Getty Images)

In the early hours of 17 May 1943 a bold World War II attack destroyed two dams in the Ruhr Valley in Germany's industrial heartland, causing 1,600 casualties and catastrophic flooding which hampered the German war effort. The dams were highly protected but 617 Squadron of the Royal Air Force had a new weapon – the bouncing bomb. Invented by Barnes Wallis, the weapon was designed to skip over the dams' defences and explode against the sides. The Dambusters mission was a huge propaganda success for Britain and later inspired a famous film. In 2013, Simon Watts spoke to George "Johnny" Johnson, the last survivor of the Dambusters squadron. (Photo: Squadron Leader George "Johnny" Johnson. Credit: Leon Neal via Getty Images)

After the 9/11 terror attacks in 2001, a New York guide dog called Roselle was hailed as a hero for helping her owner safely down 78 flights of stairs and away from the Twin Towers before they collapsed. In this programme, first broadcast in 2017, Simon Watts speaks to Roselle's owner, Michael Hingson. (Photo: Roselle and Michael Hingson, right, meeting a 9/11 rescue team. Credit: Getty Images)