The Climate Question

What’s the pitch?

“Stories on why we find it so hard to save our own planet, and how we might change that.”

Who’s in charge?

The BBC World Service.

What’s it about?

Each roughly 30-minute episode focuses on a single topic. These are broad in scope – recent episodes have looked at everything from climate justice in the courtroom to whether Africa can ever leapfrog to renewables.

Why should you listen?

The BBC has an array of top-class journalists all over the world, who contribute, ensuring proper journalistic standards. The topics are always interesting, and the structure – each episode is a question the team tries to answer – is also compelling. And while the subject matter might sometimes be complex, the episodes are always accessible.

Listen here.

 

Drilled

What’s the pitch?

“A true-crime podcast about climate change.”

Who’s in charge?

It’s hosted and reported by the award-winning investigative journalist, Amy Westervelt.

What’s it about?

This is a fascinating way examine the climate crisis – by treating the subject as you would a true crime story. The topics are heavily North American-focused, but the issues are global in nature and always alarming. Recent episodes have focused on how fossil fuel companies are backing anti-protest bills and how ‘Big Oil’ is shifting the responsibility for climate change onto the individual.

Why should you listen to it?

Westervelt is a brilliant investigative journalist and she gets to grips with these often complex topics that goes beyond the usual platitudes. The idea of treating the climate crisis through the lens of true crime is also bold, and it pays off.

Listen here.

 

How to Save a Planet

What’s the pitch?

“A podcast that asks the big questions: what do we need to do to solve the climate crisis, and how do we get it done?

Who’s in charge?

This is a Spotify original hosted by a journalist (Alex Blumberg) and a scientist (Dr Ayana Elizabeth Johnson).

What’s it about?

The topics are varied. Recent episodes featured everything from a look at if electric cars are really better for the climate and an examination of President Biden’s ‘Green New Deal.’

Why should you listen to it?

The duo complements each other well: Alex asks the questions we want the answers to, and Dr. Johnson gives us the science behind the answers. Despite the seriousness of the topics, the tone is playful, and each episode is a lot of fun to listen to.

Listen here.

 

Outrage & Optimism

What’s the pitch?

“Influential investigations, iconic guests and the latest developments in tackling the climate crisis.”

Who is in charge?

Global Optimism, a company founded by former UNFCCC Executive Secretary Christiana Figueres, and Tom Rivett-Carnac.

What is it about?

Anything and everything related to climate change from the economics of reforestation to the future of shipping to climate entrepreneurship. With each episode up to an hour long, there’s lot of time to examine these topics in depth.

Why should you listen to it?

Aside from the quality of the analysis, the guests are worth tuning in for; recent guests have ranged from the author Yuval Noah Harari to NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg to former US Secretary of State John Kerry.

Listen here.

 

For What It’s Earth

What’s the pitch?

“Environment, climate change and sustainability podcast making big issues bite-sized.”

Who’s in charge?

Emma Brisdion, a climate activist and Lloyd Hopkins, a PHD student.

What’s it about?

It’s all about climate action: both the science behind it and the things we can all do to make a difference. Recent episodes have focused on everything from the magic of wetlands to whether pets can ever be sustainable.

Why should you listen to it?

The hosts are engaging and informative without ever descending into jargon. Their conversational style works well and complements the expert guests they bring onto the show.

Listen here.