Climate Curious - podcast cover

Climate Curious

TEDxLondontedxlondon.com
Are you Climate Curious? If you care about the world, but find the current conversation about climate change confusing, scary or boring – then this might be the podcast for you. Join TEDxLondon and co-hosts Maryam Pasha and Ben Hurst as we lift the lid on the climate emergency by speaking to the world’s leading and most relatable climate pioneers. Find out why cities are key to the climate fight, why we need to tackle systemic problems (and not just plastic straws), and why we’re all a bit crap at sustainability.

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Episodes

Climate Quickie: Why climate wars go unreported

Small Indigenous communities make up only five percent of the world’s population, but they defend 80 percent of the biodiversity that remains on Earth, says Anjan Sundaram. Climate Curious spoke to war reporter turned climate reporter, Anjan Sundaram, about the realities of reporting on our planet’s bloody ecological frontlines, and how corporations and cartels will stop at nothing, even taking human life, to destroy our last natural ecosystems. Recorded live at TED 2024. Follow Climate Curious:...

Jul 12, 202411 minSeason 5Ep. 48

How storytelling can honour forgotten climate conflicts

Ever met a mathematician turned war reporter? Yep, neither us! Until we met Anjan Sundaram, a war reporter turned climate reporter, who joins Climate Curious at TED 2024 to share his work sharing the stories of indigenous communities defending our planet's last pristine ecosystem, particularly in Mexico. Anjan shares the dangers faced by environmental defenders, the cause of these conflicts (large-scale industrial projects, corruption, and cartels), and the urgent need for global awareness and s...

Jul 11, 202421 minSeason 5Ep. 47

Where does all the climate funding go?

You know what they say… if you want answers, follow the money! Understanding where all the money is going is key to finding the right climate solutions, says Eric Berlow, data ecologist, TED fellow, and CEO of Vibrant Data Labs. Tracking how 350 billion dollars of private philanthropy and investments to climate relevant organisations in the U.S. is being spent, Eric joins TEDxLondon’s Climate Curious to chat climate and cash; sharing insights on how to maximise the impact of climate funding. Fol...

Jul 05, 202411 minSeason 5Ep. 46

What is marine cloud brightening?

Why do we need to better understand the role of aerosols on our ecosystems? And what can it help us learn? To provide the answer is Kelly Wanser, a climate innovation expert and founder and executive director of SilverLining. Kelly joins Climate Curious to explain the cooling effects of particles on clouds. Recorded live at TED 2024. Watch Kelly Wanser’s TED Talk, Emergency medicine for our climate fever . Watch Sarah J. Doherty’s TED Talk, How aerosols brighten clouds –– and cool the planet . F...

Jun 20, 20249 minSeason 5Ep. 45

What’s going on with fracking in Canada?

What the frick is fracking? Stand.Earth’s Canadian Oil and Gas Programs Director Sven Biggs joins Climate Curious to provide a concise explainer on what fracking is, and how it’s being used in Canada. Recorded live at TED 2024. Follow Climate Curious: Newsletter Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Facebook Suggest a topic you’d like Climate Curious to cover Created by TEDxLondon Produced by Josie Colter Edit, mix, master by Ben Beheshty Curated by Maryam Pasha Hosted by Maryam Pasha and Ben Hurst Hosted ...

Jun 13, 202414 minSeason 5Ep. 44

Climate Quickie: How the tide turned on fossil fuels

Big Oil must read the writing on the wall. From denial to delusion, fossil fuels are finally taking their last gasp breath in the court of public opinion. Climate Curious catches up with Tzeporah Berman at TED 2024 to reflect on the progress of The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and what’s contributed towards Big Oil’s demise. We’ve reached a tipping point, and this time, it’s a good one! Follow Climate Curious: Newsletter Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Facebook Suggest a topic you’d like Clim...

Jun 06, 202411 minSeason 5Ep. 43

Climate Quickie: What’s going on in Madagascar?

Malagasy political analyst and activist Ketakandriana Rafitoson joins Climate Curious to share how she’s empowering citizens in Madagascar to protect their rights in the face of systemic exploitation. In the absence of strong democratic traditions, her grassroots toolkit of citizen assemblies, legal aid and collective action is helping environmental defenders peacefully protect their rights to the land. Recorded at TED 2024. Follow Climate Curious: Newsletter Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Facebook ...

May 31, 20247 minSeason 5Ep. 42

Climate Quickie: The firefighter changing wildfire injustice

California’s wildfires have a dirty secret: they are being fought by the incarcerated. Royal Ramey, a wildland firefighter, is working to change that. Joining Climate Curious in conversation live at TED 2024, Royal shares how his nonprofit in California is helping the formerly incarcerated rethink job training and address the challenges they face re-entering the workforce. Listen to the full Climate Curious episode with Royal Ramey. Learn more about The Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program . Fo...

May 24, 20249 minSeason 5Ep. 41

The hidden injustice behind wildfire fighting in California

Did you know, the incarcerated are fighting California's wildfires? A practice which is also happening in 14 other States in the U.S. Royal Ramey, a wildland firefighter, is working to change that. Joining Climate Curious in conversation live at TED 2024, Royal shares how his nonprofit in California is helping the formerly incarcerated rethink job training and address the challenges they face re-entering the workforce. Learn more about The Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program Follow the FFRP on...

May 24, 202420 minSeason 5Ep. 40

Climate Quickie: Why we need more good news climate stories

Whether or not you believe that the world is on track for imminent doom might depend on where you get your news, says Angus Hervey, founder of Fix The News on TEDxLondon’s Climate Curious. He delivers good news for humanity that the media cycle missed last year, from advances in clean energy technologies to declining rates of carbon emissions. Recorded live at TED 2024. Watch Angus’s TED Talk, Why are we so bad at reporting good news? Follow Climate Curious: Newsletter Instagram Twitter LinkedIn...

May 16, 202410 minSeason 5Ep. 39

Climate Quickie: Why happiness is key to climate action

What if the answer to climate action wasn’t guilt, shame and doom, what if it was joy and happiness? We’re joined by the psychology professor who invented feng shui for your fridge and coined the term behavioural sustainability, Dr. Jiaying Zhao, to tell us more. Recorded live at TED 2024. Watch Jiaying’s TED Talk, How to feng shui your fridge — and other happy climate hacks . Follow Climate Curious: Newsletter Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Facebook Suggest a topic you’d like Climate Curious to cov...

May 10, 202410 minSeason 5Ep. 38

Climate Quickie: Why NATURE is 2024’s biggest breakout popstar

Welcome to planet pop: NATURE is now a fully-fledged recording artist! Sounds Right has launched a creative music initiative featuring ocean waves, wind, rainstorms and birdsong, to raise money for nature-based solutions, in partnership with pop stars such as Ellie Goulding, Brian Eno and London Grammar. Climate Curious speaks to global programme director Gabriel Smales to learn more about these banging eco beats. Listen to the NATURE playlist on Spotify. Learn more about the Sounds Right projec...

May 03, 20247 minSeason 5Ep. 37

Climate Quickie: Why we’re all climate correspondents

How is climate covered on network news? Climate Curious speaks to the world’s Chief Climate Correspondent, Bill Weir, to understand why representing diverse climate stories across mainstream media is important. Tune in to hear his unusual journey into climate action (it started with letter writing), and why he believes climate stories need to be part of our everyday existence. Follow Climate Curious: Newsletter Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Facebook Suggest a topic you’d like Climate Curious to cov...

Apr 26, 20246 minSeason 5Ep. 36

"If Not Us Then Who?” Why we need ancestral wisdom in all climate decision making

We need Indigenous, ancestral wisdom in all climate decision making, says filmmaker and founder of “If Not Us Then Who”, Paul Redman. Diversifying climate storytelling and creators has been Paul’s mission since growing up in Apartheid South Africa and this start in investigative documentary filmmaking in his 20s. Since then, he’s collaborated on building a movement for more resources for Indigenous Peoples in film. In conversation with Climate Curious at Climate Week NYC at the Our Village event...

Apr 26, 202439 minSeason 5Ep. 35

Climate Mixtape: 2024 Earth Day joy

Happy Earth Day! This year, we’re celebrating joy. We speak to our Climate Curious experts about moments of joy that keep them going. Recorded live at TED 2024 in Vancouver, on the shared, unceded, ancestral territories of the səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), and Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) nations. Featuring: Jiaying Zhao Tzeporah Berman Marcelo Mena Angus Hervey Xavier Cortada Eric Berlow Sven Biggs Follow Climate Curious: Newsletter Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Facebook Sugges...

Apr 18, 20246 minSeason 5Ep. 34

Climate Quickie: The app tackling air pollution on the London Underground

Climate Curious alumni Tanya Beri returns to share the latest updates about her work to improve air quality on the London Underground; CAIR London. Starting the journey four years ago whilst at University, Tanya has now launched the app, and expanded it to include sound pollution data, too! Listen to Tanya’s previous episode, Which London tube has the best air quality? Download the app: Apple , Android Follow Climate Curious: Newsletter Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Facebook Suggest a topic you’d l...

Apr 12, 20246 minSeason 5Ep. 33

Why the insurance industry could be the key to ending fossil fuels

Insurance. Yes, it’s geeky, it’s niche. But it’s the secret lever we never knew we needed. The insurance world holds the keys to halt new fossil fuel projects in their tracks. That’s because if you can’t insure the work, it can’t go ahead. TEDxLondon’s Climate Curious speaks to two campaigners from Insure our Future, Isabelle L'Héritier and Hilda Flavia Nakabuye on the wins from their recent week of global action across 31 countries and five continents. Learn more about Insure Our Future Instagr...

Mar 22, 202410 minSeason 5Ep. 32

Climate Quickie: Why city birdwatching is still having a moment

“The beauty of birding is even if you don't see anything, it's just about getting outside with your mates and having a good time,” says Nadeem Perera, birdwatcher and co-founder of global birdwatching community, Flock Together, on TEDxLondon’s Climate Curious. Nadeem shares why black and brown representation in nature is old news, and instead, why creativity, self-expression and leadership is the new goal. Flock Together flocktogether.world @birdnerdeem Follow Climate Curious: Newsletter Instagr...

Mar 15, 20248 minSeason 5Ep. 31

Why pollution hits women and girls hardest

Understand the drivers behind why climate change is increasing the incidence of child marriage with the CEO of Girls Not Brides, Dr Faith Mwangi-Powell, on the latest Climate Curious. Climate change is increasing the incidence of child marriages, shares this week’s quickie expert Dr Faith Mwangi-Powell the CEO of Girls Not Brides. Tune in to discover how globally, every year, 12 million girls are married below the age of 18. That’s one girl every three seconds. And why crop failure, drought and ...

Mar 08, 20245 minSeason 5Ep. 30

Climate Quickie: Why a hotter planet means more malaria. Here’s the solution.

What does malaria have to do with climate change? In short, a hotter planet means more bugs. And more extreme weather events means more flood water, which mosquitos adore. But thanks to incredible efforts, lots of solutions are in action to help right the historic injustice of malaria, which sits right at the intersection of climate and health. United to Beat Malaria's and United Foundation's executive director Margaret McDonnell joins Climate Curious to share the progress. Learn more at beatmal...

Mar 01, 20248 minSeason 5Ep. 29

Climate Quickie: How do you photograph air pollution?

Photos can convey a message in an instant. But how do you photograph something which day-to-day is invisible to see: air pollution? A new stunning collection of photography on air pollution is compelling action on climate change. From the bustling streets of Indonesia to the industrial heartlands of Poland, these photos capture the stark effects of dirty air on the communities hit hardest, as well as spotlighting solutions already making a difference to people. Climate Curious speaks to Alastair...

Feb 23, 20247 minSeason 5Ep. 28

Climate Quickie: Live, love, laugh climate change?

We’re all living through climate change. So who says we can’t laugh through it, too? Humour is one of the healthiest ways to process the collective tragedy of the pollution of our planet, says the comedian-in-residence at Generation180 and co-creator of the Climate Comedy Cohort, Esteban Gast, on Climate Curious. In conversation with Ben Hurst and Maryam Pasha, Esteban shares some climate jokes live from the comedy stage, plus how he’s building a climate comedy movement to get more climate plots...

Feb 16, 202410 minSeason 5Ep. 27

Is there anything funny about climate change?

Short answer: no. Long answer: maybe? Humour is one of the healthiest ways to process the collective tragedy of the pollution of our planet, says the comedian-in-residence at Generation180 and co-creator of the Climate Comedy Cohort, Esteban Gast, on Climate Curious. In conversation with Ben Hurst and Maryam Pasha, Esteban shares how he’s building a climate comedy movement to get more humour into storytelling about what’s going on with our polluted planet. Fancy a laugh? Head to the end of the e...

Feb 16, 202453 minSeason 5Ep. 26

Climate Quickie: The furry creature breathing life back into London’s wetlands

Beavers are back in London, baby! Climate Curious speaks to vet and conservationist Sean McCormack about the Ealing Beaver Project – which has seen beavers reintroduced into the wild in London after a 400 year hiatus. Tune in to learn about how these furry (but mighty!) ecosystem engineers have already made a positive climate impact in London, and around the world. Join a beaver safaris Learn more about Citizen Zoo Learn more about the Ealing Beaver Project Follow Climate Curious: Newsletter Ins...

Feb 09, 20248 minSeason 5Ep. 25

BOSS Series: How solar distillation farms are improving Pacific Islanders’ water security

Reliable, clean water is an essential part of life. But what would you do if your community was hit by a storm, damaging essential infrastructure? Or shifting rainfall patterns or longer droughts meant water was more scarce? That’s why Pacific Islanders in Tuvalu are trialling solar distillation farms that can produce 75 litres of drinking water per day, as well as tackling water storage at the household level. Climate Curious speaks with Engineers Without Borders New Zealand’s Emma Coombe in Tu...

Feb 02, 20247 minSeason 5Ep. 24

BOSS Series: How super corals have potential to revive coral reefs

Surprisingly hardy corals called “super corals” show great promise in helping communities in the Pacific Islands rebuild coral reefs, says Dr. Austin Bowden-Kerby, a Fijian marine biologist. Super corals are able to withstand much hotter water temperatures, and some can even survive in water up to 35 degrees celsius! Meaning they are much more resilient to the effects of climate change and a warming planet than corals on regular reefs. Climate Curious speaks to Austin to hear about how Pacific I...

Jan 26, 20248 minSeason 5Ep. 23

How to play for a better world

Who says you can’t have fun whilst solving the world’s problems? Playing video games can increase climate action, says Deborah Mensah-Bonsu, the founder of Games for Good on TEDxLondon’s Climate Curious. With more than 3 billion gamers on the planet, plus a tonne of green themed content, tune in to explore the ways in which people are playing for the planet, and how games can help us change the world for the better, together. Resources: Follow Deborah on Twitter Follow Deborah on LinkedIn Watch ...

Jan 19, 20247 minSeason 5Ep. 22

New year, new climate positivity?

New year, new climate positivity? Climate can feel dull, depressing and doomsdayish at the best of times. But since it's January, let's revisit one of our favourite episodes that might inject a little positivity... Enter Jessica Kleczka, the climate psychologist, activist and educator behind ‘Positive Climate News’ – a weekly online series highlighting climate wins from around the world. Tune in to learn how focussing on the climate positives can help us hack our psychological hardwiring. Follow...

Jan 12, 20246 minSeason 5Ep. 21

BOSS series: Tuvalu’s climate superpower

Saving Tuvalu is the first step in saving the world, says Grace Malie, a 24-year-old Tuvaluan climate activist who volunteers with the Rising Nations Initiative. Climate Curious speaks to Grace in her home country of Tuvalu to learn how interconnectedness is their climate superpower – explored through dance, culture, food and the ocean – and ultimately keeping them energised in the face of rising sea levels. Check out the Rising Nations Initiative . Follow Climate Curious: Newsletter Instagram T...

Jan 05, 20248 minSeason 5Ep. 20

Lights, camera, eco-action! Climate TV watch list

We’re all partial to a bit of Netflix and chill, but what if maxing and relaxing could also save the world? Back to share some more green TV recommendations is Emma Stewart, Netflix’s Sustainability Officer. Tune in to discover the latest climate shows to enjoy now. THE WATCH LIST Next In Fashion Unstable with Rob Lowe Magician's Elephant My Octopus Teacher Elephant Whispers Partner Track Secrets of the Blue Zones Represent White Noise Follow Climate Curious: Newsletter Instagram Twitter LinkedI...

Dec 29, 20239 minSeason 5Ep. 19
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