Sustainability: are we f***ed?

2025 hasn’t been the easiest year. Amid ongoing genocides, Trump becoming US president again, and the EU backtracking on some of its most innovative policies, it feels like progress on sustainability matters has been slow, even non-existent.Meanwhile, billionaires are becoming richer, artificial intelligence is taking people’s jobs and attention spans, and the climate breakdown continues at a pace. Notably, last year the Earth reached its first tipping point, meaning that warm water coral reefs are unlikely to recover from the damage seen so far unless we drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions.All this begs the question: are we f***ed? Many people are feeling hopeless: it’s undoubtedly frustrating to put effort into a cause that feels like emptying the ocean with a spoon. For those who have joined the sustainability scene in the past five years or so, it may look like we will never achieve any meaningful change – but is this really where we are?In the first episode of 2026, Giulia speaks to two seasoned sustainability professionals: Shaken Not Burned co-host, journalist, entrepreneur, and academic Felicia Jackson, and Mike Scott, writer, journalist, and director at Carbon Copy Communications.In an attempt to assuage her concerns, which are shared by many listeners, Giulia asks the guests how bad the situation really is, and whether history can provide some reassurance that things can be salvaged. Spoiler alert: we have been here before, and somehow made it through.If you are feeling hopeless in these early days 2026 – and we can’t blame you – look at what’s been achieved so far. For example, renewables were previously labelled as expensive and unreliable, and now account for huge chunks of the energy mix of many countries. Electric vehicles are a normal sight on the road. Companies and consumers alike are valuing sustainable products. Just a decade ago, all of this would have been unthinkable.As we start the new year, let’s dream big. Let’s set goals that feel completely wild and unattainable. Let’s get together and continue fighting the good fight. Hopefully, we will look back in 10 years’ time and realise all of this was more than doable.We at Shaken Not Burned will be here, every step of the way. Thank you so much for being a part of our community, and let’s make 2026 a year to remember!If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram – and why not spread the word with your friends and colleagues?