The Climate Diplomat: Why COP Still Matters

In this bonus episode, we step behind the headlines of the latest UN climate talks with writer, editor, and climate activist Grace Pengelly — collaborator on the late Peter Betts’ remarkable book The Climate Diplomat: A Personal History of the COP Conferences.Recorded in the immediate aftermath of the most recent COP, this conversation digs into what really happened, why the negotiations felt particularly fraught, and what Pete’s decades of experience can teach us about multilateral climate diplomacy — even when it looks messy, slow, or “on life support.”Grace shares:How she came to work with Pete Betts during the final year of his lifeWhy Pete believed COP — for all its flaws — is still the only global forum capable of delivering progress at scaleWhat he might have made of the latest summitHow “side processes” and quiet relationship-building often drive real breakthroughsWhy reforming COP doesn’t mean abandoning itAnd the role civil society, media, finance, and long-term negotiators must play in what comes nextIf you’ve ever wondered whether the COP system is still fit for purpose — or why anyone keeps turning up — this is a thoughtful, human, and deeply grounded look inside the world of climate diplomacy.📚 Resources & People MentionedFollow Grace Pengelly’s Substack Forest & Climate Finance Initiative (Brazil’s ‘Forest Future Finance’ / TFF)🎟️ Join Earth Set LiveWe host monthly live events in London with founders, thinkers, policy leaders, and climate innovators. First Tuesday of every month.Grab tickets here: 👉 https://www.earthset.co⭐ Enjoying the show?Please take a moment to:Give us 5 starsLeave a short reviewShare this episode with someone curious about climate politics