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PODCAST · society

Nordic Talks

by The Nordics

Looking for inspiration about what you do to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world today? Nordic Talks brings together thinkers and doers from around the world in curious conversations, offering fresh perspectives on how we can act for a better, more sustainable future. Each episode features the highlights of an independently organized live Nordic Talk offering insight and inspiration on how to achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Nordic Talks is brought to you by the Nordic Council of Ministers.

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Episodes

  1. Forgotten voices in the green transition

    Already marginalized communities are often the ones who bear the brunt of today's climate crisis, but still their perspectives are frequently ignored or overlooked by the decision-makers behind the green transition. In this episode we ask how communities can be empowered to fight for climate...

  2. Youth and politics – is it a match?

    Are young people today interested in politics? Surveys show that the answer is yes. Eighty-five percent of Europeans under 30 say that they discuss politics with friends and relatives. Yet on election day, less than half of them turn out to vote – be it in local, national, or European elections.…

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  3. Decarbonizing our production

    How do we manufacture our products? What energy sources do we use? How do we transport goods and how do we package them? All these questions need to be answered as we try to decarbonize the world's manufacturing industries and reach the Paris Agreement goals for reducing global greenhouse gas...

  4. Democracy and dictatorship in a digital world

    Internet, smartphones, and now artificial intelligence - the digital revolution has made us more connected, given us better access to information and led to greater transparency. Digital tools are used to promote international peace, security, and democracy, but at the same time, authoritarian...

  5. COP28-special: Reimagining food systems

    The entrepreneur Ada Osakwe is the founder of the fastest-growing sustainable fast-food chain in Nigeria. She is also advising politicians and other decisionmakers on how to improve the infrastructure for food production in the Global South. Listen as Ada sits down with the Estonian Climate Youth...

  6. COP28-special: Achieving a gender just transition for all

    Founder and CEO of Springs of ASAL, Mana Omar, has first-hand experience with gender inequality in climate vulnerable communities. In a sit-down with the Norwegian Youth Delegate, Amalie Holmefjord, she tells her story of growing up in a pastoralist community in Kenya and the challenges that came...

  7. COP28-special: Climate justice for Rosa

    Benjamin Van Bunderen Robberechts lost his friend Rosa in the floods in Belgium in 2021. After this tragedy, he founded the initiative "Climate Justice for Rosa", which has sparked worldwide attention and contributed to an EU Day for the Victims of the Global Climate Crisis. Listen as the...

  8. COP28-special: Tackling the triple planetary crisis

    As a child, Rose Kobusinge from Uganda experienced how longer and longer periods of drought affected her local community and their livelihoods. But it wasn't until she started university that she realized the severity of the climate crisis. Today she's a climate activist, pushing for the...

  9. COP28-special: Collaborating for climate justice

    Last year Agustín Ocaña from Ecuador quit his job to become a full-time advocator for the education of the world's youth as a way of fighting for the climate. Today, Agustín is head of the Global Youth Coalition – facilitating the collaboration between thousands of young people in the global…

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  10. Building with nature's help

    Can lava from volcanoes be transformed into house walls? And can we use fungi to clean areas in our cities from toxic waste? The answer to both questions is yes – at least at some point in the future. These are just a few of the innovative ideas coming from the growing number of architects…

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  11. The menu of tomorrow

    A global shift to a more sustainable diet is needed to reduce the major impact that food production has on our planet. Right now the global food system is responsible for 30 percent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, while at the same time a third of all the food produced is wasted. Can we...

  12. Earth-friendly fashion

    Clothing production has doubled worldwide over the last 15 years and has today a huge negative environmental and social footprint. The global fashion industry is not only the third most polluting industry, responsible for 8-10 percent of the world’s carbon emissions, but it’s also notorious for…

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  13. Green gold rush on Indigenous land

    Imagine a picture-perfect future where clean energy projects have replaced damaging non-renewable energy sources. With many of the new green projects being built all over the world, we are slowly approaching this goal. However, while massive wind farms and solar panel parks are being built, there...

  14. Striving for gender equality in the media

    Despite progress towards gender equality, women's voices remain underrepresented in the mainstream media, where male domination has been the norm for decades. But the tide is turning, and in this episode, we explore why fair gender representation in the media is vital for a more equitable…

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  15. 2030: A deadline for sustainable change

    Do you sometimes wonder if the world is making progress on reaching the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? Are we succeeding in securing a better and more sustainable future for the planet and future generations? Now is a good time for a status update - the goals were agreed in 2015, so we...

  16. Energy security in a new geopolitical reality

    The war in Ukraine and the resulting energy crisis shocked Europe into realizing the risks of relying on imported gas and oil. As a result, many countries, including the Nordics, are asking themselves how they can become more self-sufficient and speed up the transition to locally produced…

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  17. Civil defense and resilient societies

    What happens when a country that has lived in peace for decades needs to defend itself? While governments may be able to obtain military hardware quickly, many forget the equally vital role played by civil defense. In this episode, we examine the importance of involving civil society in resisting...

  18. Finding common ground in diverse cities

    The different neighborhoods, and their unique atmosphere, is what makes cities across the world so interesting. However, there is a pitfall to this uniqueness, as it can end up creating further division between neighborhoods. Especially when residents have less and less contact with others due to...

  19. Skills of tomorrow – what should children learn?

    Reading, writing, and arithmetic. These are the essential skills that children learn in schools around the globe. But the world is changing rapidly and children will need additional skills to help them tackle pressing issues such as inequality and the climate crisis. In this episode, we explore…

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  20. Compensating for climate damage

    Hurricanes, floods, and drought. These extreme weather events are hitting the world's poorer countries more and more often due to climate change - much of which is caused by richer countries. But in the future, developing countries will receive compensation for this damage. Work is under way to…

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  21. Ukraine-special: Voices of the future

    Has Russia's unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine destroyed any hope of dialogue between Russians and Ukrainians? Or is there still an opportunity for peace, understanding, and trust through dialogue in the future? In three special episodes of the Nordic Talks podcast, we let people…

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  22. Ukraine-special: The difficult dialogue

    Has Russia's unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine destroyed any hope of dialogue between Russians and Ukrainians? Or is there still an opportunity for peace, understanding, and trust through dialogue in the future? In three special episodes of the Nordic Talks podcast, we let people…

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  23. Ukraine-special: People to people – in the time of war

    Has Russia's unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine destroyed any hope of dialogue between Russians and Ukrainians? Or is there still an opportunity for peace, understanding, and trust through dialogue in the future? In three special episodes of the Nordic Talks podcast, we let people…

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  24. All aboard the digital train

    Did anyone ever tell you that the future is digital? It's a phrase you've probably heard many times over. But what happens in reality when governments around the world try to kickstart the digital transformation of their societies? How do we make sure no one is left behind? And how do you make...

  25. COP27-special: Now what?

    We came to COP27 with a sense of urgency, as we know from science that we are already running out of time. Technological fixes are certainly not enough - we need deep systemic change within every sector. Recently the pandemic showed us that it is possible to respond rapidly to a worldwide crisis....

  26. COP27-special: Paving the way for behavioral change

    Is the fight against climate change now seen as so urgent, that it will move humanity towards a more sustainable and just world? Or will we continue to head towards further destruction of biodiversity and natural resources, which are both so important for peace and prosperity? Are today’s...

  27. COP27-special: Arctic societies in transistion

    The Arctic has warmed three times quicker than the planet as a whole, and up North the effects of the climate changes are visible already today. How can Arctic societies be agents of change in the green transition? How do Arctic societies adapt to climate change? And what pathways are possible…

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  28. COP27-special: Clean cooking

    How do we improve people's health by decreasing exposure to black carbon, reduce carbon emissions, prevent deforestation, and promote gender equality by empowering women? Well, it's actually all about clean cooking. But more than 4 billion people globally, including almost 900 million people in...

  29. COP27-special: Regenerative cities

    How can we reimagine our cities for a regenerative transformation? To regenerate means not only to do less harm, but to become a positive force that restores, renews, and regrows. In this special episode of the Nordic Talks podcast, recorded at COP27 in Egypt, we will explore how we can create a...

  30. COP27-special: Purpose finance

    How can we accelerate our fight for the climate through climate finance and market mechanisms? Can we succeed in changing the way we think, create, and invest in new projects? And how can purpose investments from the private sector and voluntary compensation work as new ways of accelerating the...

  31. Art, culture & sustainable minds

    It turns out that building social cohesion in your local community can in itself have a significant impact on levels of climate action. This is one of the findings from the Nordics, where several experiments are taking place using art and culture to trigger new ways of thinking and create change....

  32. Happiness at work

    How can I be happy at work? It seems that more and more people worldwide are asking themselves precisely this question. The COVID-19 pandemic especially made many of us reflect on the work-life balance and ask whether there is more to life than work. In this episode, we look at important…

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  33. Sailing green from port to port

    Did you know that over 80 percent of goods traded internationally are transported by sea? This makes the shipping sector a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, but efforts to reduce its carbon footprint are under way. Green shipping corridors - routes between ports where…

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  34. Black rights on the global agenda

    The Black Lives Matter movement was propelled into the global spotlight as protests spread following the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer in 2020. Having started as a grassroots movement protesting racially motivated violence and police brutality in the United States, Black...

  35. Can green be fair?

    The world urgently needs to move to green energy for the sake of the climate. But what if scrapping fossil fuels means that you lose your job or face rising living costs? Tradeoffs like these pose a major dilemma for the politicians, activists, and businesses leading the green transition, who are...

  36. Undoing digital abuse of women

    Women are increasingly bearing the brunt of digital abuse. The rise of social media platforms has created greater opportunities for hate against women to make its way online. This abuse can be devastating for those targeted and it also has direct negative consequences for women's democratic...

  37. Library evolution

    What do you think of when you hear the word library? Maybe you think of a building full of books - a place to explore other worlds and perspectives. But in the 21st century libraries have become much more than that. They mirror society and reflect the developments occurring in the surrounding...

  38. Saving the Arctic

    The ice is melting, the flora and fauna are changing, and people's ways of life are at risk. In the Arctic's, inhabitants have first-hand experience of the consequences of climate change. This is one of the reasons why the Nordic countries have stepped up to the plate to address the climate…

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  39. The rural way

    When COVID-19 hit with its lockdowns and foreign travel restrictions, did you suddenly feel drawn to life somewhere more remote? If so, you weren't alone. Rural areas around the world suddenly found themselves overwhelmed with visitors, and in some cases, this influx even overpowered the...

  40. Reinventing trust

    The world is suffering from a second worrying pandemic – not COVID-19, but a major outbreak of distrust: Accusations of fake news and lies, general disregard for the facts, and freely circulating conspiracy theories. All this doubt makes it difficult to implement policies for the common good...

  41. Growing liveable cities in Africa

    Africa's total population is expected to almost double to nearly 2.5 billion by 2050, where roughly half will be living in urban areas. Urbanization is at the heart of development on the African continent, where currently 17 of the world's 20 fastest-growing cities are located. While urbanization...

  42. The green pension pot

    Did you know that your pension can be a powerful weapon in the fight against climate change? However small your pension pot, when pooled together with the savings of hundreds of thousands of other people, it can have a major impact. And the impact is growing as large amounts of money from both...

  43. Let’s talk about sex

    A woman’s right to decide over her own body is a cornerstone of gender equality and sustainable development but remains a battlefield across the globe. Even discussing issues related to sex and reproductive health is often taboo. What will it take to get to a point where all women have control of...

  44. Branding the middle of nowhere

    Darkness, lousy weather, and a sleepover in the middle of nowhere. Sound fun? Apparently yes! The Nordic countries have successfully branded their remoter edges as desirable tourist destinations. Is it luck because the far north is 'in' right now? Or does it reflect a growing longing for...

  45. Is there a Plan Bee?

    Bees are dying out and that’s a big problem for us human beings. If bees and other pollinators disappeared altogether, we would lose a third of our food supply. Half of all the fruit and vegetables on our supermarket shelves would vanish. And the impact on our planet's biodiversity would be...

  46. Ringing the bell for free education

    Education is a fundamental human right, yet only 70 percent of children worldwide are in school. How can we bridge this gap to reach the goal of free quality education for all by 2030? The Nordic countries are among the world leaders when it comes to supporting education in low- and middle-income...

  47. Women, equality and economic power

    Achieving gender equality in all aspects of society isn't just ethically right, it's also economically smart. Numerous studies show that increasing gender equality increases economic growth, making it a win-win situation. Women make up half the global population and half the workforce, meaning…

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  48. The future of work

    More short-term or freelance work. Less steady employment with fixed pay. The labor market is undergoing massive changes, creating uncertainty for millions of people. Why is this happening? And is it possible to reverse this trend? In this episode we examine possible solutions to the global...

  49. Better air in the city

    You can't see it, but you still breathe it in: Air pollution is an invisible threat to millions of people living in urban areas, and many lives are lost prematurely because of it. Increased efforts are being made, not the least in the Nordics, to tackle this health issue through urban design....

  50. Can 5G enable social change?

    The rollout of 5G, the superfast fifth generation mobile internet network, is underway. But will it mean more than just better networks and faster downloads? Can this more accessible technology be used to change society for the better and improve our everyday lives? In this episode, we hear from...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Looking for inspiration about what you do to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world today? Nordic Talks brings together thinkers and doers from around the world in curious conversations, offering fresh perspectives on how we can act for a better, more sustainable future. Each episode features the highlights of an independently organized live Nordic Talk offering insight and inspiration on how to achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Nordic Talks is brought to you by the Nordic Council of Ministers.

HOSTED BY

The Nordics

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Nordic Talks have?

Nordic Talks currently has 72 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Nordic Talks about?

Looking for inspiration about what you do to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world today? Nordic Talks brings together thinkers and doers from around the world in curious conversations, offering fresh perspectives on how we can act for a better, more sustainable future. Each episode...

How often does Nordic Talks release new episodes?

Nordic Talks has 72 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Nordic Talks?

You can listen to Nordic Talks on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Nordic Talks?

Nordic Talks is created and hosted by The Nordics.
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