The Big Questions

Although news highlights have moved on in the last month, the Greenland question hasn't gone away and it'll no doubt rear its head again soon. The short question: why?Having spent most of modern history on the geopolitical sidelines, this quiet corner of the map is starting to look very different as the climate warms and the ice retreats. Shipping routes are opening, minerals are attracting interest, and major powers are suddenly paying very close attention. In this episode, we unpack why Greenland is becoming one of the most strategically important places on Earth.Join David Carlin and Simon Messenger as they explore how a territory of just 56,000 people has found itself at the centre of a global power struggle!

Climate change is not just a science crisis. It is a communication disaster. We have clearer data than ever, stronger evidence than ever, and louder warnings than ever, yet public understanding still trails far behind reality. Somewhere between charts, headlines, and soundbites, the message keeps slipping through the cracks. Why?In this episode, we dig into why misleading framing spreads faster than facts, why doom-laden messaging can shut people down instead of mobilising them, and how the loudest voices often win even when they are wrong. From media narratives to industry spin, we explore how persuasion, not just policy, is shaping the climate fight. Join David Carlin and Simon Messenger as they confront a blunt question: if the science is clear and the stakes are existential, why does the story still sound so fuzzy, and who benefits from that confusion?

As 2026 approaches, climate policy looks contradictory: governments pulling back in some places, doubling down in others, and markets charging ahead regardless. Is this chaos, clarity, or a slightly cursed mix of both? In this episode, we unpack four forces quietly reshaping the climate landscape: regulation shifting from promises to implementation, international cooperation fragmenting into regional blocs, climate damage starting to strain insurance and public finances, and central banks treating climate risk as a core threat to financial stability. Join David Carlin and Simon Messenger as they map out what this new phase really looks like: less about grand speeches, more about spreadsheets, supply chains, and learning how the global economy adapts to a hotter, riskier world.

After three decades of climate summits, endless negotiations, and carefully worded communiqués, global emissions are still rising. The question is unavoidable: how can we improve the impact of COPs? In this episode (and while fully supporting the overall value of COPs), we take a hard look at what’s no longer optimal, from the unanimity rule that gives every nation a veto to the strange taboo of not saying “fossil fuels” out loud. We explore how the process might actually work better: smaller coalitions, modern voting, and a sharper focus on what really drives emissions. Join David Carlin and Simon Messenger as they ask what it would take to make global climate diplomacy move at the speed of physics, not politics.

COP30 was billed as the “COP of Truth”: the moment the world would finally stop sketching climate plans and start delivering them. Set in the heart of the Amazon, the summit carried huge symbolic and political weight. Expectations were high; urgency even higher. Across two tense weeks, progress did happen: on finance, adaptation, forests, and the new Just Transition Mechanism. But the headline story was what didn’t make it into the final text: any mention of fossil fuels at all. After 30 COPs, the world still couldn’t name the main source of emissions, leaving a sense of frustration hanging over an otherwise productive summit. Join David Carlin and Simon Messenger as they break down what moved forward, what stalled, and what COP30 means for the road to COP31 and for the future of a global process struggling to keep up with a fast-warming planet.

China now dominates the global electric vehicle market, selling more EVs than the U.S. and Europe combined and doing it at record speed. What began as a niche experiment has snowballed into an industrial powerhouse reshaping how cars are built, priced, and powered.In this episode, we explore how China pulled ahead: smart industrial policy, full supply-chain integration, lightning-fast manufacturing, and a domestic market hungry for high-tech electric cars. We look at what this means for Western automakers, global competition, and the new rules of the EV game.Join David Carlin and Simon Messenger as they ask whether the rest of the world can catch up or if China has already lapped the field in the race to electrify transport.

Electric vehicles aren’t just reshaping the auto industry, they’re reshaping global power. Behind every battery sits a world of contested minerals, fragile supply chains, and geopolitical leverage. This episode dives into the high-stakes race for lithium, cobalt, graphite, and the refining capacity that turns raw rock into the engines of the energy transition.From China’s dominance in processing to the scramble for new mining frontiers, David and Simon explore whether the world can scale EV production without triggering a resource crunch. They unpack the risks of concentration, the promise of reshoring, and the wildcard technologies that could flip the map overnight.Join David Carlin and Simon Messenger as they trace the winners, losers, and looming tensions in the global EV supply chain and ask whether the road to electrification is paved with opportunity, instability, or both.

Electric vehicles promise cleaner, cheaper driving—but do they actually make financial sense for everyday drivers? From purchase price and running costs to insurance, resale, and charging, the economics of EV ownership are more nuanced than the headlines suggest.In this episode, we crunch the numbers behind the hype. David and Simon explore whether EVs are still too pricey upfront, how quickly they pay back their “carbon and cash deficit,” and what the real ownership experience looks like once you’re behind the wheel.Join David Carlin and Simon Messenger as they ask: are electric vehicles a smart investment, or just a costly way to feel good on the road?

Electric vehicles have become the icons of a cleaner future: quiet, sleek, and seemingly guilt-free. But behind the smooth marketing lies a big question: are EVs really better for the planet, or just a cleaner-looking illusion?In this episode, we dig into the full story, from the carbon cost of mining and manufacturing to how electricity grids shape the true footprint of driving electric. We explore the trade-offs, the human costs, and how EVs can actually make power systems more resilient as they evolve.Join David Carlin and Simon Messenger as they unpack the myths, the math, and the momentum behind the electric revolution—and ask whether EVs are driving real change, or just good intentions on four wheels.

or centuries, people have warned that the wars of the future will be fought over water. As rivers dry and populations grow, the risk of conflict over this most vital resource seems inevitable - or is it? History paints a more complex picture.In this episode, we explore how water scarcity has shaped relations between neighbours - from the Middle East over the past century to other regions where shared rivers have sparked both tension and cooperation. While water can heighten existing pressures, it has also driven diplomacy, not just division.Join David Carlin and Simon Messenger as they dive into the politics of water, uncovering why it’s often a catalyst for collaboration rather than conflict—and what that means for a drier, more interconnected future.

Aviation is one of the hardest sectors to decarbonise - and with demand for flights only growing, the pressure is on to find cleaner fuels. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is being pitched as the industry’s game-changer, promising to cut emissions while keeping planes in the sky. But: is it really the answer?In this episode, we unpack what SAF actually is, how it works, and whether it can scale fast enough to matter. From supply bottlenecks to sky-high costs, we look at the hurdles ahead—and ask if it’s a genuine pathway to guilt-free flying or just a drop in the ocean.Join David Carlin and Simon Messenger as they explore whether Sustainable Aviation Fuel is the future of flight—or just a story that’s taking off without enough fuel behind it.

Artificial intelligence is changing the world at breakneck speed. But with that power comes a big climate question: is AI an energy-hungry problem, or could it be a crucial part of the solution?In this episode, we explore both sides. From the hidden costs of each AI query - the energy, the water, the booming data centres - to the risks of over-reliance that dull human judgment. But we also dive into the promise: breakthroughs in science, smarter energy systems, and tools that could accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.Join David Carlin and Simon Messenger as they unpack whether AI is driving us closer to climate disaster - or helping us find the solutions we’ve been waiting for.

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is an incredibly critical ocean current system. It moves heat around the planet and shapes global weather. But scientists warn it could weaken—or even shut down—within decades. The result? Severe disruption to Europe’s climate, shifting monsoons, and global ripple effects.In this episode, we break down what an AMOC shutdown could mean for people and economies worldwide. From freezing winters in Europe to disrupted rainfall in the tropics, the stakes are high—and the timelines may be shorter than many expect.Join David Carlin (only this week!) as we explore what’s at risk, why it matters for policymakers today, and how we might act now to prevent a shock that could reshape the world.

Carbon taxes are one of the most talked-about tools in tackling climate change. By putting a price on emissions, they aim to fix a market failure: the true costs of climate damage aren’t built into the price of fossil fuels. But how far can this tool really take us?This episode gives a Carbon Tax 101—what it is, why economists like its simplicity, and how it can cut emissions. We also look at the challenges, from fairness concerns to whether pricing alone can drive the big shifts we need.Join David Carlin and Simon Messenger as they explore the promise and pitfalls of carbon taxes, and ask: is this the solution, or just one piece of a bigger puzzle?

What does the push to Net Zero really mean for your wallet, for government policy, and for the future of energy? This week, we break down the forces driving energy prices—from fossil fuel dependence to the real costs of renewables—and explore how decarbonization could deliver cheaper, more secure, and more reliable power.Whether it’s families deciding if they can afford to heat their homes, or industries struggling to stay competitive, energy prices shape everyday choices and national priorities alike. So how can policymakers balance volatility with the promise of a cleaner future?Come join David Carlin (only!) on this week’s episode of The Big Questions.

International shipping is the engine of the global economy, moving over 80% of our goods. However, this essential industry operates as a climate blind spot. Its emissions are so vast they would rank as the world's fifth-largest country (!), but they were intentionally excluded from the Paris Agreement. What's the impact of this?Last week too, the IMO finally reached a major new climate agreement, but the policy is already facing significant political challenges (notably from the US). Join Simon Messenger and David Carlin as they discuss the emissions, the political turmoil, and the high-stakes future of the shipping industry in this episode.

In this episode, we dive into how climate change is transforming the U.S. housing market (and wider economy) —and what it means when properties become uninsurable and markets destabilize.Join hosts David Carlin and Simon Messenger for a powerful conversation with Ivan Frishberg, Chief Sustainability Officer at Amalgamated Bank and one of the leading voices on climate and finance. While the focus of our conversation is on the U.S., the implications will be global. Ivan shares sharp, forward-thinking insights on what needs to change, where finance is falling short, and how popular movements might hold the key to building resilience. If you care about climate, housing, or the future of the economy, this is one you won’t want to miss.

As birth rates fall and populations shrink, could this be the unexpected solution to climate change? Fewer people might mean fewer emissions—but the reality is more complicated. The environmental impact may be smaller than you'd think. So why doesn’t the math add up?Meanwhile, ageing populations are set to reshape societies. Countries like Japan and South Korea are already feeling the pressure. Will the value of migrants skyrocket? Will AI and robots fill the workforce gap? Join Simon Messenger and David Carlin as they unpack what a shrinking population really means for our planet, our economies, and our future.

This week, Simon Messenger (solo—no David Carlin!) dives deep into the science of climate tipping points. What are they, where do they come from, and why do they matter? From collapsing ice sheets to shifting ocean currents, learn how Earth’s systems can absorb pressure for a while—until they suddenly snap, shifting into a new and often irreversible state. Think leaning too far back in your chair or bending a stick until it breaks.So why aren’t we paying closer attention to these critical thresholds? And what can we actually do to avoid the worst outcomes? Join Simon for a fascinating and urgent look at the hidden triggers in our climate system—and what they mean for our future.

Join David Carlin and Simon Messenger for today's interview with Oliver Dauert, the founder of Wildya. Forget those "LinkedIn experts"—Oliver is the real deal. He's a genuine authority on biodiversity and nature, boasting deep ecological knowledge gained from years of working in the field. He dedicates his time to helping businesses grasp the critical importance of nature, not just as a general concept, but as a tangible asset with real value for their operations.In this episode, Oliver will share his insights and experiences from his work with the private sector through Wildya. He'll explain how businesses can better understand and integrate nature's value into their strategies, demonstrating that ecological health and commercial success aren't mutually exclusive.

Join your hosts, David Carlin and Simon Messenger, as we dive deep into the fascinating and ever-evolving world of solar power. In this episode, we'll unpack the immense promise of solar energy, exploring its potential to revolutionize the global power sector and provide a sustainable future. But it's not all sunshine and rainbows; we'll also tackle some of the significant hurdles, including the complex landscape of raw material sourcing and the intricate web of geopolitical dependencies that shape the industry.Beyond the technological and resource challenges, we'll also examine the recent shifts in policy that could profoundly impact the renewables sector. Specifically, we'll shine a spotlight on the Trump administration's "Big Beautiful Bill" and discuss its anticipated effects on the trajectory of clean energy development.

Join hosts David Carlin and Simon Messenger today as they welcome Professor Nicky Clayton, a distinguished psychologist specializing in animal behaviour. Discover the intriguing parallels between animal and human behaviour, and gain insights into the biases that shape our perceptions and how they may be of use to policy makers.Explore how we project into the future and why distance often reduces our motivation to act. This episode promises to challenge your understanding of behaviour and inspire new ways of thinking about the world around us.

Join David Carlin and Simon Messenger as they delve into the complex role of nuclear power in tackling the climate crisis. Is it a vital tool for creating a safe, reliable baseload for the grid, or does it present unacceptable risks? We explore the real dangers and costs associated with nuclear energy, alongside the exciting potential of future technologies like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). But the picture isn't black and white (more like fluo): we also examine the emerging physical challenges that climate change itself poses to our reliance on nuclear power and bring you on the brink of meltdowns with the usual terrible puns (thanks David).

Dive into the deep (boo boom) with David Carlin and Simon Messenger as they navigate the turbulent waters of ocean protection in this week's episode.With the UN Summit on Oceans in Nice drawing to a close and the crucial High Seas Treaty still hanging in the balance, we explore the critical challenges facing our oceans: from the devastating effects of warming and coral bleaching to the looming threats of deep-sea mining and destructive trawling practices, what's going on and what's realistic in terms of protecting the ocean?Join us as we unpack the urgent need to protect marine biodiversity and discuss what the future holds for our planet's largest ecosystem.

Join David Carlin and Simon Messenger for one very big question this week: adaptation, mitigation, or both?In this episode, we explore the crucial debate between adapting to climate change's inevitable impacts and mitigating its causes to prevent further damage. Adaptation involves adjusting our lives and infrastructure to withstand changes, while mitigation focuses on reducing emissions to slow climate change. Both strategies are vital, but where should we focus our efforts for the most effective outcome?Also, how many kitkats is too many kitkats?! That's an equally big question to discuss!

Join Simon Messenger and David Carlin as they sit down with Mark Campanale, the Founder of Carbon Tracker, a leading think tank analyzing the financial implications of climate change. Do terms like "carbon budget," "carbon bubble," and "stranded assets" mean very little to you? Or even a bit, but you're not really sure what the global implications are? Then tune in to this podcast episode!Mark, Simon and David will unpack these critical concepts, exploring how the world's limited carbon budget is creating a potential "carbon bubble" that could lead to trillions of dollars in "stranded assets."Listen now to gain a deeper understanding of the financial risks of climate change and what we can do about it.

Today's Big Question: what's Big and Beautiful? A bill, apparently!Making its way through US legislative process is a bill called, without any irony, "One Big Beautiful Bill". It's largely a bill to repeal many of Biden's Inflation Reduction Act decisions, many of which are linked to "green" decisions, and offer new tax breaks (in short).What might this mean for the average American? What might this mean for global emissions? What's likely to actually make it all the way through to a final Act and governmental decision? Tune in to find out! [and as an update after we recorded the episode, the Bill did actually fail to advance through the committee though this was more because a few legislators argued the cuts did not go far enough and torpedoed the measure]

Today's episode is a whistle-blow tour of what's been happening in the last few weeks in terms of elections in the world (well, at least the English-speaking world in terms of today's discussion). There's been a lot of understandable talk about sustainability being on life support in terms of politics and corporate action but a few recent elections show that maybe, after all, the sustainability boat has wind in its sails and momentum is building again in some regions.Maybe it's a false dawn. And there's definitely clear signals that, even if people support the concept, policies which carry the population will them will be critical or a backlash will happen pretty quickly.

At 12.33pm on Monday 28 April, a large chunk of Spain and Portugal were plunged into chaos by a major blackout.  So what happened? Lots of actors and media jumped on a bandwagon to blame net-zero, renewables or the energy transition. Was that fair? What was does this mean in terms of future resilience of renewable-energy based grids? (Spain and Portugal are two of the world's leading nations for renewables) How can policy makers right now and in the future strengthen interconnectedness between grids yet build up local resilience. What's the role of battery storage in the future? What's the role of AI?Join us this week for a short deep-dive on what just happened to get some of the answers to these Big Questions!

In this episode, Nick Robins, a veteran in climate change and sustainable finance, discusses with Simon Messenger and David Carlin the critical importance of a Just Transition for successful climate action. As Professor at the London School of Economics and pioneer in sustainable finance, he highlights how the concept emerged from the labour movement to ensure fairness for workers and communities during the shift to a green economy. Nick helps us understand how the Just Transition isn't just about environmental policy but also about human rights, labour standards, and community development.Join us to find out more about how governments, corporations, and financial institutions can play a role in ensuring a fair transition as well as the potential pitfalls, such as poorly designed climate policies that disproportionately affect low-income populations. This episode is a must-listen for understanding the complexities and opportunities in achieving a fair transition to a low-carbon economy.

Join Simon Messenger and David Carlin for the final episode of our series on food, where we tackle the big question: is the food system about to collapse? The vulnerabilities in our food system are not accidental—they result from policy choices that prioritized efficiency and profit over resilience and equity. Simon and David discuss how these choices have left us with a fragile system. They argue for a shift in focus towards long-term sustainability and alternative models which already exist to ensure our food systems can withstand future challenges.The real question is whether we have the political will to treat food security with the same seriousness as military defence or public health. In a world of increasing climate instability, food security is national security. Tune in to learn how we can transform our food systems for a better future.

Today, we're joined by Antonio Vizcaya, a true sustainability expert who's making waves across LinkedIn and beyond and who's bridging the gap between theory and practice.Based in Mexico City, Antonio has a knack for simplifying complex sustainability concepts, and is passionate about making sustainability accessible to everyone, whether they're seasoned professionals or just starting their journey.In this episode, he challenges us to move beyond awareness and truly understand sustainability. Antonio shares his insights on how to tailor sustainability education to different audiences, from boardrooms to classrooms. And, rather than focusing solely on alarming statistics or technical compliance, Antonio advocates for selling a positive vision of the future we can build together.He tackles a key challenge: the barriers that prevent people from translating sustainability knowledge into action. He emphasizes the importance of understanding their priorities and speaking their language and also highlights the critical role of education in igniting both individual and collective action. He shares practical tips on how to overcome "sustainability amnesia" and create a shared vision of a positive future. Tune in to discover how you can move beyond check-the-box exercises and build a culture of sustainability that drives meaningful impact.Whether you're a sustainability professional, educator, or leader looking to drive change in your organization, this conversation offers valuable insights on making sustainability stick through effective education and engagement.

In this episode, we are diving into the fascinating world of food and its deep connection to culture. For many of us, food is more than just sustenance; it's an integral part of our identity, traditions, and heritage.But, in today's world, food has increasingly become a commodity, leading to a culture of abundance and, unfortunately, waste. We've come to expect that every ingredient should be available year-round, regardless of seasonality or environmental impact. This is a far cry from the past, where food was more closely tied to local ecosystems and cultural practices.So, what can we do to address these challenges? Is the answer education, regulation, or perhaps finding the right messenger to make environmentally-friendly food choices cool and appealing? Join Simon Messenger and David Carlin as they explore these questions and more in this thought-provoking episode!

Is that juicy burger headed for extinction? Meat consumption has become one of sustainability's biggest flashpoints - and perhaps its ripest opportunity for disruption. While meat production consumes a staggering 83% of global farmland - equivalent to the entire Americas - it delivers just 18% of our calories.What will tomorrow's protein look like? Lab-grown meat has seen costs plummet from $330,000 to as little as $10-50 per serving, but questions remain about scaling and consumer acceptance. Meanwhile, plant-based alternatives using soy and pea protein continue gaining ground in supermarkets worldwide.Join David Carlin and Simon Messenger in Episode 3 of our food series as they slice into the sizzling debate about meat's future. Will technology save our steaks, or are we headed for a plant-based revolution?

Ever wondered how much oil and gas you're "eating" with every meal? You might be surprised to learn it's a lot more than you think! Our global food systems devour a staggering 15% of the world's fossil fuels. But it's not just the obvious culprits like tractors, transport, and packaging. The real shocker? Fertilizers!Join David Carlin and Simon Messenger as they uncover the surprising chemical processes behind fertilizers that lead to massive greenhouse gas emissions. Discover how much is wasted, what can be done to curb this, and whether our globalized food system can survive without them.Join David Carlin and Simon Messenger to find out more in Episode 2 of our short eye-opening series on how to make the food system sustainable!

Join David Carlin and Simon Messenger for a small series on the complex world of food, a topic that touches all of us multiple times a day.We often hear that beef is "bad" and free-range farming is "good," but what about the less obvious truths of the food industry?How much fossil fuel is fuelling your diet, and where does it really come from? Transportation, fertilizers, something else?!How can we reconcile our cultural food traditions with the urgent need for environmental action? What about ensuring social rights in the process? Can precision farming, electric tractors, and lab-grown meat offer a sustainable path forward? Join us as we explore these questions and more, uncovering the hidden layers of the food industry.

In today's episode, David Carlin and Simon Messenger are diving deep into the circular economy, a critical shift from our current "make, take, and waste" linear model which is pushing our planet to its limits. The classic "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" mantra is more vital than ever, especially when considering that if everyone lived like the average American, we'd need five Earths to sustain our consumption. That's why widespread participation is key; it's not enough to redesign, remanufacture or revalue a few products or for a few to be environmentally conscious – everyone needs to do their part; everything needs to be reimagined. To guide us through this essential topic, we're thrilled towelcome Vojtech Vosecky, a.k.a. the Circular Economist and a leading voice in the field, offering invaluable insights into rethinking a sustainable, and circular, future. To find out more about his work, don’t hesitate to sign up to his excellent newsletter ‘The Loop’: https://circulareconomist.kit.com/theloop

Humans have always migrated, sometimes by choice and sometimes by necessity. As the climate warms, our choices and reaction times will dwindle. Are we facing the movement of millions yearly, worldwide, or is this a regional issue? How should the global community adapt and prepare? And intriguingly, how many Australians might find themselves in France in the coming decades? Join our discussion on these pressing questions and how you, and decision-makers, can get ready for the future!

Join Simon and David as they break down this week's key climate change developments you might have missed.In this episode, they explore elections in North America*, France's new national adaptation plan, the impact of the military sector on emissions, some of the recent withdrawals from international climate funds and, lastly, some (hopefully) promising news from one of the world's largest carbon-intensive organisations.(* Canada, obviously!)

Struggling to focus on your work because your phone keeps pinging with notifications? Are carbon credits the equivalent of Instagram updates when it comes to climate action? A pretty, shiny but dangerous distraction which stops us from focusing on what's needed? Or could they be the essential global safety net we desperately need while emissions continue to rise?Simon and David clash on this controversial topic - one seeing carbon credits as dangerous greenwashing, the other as a crucial bridge to a sustainable future. Join them for a lively debate on whether carbon credits are doom, gloom, or the boom we need.

Gutted environmental protections. Dismantled clean energy initiatives. Crippled federal climate regulations. Science agencies hollowed from within. International climate commitments abandoned like unwanted pets ... the question is simple: is sustainability in the USA on life support? Or has it already flatlined?The answer is a little more complex. Join David and Simon in this short deep-dive into the current state of affairs of the sustainability landscape in the USA in today's climate and why, despite the significant changes in environmental policies, there might still be reasons for cautious optimism. We hope!

What is capital? If you immediately think "money," think again. Capital encompasses far more than financial assets – it's the essence of companies, communities, and lives. Concepts like human capital and natural capital are vital to our economy's operation, yet they're often overlooked.So, how do we account for these diverse forms of capital? How do we assess their value and ensure they play central roles in business decisions? Mark Gough, CEO of the Capitals Coalition, contemplates these very questions - and the transformation of the global economic system - every day.Join Simon and David this week as they delve into the multifaceted world of capitals with Mark, one of leading global experts in the field. He'll share his insights, experiences, and visionary ideas on rethinking the future of our economic landscape.

Join Simon and David as they break down this week's key climate change developments you might have missed.In this episode, they explore the positive outcomes of COP16 on biodiversity in Rome, examine the global progress on countries' decarbonization commitments, and discuss the remnants of Biden's Inflation Reduction Act. They'll also investigate how AI could be leveraged to address climate change, highlight the major news in Europe this week, and debate why BP might now stand for "Back to Petroleum." And sprained wrists. They never go off topic...

DEEP DIVE SPECIAL - What's happening in Europe?Join David-only today for a special deep dive on the huge (at least if you're a business!) changes put forward by the European Commission this week. What's changed? What's left? Why did they make these changes? And what does David think about it? A short, sweet and slightly technical episode for those who don't have the time to read through hundreds of pages of documentation.Note: David's views only today.

How many hamsters can survive in a cage? And, similarly, how many humans can survive on earth? Is the solution population control, or transforming our relationship with resources? With the richest 1% having a carbon footprint 1000x larger than the poorest, what happens if everyone adopts luxury lifestyles?Join Simon and David discuss the cultural shifts, ethical considerations, and economic changes needed for a sustainable - yet prosperous - future. Not a return to the Stone Age, but a smarter path forward.

Why do humans often prioritize individual gains over collective well-being?Is there a fundamental aspect of human psychology driving this behaviour, and what do economic models reveal about it?And, most importantly, in the context of climate change, is there anything we can do about it?! Join Simon and David to find out more about the Tragedy of the Commons, a critical issue impacting our daily and long-term decision-making. Discover how this ominous-sounding problem affects us all and explore potential solutions together!

Could fighting climate change really be as simple as writing a $10 billion check? What if sprinkling iron dust into our oceans could slash human emissions by up to 20%? Sounds too good to be true, right?Welcome to the fascinating and controversial world of geoengineering - where bold solutions meet serious concerns. Is it humanity's ace up the sleeve against climate change, or are we opening Pandora's box? As the climate crisis intensifies, should we embrace these ambitious technological fixes, or are we risking even bigger problems?Join David and Simon as they navigate the complex landscape of geoengineering, separating science fact from science fiction.

Welcome to the first episode of The Big Questions! In our first episode, we tackle a crucial issue: Can we keep global warming below 2°C? Emissions are at their highest levels ever since humans are around, and we need to cut them by 50% in the next 2,000 days—that's just five Christmases away! Join David and Simon as they discuss what's realistic and where the hope lies for our planet’s future.

Welcome to The Big Questions! Do you prefer video to audio? Then this is a brief intro to us and the podcast!Join us each week as we unpack the complexities of our time, explore potential solutions and explore the big questions!It's time to rethink the future.

Welcome to The Big Questions, your new weekly podcast about climate change and rethinking the future!Today, meet us (Simon and David!) as we set out (briefly!) why we're setting up the podcast and how we hope to help your understand policies, ideas, and technologies that will shape your future world.Enjoy :-)