Stories on why we find it so hard to save our own planet, and how we might change that.
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Making Sense with Sam Harris
Join neuroscientist, philosopher, and five-time New York Times best-selling author Sam Harris as he explores important and controversial questions about the mind, society, current events, moral philosophy, religion, and rationality—with an overarching focus on how a growing understanding of ourselves and the world is changing our sense of how we should live.
Sam is also the creator of the Waking Up app. Combining Sam’s decades of mindfulness practice, profound wisdom from varied philosophical and contemplative traditions, and a commitment to a secular, scientific worldview, Waking Up is a resource for anyone interested in living a more examined, fulfilling life—and a new operating system for the mind.
Waking Up offers free subscriptions to anyone who can’t afford one, and donates a minimum of 10% of profits to the most effective charities around the world. To learn more, please go to WakingUp.com.
Sam Harris received a degree in philosophy from Stanford University and a Ph.D. in neuroscience from UCLA.
A Ciencia Cierta
Programa de ciencia dirigido y presentado por Antonio Rivera.
The Infinite Monkey Cage
Brian Cox and Robin Ince host a witty, irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes.
How could climate change affect my health?
Graihagh Jackson talks to two doctors about the health impact of a warmer world, and how the medical sector needs to adapt.Guests: Dr Jemilah Mahmoud, Executive Director, Sunway Centre for Planetary Health, Malaysia. Dr Omnia El Omrani, Vice-Chair of the Global Climate and Health Alliance,If you have a question, email us at theclimatequestion@bbc.com or leave a WhatsApp message at + 44 8000 321 721Presenter: Graihagh Jackson Producers: Diane Richardson and Jordan Dunbar Production Coordinator: Brenda Brown Sound Mix: Tom Brignell and Philip Bull Editor: Simon Watts
Your Questions Answered
The Climate Question panel discuss how to make homes - and ships - better for the climate. Plus, what about our own carbon footprints? And are oceans or forests better at storing carbon?Answering your head-scratchers are Justin Rowlatt, BBC climate editor; Akshat Rathi, senior climate reporter for Bloomberg News and host of Bloomberg's Zero podcast; and Caroline Steel, presenter of BBC CrowdScience.Got a question for the next listeners' show? You can email us at theclimatequestion@bbc.com or leave a WhatsApp message at + 44 8000 321 721Host: Graihagh Jackson Producer: Diane Richardson Production co-ordinator: Brenda Brown Sound Mix: Mike Regaard and Tom Brignell Editor: Simon Watts
Why Are Our Tropical Forests Disappearing Faster Than Ever — and What Can We Do About It?
Tropical rainforests cover around 6% of our planet, yet they're home to more than half of the world’s species. They're also one of our planet’s most vital defences against climate change. But a new report shows how our tropical forests were ravaged in 2024 — and the Amazon rainforest was one of the worst impacted. Host Graihagh Jackson finds out why, speaking to BBC climate reporter Esme Stallard and Colombia’s former environment minister, Susana Muhamad.Presenter: Graihagh Jackson Producers: Beth Timmons and Diane Richardson Sound Engineers: Dave O'Neill, Tom Brignell Editors: Simon Watts and Lisa Baxter
Could the oceans help us save our planet?
David Attenborough's new documentary argues that our oceans have been underexplored and undervalued. Could protecting our seas not only help biodiversity, but fix the climate too?Keith Scholey, one of the directors of "Ocean With David Attenborough", tells The Climate Question how the world’s seas are at a critical turning point. Many countries have pledged to protect a third of the world’s oceans, and the film’s creators hope it will push global leaders to deliver on their promise at this year's UN conference on oceans. The documentary also includes some of the most detailed footage ever captured of bottom trawling, a widespread fishing method that damages the seabed. In this episode we ask why we know so little about the ocean? And why the largest part of our planet been under-protected for so long? Presenters: Graihagh Jackson and Jordan Dunbar Producer: Beth Timmins Sound Engineers: Ben Andrews, Mike Regaard and Tom Brignell Editor: Simon WattsGot a question? Email us: theclimatequestion@bbc.com
Can nature help us to store carbon?
Around the world, scientists and entrepreneurs are pouring billions into researching new ways of storing carbon dioxide. We look at a scheme in India to put CO2 in rocks and research in the UK using kelp. Will either of them be effective?Host Graihagh Jackson dives into the waters off Britain's southern coast to find out more about the magical powers of kelp, while Chhavi Sachdev visits a tea plantation in Darjeeling which is hoping to diversify into carbon sequestration.Contributors: Shrey Agarwal, CEO, Alt Carbon. Dr Steve Smith, Arnell Associate Professor of Greenhouse Gas Removal, Oxford University. Dr Ray Ward, Queen Mary University of London. Carbon sequestration lead, Sussex Kelp Recovery Project. Presenter: Graihagh Jackson Reporter in India: Chhavi Sachdev Producer: Diane Richardson Production co-ordinator: Brenda Brown Sound Mix: Tom Brignell Editor: Simon WattsIf you have a question, email us at theclimatequestion@bbc.com or leave a WhatsApp message at + 44 8000 321 721
Can the past teach us how to fight climate change?
Why farmers around the world are bringing back ancient crops - and ancient animals! We meet the "potato guardians" of the Peruvian Andes and hear about a scheme to bring back bison to Britain.Presenters: Graihagh Jackson and Jordan Dunbar Reporter in Peru: Beth Timmins Sound Mix: Tom Brignell Editors: Simon Watts and Sophie EastaughIf you have a question, email us at theclimatequestion@bbc.com or leave a WhatsApp message at + 44 8000 321 721
What makes a good climate novel?
A new Climate Fiction prize has been launched in the UK. Graihagh Jackson talks to the Nigerian winner, Abi Daré , and the chair of judges, Madeleine Bunting.Presenter: Graihagh Jackson Producer: Di Richardson Sound mix: Hannah Montgomery and Tom Brignell Editor: Simon WattsThe Climate Fiction Prize is supported by Climate Spring.If you have a question, email us at theclimatequestion@bbc.com or leave a WhatsApp message at + 44 8000 321 721
Will the new Pope be a climate campaigner?
Will Pope Leo continue the Catholic Church's work on fighting global warming? And how influential might he be? Graihagh Jackson investigates.Guests: Christiana Zenner, Associate Professor of Theology, Science and Ethics in the Department of Theology at Fordham University. Author of the forthcoming "Beyond Laudato Si" Dr Adil Najam, President of WWF International, and Professor of International Relations and of Earth and Environment at the Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston UniversityProducer: Beth Timmins Production Coordinator: Brenda Brown Sounds Engineers: Dave O'Neil and David Crackles Editor: Simon WattsIf you have a question, email us at theclimatequestion@bbc.com or leave a WhatsApp message at + 44 8000 321 721
Trump And The Planet: The First 100 Days
President Trump has made sweeping changes to America's policies on climate since being sworn in 100 hundred days ago. He has announced plans to "unleash" American energy, including revitalising the coal industry and boosting oil and gas. The President has also cut funding for clean energy projects and renewables, while slashing jobs in government-funded climate research. Experts also say Washington's trade tariffs are having a big impact on the global market for new technologies such as solar panels and electric vehicles.So what does all this mean for the green transition in America and beyond? In this show, Graihagh Jackson talks to the BBC's US Environment Correspondent Carl Nasman, BBC Climate Editor Justin Rowlatt and Zerin Osho, Director of the India Programme at the Institute for Governance & Sustainable Development based in Washington DC. Graihagh also chats to Tom Di Liberto, a climate scientist who was recently fired from America's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).Presenter: Graihagh Jackson Producers: Sophie Eastaugh and Beth Timmins Production Coordinator: Brenda Brown Sound Mix: Gabriel O'Regan and Tom Brignell Editor: Simon WattsIf you have a question, email us at theclimatequestion@bbc.com or leave a WhatsApp message at + 44 8000 321 721
Are dams still worth it?
Hydroelectricity is the world’s biggest source of renewable energy, and dams have long been a popular - if controversial - way to fast-track development and boost economies. Jordan Dunbar is in Thailand, a country that has been transformed by hydropower. He meets Thais who've been helped by dams, and those they’ve hurt. And he finds out how a warming world could put the future of hydropower in jeopardy. Presenter: Jordan Dunbar Producer: Ellie House Assistant Producer in Thailand: Maew Wilawan Watcharasakwej Sound design: Tom Brignell Production Coordinator: Brenda Brown Editor: Simon WattsIf you have a question, email us at theclimatequestion@bbc.com or leave a WhatsApp message at + 44 8000 321 721
Could a love of nature bring out the eco-hero in you?
A growing body of scientific evidence from across the globe suggests that a love of nature could inspire us to be more sustainable – something scientists say is more necessary than ever given the climate crisis. The more we connect with nature, the more likely it is that we're willing to protect it. It’s never too late to build that bond, but studies show that outdoor adventures as children make us more likely to be eco-heroes later on. Getting outside isn't just a win for the planet. Science has shown that increased time in nature yields a plethora of positive impacts, ranging from reduced crime rates and enhanced family bonding to improved physical health, peace of mind, child development, and overall well-being. The Climate Question celebrates Earth Day by speaking to children at a wildlife club in Kenya, a virtual reality film director in South Africa whose ambition is to make up-close encounters with animals accessible for everyone, and a leading nature connection expert in Canada. Guests: Ulrico Grech-Cumbo, CEO Habitat XR in South Africa John Zelenski, Professor of Psychology at Carleton University in Canada Gabriel Ngale, Nairobi Region Conservation Education Head, Wildlife Clubs of Kenya Production team: Presenter: Graihagh Jackson Reporter in Kenya: Michael Kaloki Production Co-ordinator: Brenda Brown Producer: Diane Richardson Sound mix: Tom Brignell Editor: Sophie EastaughIf you have a question, email us at theclimatequestion@bbc.com or leave a WhatsApp message at + 44 8000 321 721
How can we cut the world’s shipping emissions?
As the UN's shipping body, the International Maritime Organization, meets to decide on a pivotal levy that will tax ships for using polluting fuels, host Graihagh Jackson and BBC Climate Reporter Esme Stallard discuss whether this will be enough to cut the industry's significant carbon emissions. From the Port of Rotterdam, we find out how the industry is already trying to reduce its carbon footprint. And are alternative shipping fuels really as green as it's claimed. We dive into the issue, along with more of April's climate news. The BBC’s Climate Editor Justin Rowlatt speaks to one of COP30’s top officials, a new study on carbon-gobbling forests in China and the latest on India’s heatwave. Presenters: Graihagh Jackson and Esme Stallard Producer: Beth Timmins Editor: Sophie Eastaugh Sound mixing: Tom Brignell Production Coordinator: Brenda Brown
How is climate change affecting motherhood?
Graihagh Jackson talks to mothers from India, Kenya and the UK about how climate change is affecting women's decisions about whether to have children and how to raise them.
Your Questions Answered
Graihagh Jackson and guests tackle more of your intriguing questions: Why do we use big wind turbines instead of small ones? Can petrol and diesel vehicles be converted to EVs? And can floodwater be captured and stored? In the debate are Justin Rowlatt, BBC climate editor; Akshat Rathi, senior climate reporter for Bloomberg News and host of Bloomberg's Zero podcast; and Caroline Steel, presenter of BBC Crowdscience, If you have a question, email us at theclimatequestion@bbc.com or leave a WhatsApp message at + 44 8000 321 721Presenter: Graihagh Jackson Producer: Diane Richardson Production Coordinator: Brenda Brown Sound Mix: Dave O'Neill and Tom Brignell Editor: Simon Watts
How do you stop a megacity going under water?
Bangkok is a mega city of more than 10 million people, the economic powerhouse of Southeast Asia and one of the world’s most visited cities. Billions of dollars worth of new luxury real estate is planned as huge skyscrapers pierce the sky and become back drops to some of our biggest film and TV series. But there’s a problem, Bangkok is sinking; in fact, it’s one of the fastest sinking cities in the world.To make matters worse, climate change is affecting both sides of the city: sea levels are rising in the Bay of Bangkok, and water levels are increasing in the mighty Chao Praya river.Jordan Dunbar is in the Thai capital to find out: How do you stop a mega city sinking? Reporter: Jordan Dunbar Producers: Ellie House and Maew Wilawan Watcharasakwej Production Coordinator: Brenda Brown Sound Mix: Tom Brignell Editor: Simon WattsIf you have a question, email us at the climatequestion@bbc.com or leave a WhatsApp message at +44 8000 321 721