As we step into New York’s Climate Week, our attention turns once again to the actions and strategies brands and individuals are putting in place to make our lives more sustainable. There’s a lot of information out there, from news on climate change to strategies for decarbonization, activist movements to follow, and simply science to comprehend, it can be a lot. Thankfully podcasts help us make sense of it all. Podcasts have emerged as platforms for education, advocacy, and inspiration in the face of climate change. They connect listeners with experts, activists, and innovators who are leading us toward a greener future.
Evelyn Hill from the Lower Street team has gathered a recommended listening list of eleven podcasts that take on the issues of sustainability, our well-being in a changing world, and climate change. Each show offers unique insights and actionable ideas, empowering listeners to engage with the challenges we face and explore solutions. From discussions on renewable energy to the crimes of Big Oil, and to the intricacies of climate policy or feminism in climate change, these podcasts serve as vital resources for anyone looking to take their understanding a step further this Climate Week.
Here’s what we recommend tuning into:
50 Shades of Green
The podcast of New York Climate Week 2024, presented by the Climate Group. While the Group has always been green, they believe it is time to explore every shade – from business to government and the social sectors. This podcast explores the ways green action shows up across all sectors, keeping listeners in the know of what organisations are doing for a better future.
Every episode features discussions with experts, activists, and business leaders about innovative solutions and strategies to combat climate change. 50 Shades of Green aims to inspire listeners to engage with environmental issues and promote sustainable practices. Listen here >>
Healthy Spaces
When we heard that the theme of this year’s Climate Week is “Health” Healthy Spaces was our first thought. A podcast presented by Trane Technologies, Healthy Spaces explores how climate technology and sustainable innovation are transforming the spaces where we live, work, and play.
While not focused on health in a medical sense, Healthy Spaces considers the health and well-being of our environment and us as individuals, how they are intricately connected, and how we cannot focus on one without the other.
Co-hosted by the team of Dominique Silva, Scott Tew, and Oakley Roberts – each episode features conversations with sustainability leaders, startups, and scientists on what’s next and how their work positively impacts people and the planet. Listen here >>
Climate Clinic
When it comes to the climate and our medical health, there is no better podcast to tune into than Climate Clinic. The Climate Clinic Podcast is an initiative by the Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education (GCCHE) that focuses on climate change and its effects on human health. Episodes feature four distinct segments: “Be the Expert,” which covers recent research; “Code Red,” offering in-depth discussions with experts; “Be the Change,” highlighting innovative solutions in healthcare; and “Code Green,” a student-led segment addressing climate health issues.
The podcast aims to empower listeners to understand and address the climate health crisis effectively. Listen here >>
We the Children
We the Children is a podcast for all ages but especially aims to inspire young minds and educators to take action for a sustainable future. This is a show for kids to learn more about the climate crisis, and the environment, but have some fun along the way, too. Young Zach wants to learn as much as he can about climate change science, stories, and solutions, and share with his peers. Each episode includes interviews with experts and activists, breaking down complex topics to be understood by all. Listen here >>
Navigating Zero
Whether or not we realize it, shipping and global trade affect us all – it’s how we access the food we eat, the clothes we wear, and the items we use every day. Yet, shipping can also have a major impact on the climate. But ZeroNorth is working to provide insights to help global shipping optimize voyages, reduce carbon emissions, and improve commercial performance while leading the green transition.
Navigating Zero explores this industry’s transformation to a greener future. While the first series aimed to give listeners a better idea of how the shipping industry functions, this year Navigating Zero looked at how regulations, business, and policy are all taking steps towards zero emissions in global trade. Listen here >>
Climate Vision 2050
Take a step into the future where the world has successfully navigated the climate crisis with Boston Consulting Group (BCG).
Hosted by journalist Georgie Frost, the podcast explores innovative solutions and collaborative efforts among governments, businesses, and even us as individuals to achieve sustainability and drastically reduce carbon emissions by 2050.
Each episode presents a narrative that combines storytelling with scientific insights, creating a hopeful vision for the future of our planet.
The podcast has been recognized for its excellence, notably receiving in 2023 a W3 Gold award for Best Branded Podcast, Individual Episodes & Specials-Corporate Communications, and a Silver award for Podcasts Best Innovation & Creativity, Individual Episodes in Environmental & Sustainability and the Best Use of Writing. The show also received a nomination for a Webby Award in the Sustainability & Environment category in 2023, as well as an Honoree for Original Music Score / Best Sound Design in 2024. All this recognition highlights its impactful approach to discussing climate change and sustainability issues. Listen here >>
Drilled
The popular True Crime genre meets Climate Change and our environment. Drilled is an award-winning podcast hosted by investigative journalist Amy Westervelt that explores climate change through the lens of crime.
Launched in 2018, it discusses the history and impact of fossil fuel companies, focusing on their continued role in spreading climate denial and misinformation.
Each season addresses different climate issues, such as legal battles against Big Oil, the industry’s public relations strategies, and the influence of corporate free speech on climate action. The podcast was originally a limited series but it has evolved into an ongoing investigative project, making it one of the most listened-to climate podcasts available today. Listen here >>
SystemShift
Greenpeace has released a number of important podcasts that are worth a listen, but a favourite of ours is SystemShift. This podcast focuses on the urgent need for a transition to sustainable and equitable economic systems.
It looks at our future and the climate from an economic standpoint and explores what a well-being economy could look like and how to achieve it. The show addresses the concerns and anxieties of us individuals while sharing knowledge about the current economic realities and potential solutions.
Episodes feature discussions that connect environmental issues with social and economic transformations. Listen here >>
Zero
Bloomberg Green’s podcast Zero explores innovative solutions to achieve net-zero emissions. Hosted by Akshat Rathi, the podcast features discussions with experts, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, highlighting groundbreaking ideas and technologies aimed at combating climate issues. Each episode delves into specific sectors, such as energy and manufacturing, showcasing how various industries can transition to sustainable practices. The podcast aims to inform and inspire listeners about the possibilities of a greener future while addressing the complexities involved in this global effort. Listen here >>
Mothers of Invention
What do feminism and climate change have to do with each other? More than you think, and Mothers of Invention is here to tell us all about it. Hosted by former Irish President Mary Robinson, comedian Maeve Higgins, and producer Thimali Kodikara, they focus on the intersection of climate change and feminism.
The podcast explores the idea that climate change is a man-made problem with a feminist solution. The podcast features guests from around the world who are fighting for climate justice, including activists, scientists, and politicians. It aims to raise awareness about climate change and highlight the work of women, particularly those from the global south, who are leading the movement for climate justice. Listen here >>
AND is the Future
Hosted by Ilham Kadri, CEO of Solvay, AND is the Future dives into the intersection of business, sustainability, and technology. Kadri brings her wealth of experience in driving sustainability within one of the world’s leading chemical companies to the podcast, interviewing global thought leaders and innovators. Each episode explores how businesses are evolving to address climate challenges through collaboration, innovation, and bold, long-term strategies, delivering insights that inspire actionable change. Listen here >>
Final Thoughts
While we admit there are many more podcasts addressing climate change, sustainable action, and the journey to a green future, this list includes our favourites and go-to recommendations for anyone interested in learning more. There’s something for everyone and we hope you find one you enjoy.
Think we missed a great one? We’d love to add it to our listening queue, so let us know.
In the meantime, enjoy New York Climate Week, and happy listening.
This article was provided by Lower Street as part of a paid advertising package. To enquire about advertising with Pod Bible email info@podbiblemag.com
