Hannah Ritchie — one of the most lucid and data-driven voices in climate and sustainability — returns to talk about her new book Clearing the Air: 50 Questions and Answers about Climate.
Ben and Hannah explore why honesty builds trust in climate science, why the 1.5 °C target is likely out of reach (and why that’s not the end of hope), and China’s paradoxical role as both the world’s largest emitter and clean-tech powerhouse.
They dig into how abundance, not austerity, could define the next phase of climate progress; how to manage renewable energy variability and mineral demand; and why “net zero” may need a more realistic framing.
Hannah also shares personal reflections — what she’d tell her 16-year-old self, how she balances optimism with realism, and the daily coastal runs that keep her creative and grounded. The conversation closes with a look at smart philanthropy, innovative climate projects, and the habits that sustain hope and curiosity.
An hour of evidence, insight, and grounded optimism — a conversation about how to think clearly, act practically, and stay inspired in a warming world.
Retired police officer Robert Beckley reflects on 40 years of service — from Brixton to Hillsborough and beyond. We discuss crisis response, institutional change, community policing, and why public service and volunteering still matter today.
We explore:
The misunderstood role of policing: “Policing is about being there in a crisis — when someone needs action, and needs it now.”
Rob’s early career in Brixton and how his experiences in Sudan shaped his views on culture and policing.
Honest reflections on institutional racism and sexism: “Institutional racism isn’t about bad people — it’s about systems and processes that have disproportionate impacts.”
Hillsborough: what really went wrong, the persistence of false narratives, and why “we can never afford complacency in disaster preparedness.”
The evolution of crime, the importance of community policing: “Community policing works because people trust officers who know their area and take ownership of local problems.”
Rob’s year as High Sheriff of Somerset, his advocacy for volunteering, and the civic glue that holds communities together.
Advice for aspiring public servants: “In public service, you may never know the lives you’ve touched — but the impact is real.”
This episode provides deep insights into policing, society, and civic responsibility — offering lessons not only for those in public service but for anyone interested in how communities can thrive.
Find more episodes, transcripts, and writing at https://www.thendobetter.com/arts/2025/9/14/rob-beckley-insights-from-a-policing-career-hillsborough-amp-civic-service-lessons-podcast
Episode highlights:
00:32 – Misunderstandings in Policing
01:57 – Early Career in Brixton
05:18 – Sudan and Cultural Insights
08:51 – Institutional Racism and Sexism
18:14 – Hillsborough Disaster
33:30 – The Evolution of Crime
37:20 – Community Policing
51:05 – The Role of High Sheriff
54:06 – Volunteering and Civic Society
58:16 – Advice for Aspiring Public Servants
Samuel Hughes, editor at Works in Progress, joins me to talk architecture, planning, and how we think about beauty in our cities.
“Most buildings in Tokyo are ugly, but the streets are beautiful—urban form matters more than facades.”
In this episode we explore:
Can we still mass-produce beautiful buildings?
Japanese urban design and zoning lessons
How long buildings should last: UK vs Japan
Rent control and housing history in Berlin
Rethinking the greenbelt in Britain
Dresden’s reconstruction and underrated cities
Future solutions for housing supply
–––
Full Contents
01:02 Mass Producing Beautiful Buildings
01:43 The Decline of Ornament in Architecture
04:37 Tokyo’s Urban Design and Zoning
10:05 How Long Should Buildings Last? UK vs Japan
16:13 Philosophy, Beauty, and Emotions
25:53 Public Policy Trade-offs in Practice
31:41 Berlin: Rent Control and Urban Planning
36:32 Housing in Europe: A Historical Context
38:02 Modern Housing Markets and Trends
41:50 Rethinking the Greenbelt
44:40 Planning Authorities and Their Role
50:40 Overrated and Underrated Urban Ideas
1:02:03 Dresden: Lessons in Urban Reconstruction
1:05:03 The Future of Britain’s Housing Supply
1:08:40 Career Advice on Policy and Design
Full transcript, video and links here: https://www.thendobetter.com/arts/2025/8/20/samuel-hughes-architecture-beauty-and-the-future-of-cities-podcast
Tim Mak moved to Ukraine in 2022, a day before war broke out. Tim, a former US investigative correspondent, decided to stay and start up his own reporting at Counter Offensive. He now reports from Kyiv.
On the podcast, Tim discusses the day-to-day life in war-torn Kyiv, focusing on the chronic stress rather than immediate physical danger residents face. He recounts his critical role in documenting human stories from the war front and shares his personal journey, having moved to Ukraine right as the war began. We touch on the operational challenges and ethical considerations in war reporting, the importance of human interest stories, and how new technology like AI affects journalism. Tim talks about the broader geopolitical implications of the conflict and his hopes for the future of independent journalism.
Contents
Françoise Girard is an activist and founder of Feminism Makes Us Smarter. We discuss Francois' journey from studying law in Montreal to becoming a feminist activist in New York. Francois shares experiences from her work with the Open Society Institute and the International Women's Health Coalition, elaborating on the critical role of grassroots feminist movements in effecting societal change.
“Taking a feminist, intersectional lens helps us understand the world better. You can see trends before the regular commentators do.”
The conversation touches on misconceptions about feminism, the interconnected nature of various justice movements, and the importance of long-term, flexible support from philanthropists.
“If you want to track the health of a democracy, look at what’s happening to women’s rights. They’re the early warning system.”
Francois also highlights the power of storytelling in activism and reveals her creative process behind her writing.
“When we walk out of a play, we’re more in touch with our feelings. That’s how movements grow — through stories and emotion, not just policy.”
“Each of us won’t solve it all, but if we all do something — even something small — that’s how things move. That’s what gives me hope.”
The discussion concludes with insights into successful campaigns, including the decriminalization of abortion in Ireland, and practical advice for individual contributions to social change.
Sumit discusses how his wife dying reshaped his views on optimism, differentiating between pragmatic optimism and blind faith. He explores how having an optimistic outlook, although seemingly against his scientific training, aligns with good mental health.
"Believing in a better tomorrow is not the same as saying that today is great."
We touch on the evolutionary logic behind optimism, the impact of agency on perception, and how alternate histories can inform future thinking. Sumit also reflects on the role of optimism during personal grief and provides insights into his writing process and the broader importance of the arts and humanities. The conversation closes with advice for optimism in younger generations and an emphasis on appreciating everyday human interactions.
"Postcards from your future self can be more helpful than New Year’s resolutions."
Contents:
00:19 The Moment That Changed Everything
01:08 Embracing Optimism
02:58 The Psychology of Optimism
04:42 Rational Optimism vs. Pessimism
09:39 Alternate Histories and Humility
13:20 Leadership and Optimism
16:03 Techniques for Optimism
20:45 Optimism in the Face of Grief
23:40 Teaching Optimism to the Younger Generation
26:03 Understanding the Climate Problem
28:41 Victorian Sewer Systems: An Underrated Marvel
29:41 Debating De-growth Ideas
32:07 The Importance of Arts and Humanities
34:36 Moonshot Ideas
38:33 Existential Risks
40:21 Personal Creativity and Writing Process
45:58 Current Projects and Life Advice
Samir Varma is a physicist, investor, and author of the book: The Science of Free Will, How Determinism Affects Everything from the Future of AI to Traffic to God to Bees.' We discuss AI consciousness, the theoretical versus practical aspects of free will, and how determinism informs our understanding of human behaviour, moral philosophy, and even financial markets.
“Even though there is no free will in theory, because the laws of physics are deterministic… we don’t know what we’re going to do until we’ve done it.”
“The only way to find out how your life will end is to live it.”
Varma delves into the physics of free will, his insights on the applicability of chaos theory, and why certain financial and societal structures might need reevaluation.
The conversation touches on the evolution and mechanics of intellectual property, the intricacies of cricket, and the profound layers that make Pink Floyd's music a unique listening experience. Varma also shares his varied projects, including innovations in solar energy and traffic management.
The discussion culminates with practical life advice focused on pursuing meaningful and passionate work.
Contents
00:23 Will AI Gain Consciousness?
02:11 The Concept of Free Will in Theory and Practice
04:19 Quantum Theory and Determinism
18:58 Chaos Theory and Free Will
23:20 Death and the Reorganization of Atoms
25:37 Animal Consciousness and Communication
30:23 Implications for Society and Justice
37:48 Emotions and Rationality
41:08 Misunderstandings in Finance
44:39 Debunking Market Value Myths
47:43 The Momentum Factor Explained
57:14 The Unique Appeal of Pink Floyd
01:02:40 Understanding Cricket's Complexity
01:09:58 Overrated or Underrated?
01:19:28 Insights on Writing and Creativity
01:23:11 Final Thoughts and Life Advice
Mary-Ann Ochota is a broadcaster, anthropologist, and writer known for her work on Time Team and books on archaeology and the British landscape.
“Archaeology is ultimately about people – the stories of people in the past and how they lived their lives.”
Mary-Ann discusses her visits to Chernobyl, British henges and the Australian Simpson Desert; exploring themes of resilience and environmental recovery.
“One of the big misconceptions is that archaeology is just about digging things up.”
She shares insights on ancient British sites and the broader implications of sustainable development and access to nature. We discuss her role as president of the Countryside Charity and her thoughts on the future of rural development are highlighted, along with her creative writing process and advice for connecting with nature.
“We’re all living on top of layers of history, whether we realise it or not.”
Transcript and links: https://www.thendobetter.com/arts/2025/4/4/mary-ann-ochota-adventure-resilience-unveiling-hidden-histories-archeology-and-the-ancient-world-podcast
Summary Contents:
00:31 Exploring Chernobyl's Impact
04:59 The Resilience of Nature
05:55 Adventures in the Simpson Desert
13:56 Ancient Sites in the UK
17:10 Access to Nature and Social Barriers
31:56 The Ridgeway National Trail
38:33 Exploring the Purpose of Henges
39:29 Ancient Feasts and Food Waste
40:15 Reevaluating Ancient Civilizations
44:32 Imagination and Environmental Crisis
47:53 Balancing Hope and Realism
50:06 Writing Process and Creative Challenges
01:04:24 Sustainable Development and Land Use
01:11:32 Life Advice
Political philosopher Rebecca Lowe discusses her views on freedom, equality, and the ethical implications of emerging technologies. Currently writing a book titled 'Freedom in Utopia,' Rebecca delves into philosophical debates concerning obligations to extinct animals, the ethics of eating meat, and the future potential of lab-grown meat.
On questioning norms and making choices:
“Think hard about what the norms are that you follow unthinkingly. There are many ways to live a good life, and it’s for you to work that out for yourself, because you’re the only person who can have any systemic access to that.”
On fiction and its philosophical role:
“I feel quite strongly that people who don’t spend time reading fiction are really missing out on one of the great things about being human—the capacity to separate out from your daily life, think about other worlds, imagine.”
She also touches on the moral considerations surrounding artificial wombs, the possible role of ChatGPT as a tool for philosophical inquiry, and her disillusioning experience running for political office. Rebecca emphasizes the importance of decentralization, freedom, and respect in society while also sharing her creative process and insights into leading a fulfilling life.
Transcript and video available here.
Contents
00:22 Reviving Extinct Animals
02:29 Moral Implications of Eating Meat
07:47 Future Moral Consensus
11:25 Consequentialism in Healthcare
19:21 ChatGPT as a Philosopher
25:28 Artificial Wombs and Ethical Questions
30:33 Rebecca's Political Journey
34:43 Creative Process and Philosophy
37:50 The Importance of Reading Fiction
41:03 Imagining the Best Possible Society
42:19 The Role of Prisons in Utopia
46:01 Education in an Ideal Society
49:05 Cultural Goods and Utopia
52:18 Healthcare and Resource Allocation
55:11 Under rated / Over rated
58:55 Final Thoughts and Advice
Daisy Christodoulou is an acclaimed author in the field of education. Daisy has also written a book on video assisted refereeing (VAR) in football.
We discuss being a football fan, VAR's impact on the sport, and the controversial decision-making processes involved. We speak about how VAR might have improved other sports but has mixed results in football. We suggest what technology should spring to football and sport. We debate on how this potentially reflects the limits of rationality in human endeavours.
"We need to get away from the search for perfection. Whether in education or VAR, it’s about striking the right balance between accuracy, simplicity, and consistency to avoid ending up with the worst of both worlds."
"When you apply a very precise, letter-of-the-law system, it sometimes tramples over the qualities that make the game what it is. VAR has unintentionally highlighted the limits of rationalism."
Transitioning to education, Daisy shares insights from her research and books on the importance of knowledge-rich curriculums, cognitive science, and the challenges of modern educational systems. The conversation delves into the history of self-education, the role of physical school environments, and strategies to enhance learning outcomes. We touch upon the relevance of English literature, fiction reading, and Daisy's innovative projects at No More Marking, utilizing AI for better educational assessments.
“A written sentence is an incredibly efficient way of communicating information. It can do things that video, audio, or computer code cannot. That utility alone makes reading irreplaceable."
Contents:
The Joys and Struggles of Supporting West Ham
Controversial VAR Decisions
Problems with VAR in Football
Objective vs Subjective Decisions in VAR
Comparing VAR Across Different Sports
Proposed Solutions for VAR Issues
Historical Context and Evolution of Football Rules
Impact of VAR on the Spirit of the Game
In-Game Experience and Fan Reactions to VAR
Broader Implications of VAR and Rationalism
Potential Reforms in Education
Path Dependency in Education Systems
Emphasis on Knowledge in Education
The Myth of 'Just Look It Up'
Cognitive Science and Learning Techniques
The Importance of School Buildings
Historical Perspectives on Self-Education
Balancing Educational Trade-offs
The Decline of English Literature Studies
Final Thoughts and Life Advice
Peter Gray is a psychologist and author of Free to Learn. For many years, he has been studying the importance of play.
Gray discusses his perspective on the ideal education system, which he believes should be a bottom-up movement rather than a top-down imposition. He emphasizes the importance of self-directed education where children have the freedom to follow their curiosity and interests. Gray explains how traditional schooling stifles curiosity and playfulness, and traces the historical roots of the current education system. He also highlights the sociopolitical factors that have contributed to the decline of children's mental health, arguing against the popular notion that social media is the primary cause. Additionally, the conversation touches on the impact of economic inequality on parenting styles and child freedom. Gray shares his current projects, including initiatives aimed at encouraging more free play in schools and educating pediatricians on the importance of play, while offering practical advice for parents to support their children's independence and curiosity.
"If offered the opportunity to redesign the entire educational system as a top-down thing, me being the czar of education and telling everybody else what they should do, I would decline the offer...it really has to emerge from the bottom up."
"Education works best when the people being educated are in charge of it... Children are biologically designed to learn through exploration, through play."
"Our school system suppresses curiosity and playfulness...the two primary biological educative drives in children."
"Ask your child: 'What would you like to do that you haven’t done before that might be a little bit frightening but that you’d really like to try?' It’s how children build courage and how parents build trust."
Contents
00:19 Redesigning the Education System
01:41 The Role of Curiosity and Play in Learning
05:55 Historical Context of Traditional Schooling
08:26 Children's Rights and Freedom Over Time
12:11 Cultural Shifts and Parental Concerns
15:28 Impact of Economic Inequality on Parenting
18:53 Rise of Stranger Danger and Overprotectiveness
28:14 Common Core and the Mental Health Crisis
38:28 The Evolution of Reading and Technology
41:17 Balancing Screen Time and Real Life
43:12 Reflections on 'Free to Learn'
45:07 Evolutionary Psychology and Its Impact
50:28 Advice for a Fulfilling Retirement
01:00:04 Creative Processes and Inspirations
01:05:45 Current Projects and Parenting Advice
Julia Garayo Willemyns is a startup founder and co-director of the think tank UK Day One, which focuses on advancing UK policy for long-term growth and progress. Transcript and links here: https://www.thendobetter.com/investing/2024/10/18/julia-garayo-willemyns-policy-ideas-progress-growth-ai-talent-podcast
Julia shares her thoughts on overlooked policies that could significantly benefit the UK, such as addressing lead poisoning in old housing stocks to improve public health, intelligence, and productivity.
Julia also advocates for prioritizing AI as part of the UK's industrial strategy. She emphasizes the need for strategic investments in AI talent, infrastructure, and safety, noting that while ethics and risk are critical, the nation should also consider AI's potential to enhance economic security and global competitiveness. The conversation explores the nuances of UK policy approaches to sustainability, talent development, and AI.
The narrative explores the dynamics of entrepreneurship across different cultural landscapes, reflecting on factors such as mentorship, venture capital, and societal attitudes towards failure. The conversation delves into the advantages of for-profit versus non-profit models and the philosophical trends shifting towards virtue ethics and human flourishing. Throughout, the discussion is underpinned by personal experiences, pragmatic policy recommendations, and a call for the UK to leverage its strengths for sustained global competitiveness.
We play over rated / under rated on:
Universal Basic Income (UBI), Net Zero, Carbon Taxes, alternative proteins, digital democracy, self-driving cars, nuclear power, museums and capitalism.
Julia encourages listeners to embrace curiosity, adaptability, and a proactive approach to growth.
On AI and economic strategy:
“I don’t think the UK is taking AI seriously enough as a core part of its industrial strategy. We should be focusing not just on AI ethics, but on economic security and national competitiveness. AI has the potential to change everything, and we need to be thinking about the bigger picture.”
On talent misallocation in the UK:
“One of the biggest problems the UK has is a misallocation of talent. I know incredibly intelligent people who end up in banking or consulting instead of tackling fundamental problems that could improve our quality of life. It’s a national issue that we need to address.”
Julian Gough is an award-winning writer and musician. We explore the breadth of his creative journey, from crafting the 'End Poem' in Minecraft to writing children's books and rock band experiences.
We discuss his latest project 'The Egg and the Rock,' which investigates the universe's evolutionary complexity, paralleling biological evolution, and its implications on life, consciousness, and AI.
This conversation extends to a critical reflection on current scientific approaches, the importance of interdisciplinary thinking and writing in public and creative processes.
“…the universe does love us, and we are love, in a way. I think love is a kind of an interface with the universe. You can think of love as our interface with the universe. Love, if you are loving and loved, you're probably living correctly. The way in which you're aligned to the universe is good. It's a feedback mechanism."
Contents:
The Creation and Impact of Minecraft's End Poem
Julian's Rock Band Days
Writing Children's Stories: Rabbit and Bear
Julian's Writing Process
The Goat Bubble: A Satirical Play
Exploring the Universe's Evolution
Building Complexity from Simplicity
The Eternal Existence of Matter and Time
The Fermi Paradox and Alien Life
Darwinian Evolution of Universes
The Role of Intelligent Life in the Universe
Predicting the Early Universe
Writing in Public and Creative Processes
The Egg and the Rock: An Evolutionary Analogy
Advice for Future Thinkers and Creatives
Ruth Chang is a prominent philosopher known for her work in decision theory, practical reason, and moral philosophy. She is currently a professor at the University of Oxford, holding the Chair of Jurisprudence. She is well known for her theory of "hard choices," where she argues that many choices are not determined by objective reasons but instead involve values that are incommensurable.
The podcast discussion delves into the inadequacy of the traditional trichotomous framework—better, worse, or equal—in evaluating values and making decisions. Chang argues for recognizing 'hard choices' as situations where options are qualitatively different yet equally viable, introducing the concept of 'par'. This idea is applied to various scenarios, from career decisions to healthcare dilemmas, and even the design of AI systems. Chang highlights the importance of human agency in making commitments when faced with hard choices, offering a framework to help individuals become the authors of their own lives. Furthermore, Chang shares insights about her current projects aimed at rectifying fundamental misunderstandings about value in AI design, advocating for a more nuanced and human-aligned approach to machine learning. The episode also touches on the philosophical influences of Derek Parfit and explores concepts like effective altruism, transformative experiences, and the value of commitment in living a meaningful life.
"To become the author of your life, ascertain what matters, understand how alternatives relate to what matters, tally up pros and cons, and then open yourself up to the possibility of commitment. Realize yourself by making new reasons for your choice."
Hansong Li is a political theorist and historian of political, economic, and legal thought. We discussed a breadth of topics ranging from the Tangut language, Eastern philosophy, development economics, to modern political ideologies and cultural expressions. Hansong’s insights shed light on historical contexts while drawing connections to contemporary issues.
The conversation delves into broader philosophical and economic themes, comparing past and present political thoughts and examining the effects of international aid on development. Hansong emphasizes the importance of learning from history and cultural interactions for a more nuanced understanding of contemporary global dynamics.
Contents: The Tangut People and Their Language Modern Interpretations of Chinese Philosophy Global South and Regional Concepts Montesquieu and Sea Imagery Rousseau's Plan for Corsica Economic Development in Northeast Asia International Aid: Help or Hindrance? Global Economic Thought: East vs. West Hamilton: A Political and Cultural Analysis Underrated or Overrated? Current Projects and Life Advice
Rasheed Griffith discusses the factors impeding progress in the Caribbean and shares his optimism for the region. He identifies the decline in public sector quality since the 1960s as a major obstacle. Transcript and links here.
Griffith suggests that reforming the public sector could significantly advance the Caribbean by attracting international talent and improving policy implementation. He also discusses the historical impact of British technocracy in the Caribbean, proposing that adopting a more internationalized public service could be beneficial. Griffith urges a shift towards leveraging global trade for growth.
The discussion also touches on the potential of dollarization, the limited utility of charter cities in the Caribbean, and the importance of understanding regional culture through food and history.
“every Caribbean country should be dollarized. No exceptions. Caribbean countries, any small country, there is very little utility of having your own currency except for having the ability of the government to mismanage it at some point in time. And that has historically been the case in the Caribbean, been the case in Latin America, been the case in Europe, Asia, it goes down the line.
There is no real extra benefit you have from having your own currency, as a very small country, dependent on a global currency anyway. This manifests even stranger things. So for example, Caribbean still has very harsh capital controls, not all Caribbean, but the ones that have their own currency do, and that limits people's freedom to consume as much as what they want.
It also has again, the ever present risk and reality of the government abusing the exchange Abusing money creation tool obviously hurts the exchange rate hurts inflation all those kind of things So when you really look into it, there's no proper counter argument to dollarization to me when someone says What's the counter argument to me?
That's like saying what is the argument in favor of having an unsound currency? It's a non starter in that sense.”
We talk about culture including reggae, VS Naipaul and Rastafarians. And on food:
“when you understand why you, in Barbados, eat curry goat and roti, of course that has a very big impact on how you think about your own history. Jerk chicken, is very famous in Jamaica. I think it's very difficult to get good jerk chicken outside of Jamaica. There are some spots in London that have some good jerk chicken, but usually, if you go to a place that has jerk chicken, it's likely not actually jerk chicken.
Any case, even jerk chicken, for example, if you understand how it works is very deeply into how Jamaican history operates. So it came from Mexico after the slaves, this plantation has this thing called Maroon, like free slave holdings in the mountains in Jamaica. And jerk chicken is one of the food products they actually created.
It's very, goes really far back. And one of the current ingredients of jerk chicken that we usually use in sauce is soy sauce. Now soy sauce, of course, it's not from Jamaica, it's from China primarily speaking. So you see how the Chinese influence in Jamaica, for example, goes back to the food, like the core Jamaican food has this Chinese influence as well.”
We discuss how to assess talent, what questions to ask in an interview and how to be better for interviews.
We play underrated/overrated on: GDP, Universal Basic Income and carbon tax.
Griffith shares insights into his creative process and the importance of public intellectual engagement.
Finally we end on some advice thoughts. Advice:
"I think people should try to be a lot more public in their thoughts. Writing things online for the public is a nice constrained device."
A conversation with Henry Oliver, author of 'A Second Act', exploring the concept of late bloomers. Transcript here.
Oliver elaborates on societal pressures, hidden talents, and how these impact individual successes at various life stages, advocating for a broader recognition of potential beyond conventional timelines.
The dialogue includes themes such as the significance of networks, the role of luck, and the historical context of late blooming, challenging prevailing notions of talent and achievement.
Following this, the conversation delves into the philosophical contributions of John Stuart Mill, particularly focusing on his expansion of utilitarianism and its inadvertent influence on contemporary moral behaviors like vegetarianism. It contrasts Mill’s stance on liberty and value measurement with other philosophers and highlights the importance of engaging with diverse perspectives for personal growth. The chat connects Mill’s philosophies to present-day issues.
We end on Henry’s advice: the importance of personalized approaches to absorbing content, seeking expertise, the application of tailored advice over generic guidance; and to ignore those who do not have recent advice experience.
On Hidden Talents and Societal Barriers:
"So in the case of someone just happens to emerge later, and in the case of someone has been held back, I would call that hidden both times. Because very often when you've been held back by your circumstances, people like actually cannot see your talents. And so they are hidden, not in the sense that you've kept them in, or you were scared, or whatever, but in the sense that, you could have put it on your t-shirt and people wouldn't have realized."
On Overcoming Historical Bias and Recognizing Talent:
"And obviously historically, very often that was to do with if you were a woman, if you were a person of color people just aren't going to, people literally aren't going to take that seriously. But that, to me, is interesting, it's an interesting demonstration of the fact that, You can be very confident that you know how to find talent, and that you know who's a good chap and who would be good at this job, and be completely blind to what is right in front of you."
Contents:
00:13 Learning from Henry’s mother
01:01 Exploring Hidden Talents and Societal Constraints
03:34 The Nuances of Midlife Crises and Opportunities for Growth
07:45 The Power of Networks and Circumstances in Shaping Late Bloomers
10:23 Margaret Thatcher: A Case Study in Late Blooming
16:20 Seizing Luck and the Importance of Being Prepared
21:32 The Role of Networks in Realizing Potential
30:20 Addressing Societal Biases and Embracing Equality of Opportunity
34:29 Rethinking Talent: Early Bloomers vs. Late Bloomers
42:55 The Fluidity of Intelligence and the Potential for Growth
45:29 Exploring Misunderstood Characters in Literature
45:56 Audrey Sutherland: The Unrecognized Kayaking Legend
47:09 Malcolm X: A Misunderstood Figure in History
48:46 The Ones That Didn't Make the Cut: Missed Profiles
51:28 The Writing Process: Insights and Personal Habits
54:51 The Fascinating World of London's Churches
59:36 Underrated and Overrated: A Deep Dive into Mindsets and Philosophies
01:18:23 Current Projects and Life Advice
Alyssa Gilbert, the director of the Center for Climate Change Innovation at the Grantham Institute, talks about the current gaps in climate technology investments. She discusses her research into areas that are currently underfunded, including transport and energy. She also covers the importance of energy efficiency, especially in relation to the built environment. Alyssa emphasizes the necessity of various models in the fight against climate change, including private sector initiatives, philanthropy, and governmental grants - and highlights the need for a diverse range of solutions. She also speaks about the innovation within the London climate tech ecosystem and shares her perspective on various topics including carbon offsets, behavior change, and geoengineering.
00:15 Discussion on Climate Technology Investment
01:15 Exploring Areas of Underinvestment in Climate Change
01:54 Climate Change Adaptation and Innovation
02:23 The Role of Heavy Industry in Climate Change
03:15 Climate Change Policies and Energy Efficiency
05:10 Challenges in Implementing Energy Efficiency
08:09 Debate on Degrowth vs Techno-optimism
11:34 Role of Venture Capital and Philanthropy in Climate Change
16:11 London's Climate Tech Ecosystem
21:58 Pitching Climate Change Ideas
24:17 Role of Big Companies in Climate Change Innovation
25:49 The Importance of Corporate Involvement in Innovation
26:26 A Glimpse into a Day in the Life of a Climate Innovator
29:13 Overrated or Underrated: A Discussion on Climate Solutions
40:48 Exciting Projects on the Horizon
44:02 Advice for Those Interested in Climate Action
Garrett Graff, a writer and historian who specializes in 'near history', discusses his book, 'UFO', about the US government's search for alien life. He touches upon how we often misunderstand UFO sightings, suggesting they could be due to a mix of physical anomalies and governmental or adversary secret flight technologies. Graff also shares his belief in the possibility of alien civilizations, arguing probabilities suggest the existence of life outside Earth. He then relates UFO conspiracies to a societal mistrust in government and institutions, tying it back to events like the Watergate scandal. Graff finally introduces his forthcoming oral history book on D-Day, emphasizing how his work emphasizes explaining and organizing complex events in an understandable and comprehensive way.
"When people ask 'do UFOs?'...That's not actually the question that they mean. The question that they really mean is, 'are we alone?' Because the truth of the matter is of course UFOs exist. All a UFO is an unidentified flying object, and there are things out there that we don't know what they are. Whether those are extraterrestrial is a very different question and potentially unrelated to the question of, are there extraterrestrials."
Contents:
00:31 Exploring the Mysteries of UFOs
03:05 The Probability of Alien Life
06:21 The Government's Role in UFO Research
19:03 The Impact of Conspiracy Theories
29:40 The Connection Between UFOs and Politics
33:28 The Importance of Trust in Government
47:21 The Writing Process and Future Projects
In this in-depth conversation, data scientist and researcher Hannah Ritchie delves into key insights from her new book 'Not The End of The World', which challenges the pervasive idea that human society is doomed due to environmental degradation. She explores various environmental problems, including climate change and plastic pollution, and emphasizes the potential for progress in tackling these critical issues. Hannah also discusses the essential role of technology and outlines the importance of lifting people out of poverty as a measure against climate change. Her argument centers around the balance of environmental change and human impact in achieving a sustainable planet. Furthermore, she provides advice on dealing with climate anxiety, career progression, and essential work ethics. Link to transcript, video and more here: www.thendobetter.com/arts/2024/1/26/hannah-ritchie-sustainability-progress-not-the-end-of-the-world-podcast
Approach: Hannah's work is primarily driven by data, focusing on the interplay between sustainability, climate change, and patterns of global development. Her new book, "Not the End of the World," addresses one of the most significant challenges of our time - environmental sustainability.
In the book, Hannah dispels a range of myths associated with environmental issues. She counters the prevailing narrative which claims we are doomed and there's nothing left to do about our environmental crisis. Instead, she believes we can change the narrative and become the first generation to build a sustainable planet.
Tackling Climate Change:
Hannah's optimism for combating climate change stems from the significant strides made in technology, especially renewable energy technologies. These technologies are no longer mere futuristic imaginings. They are realistic, economical, and deployable on a large scale.
However, she acknowledges the difficulty of the task at hand. The world is on track for 2 and a half to 3 degrees of warming which puts us in challenging terrain. We need rapid technological change coupled with significant societal transformation to alter our trajectory.
Addressing Biodiversity Loss:
Biodiversity loss, according to Hannah, is among the most challenging problems explored in her book. The manifestation of this crisis is nuanced as it involves intricate geo-political and economic dynamics. While technology can help, solving the biodiversity crisis will require simultaneous action on many fronts, from controlling deforestation to addressing climate change and overfishing.