Mark had told our podcast the “oil age is ending: we’re watching it shrink gracefully”. He said that CTI’s analysis shows a “contraction” by design is going on. Fossil fuel producers are not doubling down on production. In fact they are “stepping back from energy growth altogether”.
Sir Jeremy criticised Mark’s argument as “very partial”, “too simplistic” and “too categorical about the decline in oil demand”. On wind and solar “Mark never mentioned the high degree of intermittency: look at availability figures as opposed to installed capacity”.
Sir Jeremy said “Mark is right to point to a major transition going on”, but then said that his arguments are wrong. The shift to renewables is slower and costlier than many assume. He wanted to explain why.
So we brought them together for this compelling 45 minute conversation. Listen and you will hear why it is so riveting.
In this episode of Thinking the Unthinkable, Nik Gowing speaks with Sweta Chakraborty, CEO of We Don’t Have Time, about why solving the climate crisis is not only possible but inevitable.Sweta shares insights from behavioural science on how humans process risk, why pessimism is overblown, and how communication and urgency can drive global action. “We need a public groundswell of support… not blame people, but make it easier for people to get behind solutions and to make the right decisions.” She shares how We Don’t Have Time uses behavioural science to turn awareness into action, why tailored messaging is critical to driving change, and why “it’s never been easier to take action.” From food security to clean energy jobs, she explains how we can turn fear into hope and build the groundswell needed to overcome the climate emergency.
“We can rise to the challenge, if we choose to.” – Laurie Laybourn
Laurie Laybourn, Executive Director of the Strategic Climate Risks Initiative (SCRI), shares why the future is still in our hands, even amidst global risks.
Key messages:
“We have the knowledge, the tools, and the ingenuity, now it’s about using them.”
“We’re not passengers. We have agency.”
“We have to build resilience into everything we do, economies, policies, infrastructure.”
Positive tipping points are achievable, even in unstable conditions.
Takeaway: Every choice matters. By acting wisely today, we can shape a stronger, more resilient tomorrow.
#cliamtechange #news #tippingpoints #climatecrisis
“Sticking by the status quo will not get us where we need to be, The current trajectory is not sustainable.”
That’s the rare and radical warning from top banker John Flint.
As CEO of the UK’s National Wealth Fund, he sees the system from the inside. His message is clear. While the first 50% of transition was achieved in a barely visible way, the final 50% will be much more difficult without a huge change in attitudes.
People must feel positive about the radical things we must all do to combat climate change. This will not be easy.
Find out more here: https://thinkunthink.org/thinkunthink-podcast/
“Once you measure something, you can manage it.”
Sherry Madera, CEO of CDP, joins Nik Gowing for a bold, data-backed conversation on why disclosure is the single most powerful trigger for climate-positive corporate action.
Companies that disclose reduce emissions and boost profits. Supply chains save billions. And the potential returns far outweigh the cost of change.
Yet still, only one in ten companies embed Earth-positive practices into their business models.
Sherry shares the four levers that work. She explains the urgency of action. She lays out the risks of delay.
Start with what you have. Share the data. Use it across your business.
“Start today. Even with just a few data points. It will win you more business, investors, and talent.”
Watch the full conversation now—and subscribe for more frank, radical insights from the world’s most forward-thinking leaders.
Kristian Teleki, CEO of Fauna & Flora International, issues a direct challenge: “Find your playbook—and throw it out.”The old ways aren’t working. The crisis is accelerating. What we need now is radical mindset shift.
“We’ve got to be challenging each other.” “We need to be cunning. We need to be nimble.”
This is about shaking up the system. It’s about getting into the rooms where nature and climate aren’t even mentioned— and changing the conversation.“The final chapter of this story has not been written.”
The time for conventional thinking is over. Be radical. Be bold. Think the unthinkable.
Website Links:
https://www.thinkunthink.org
/https://www.fauna-flora.org/
The transition to sustainable finance is moving faster than expected. In this conversation, Nina Seega, Director at the Centre for Sustainable Finance at Cambridge Institute for Sustainable Leadership, details to Nik Gowing why net zero is cheaper than many assume, the industries leading the charge, and why sustainability is a financial imperative.
Nina highlights that transition costs have dropped by 73%, with UK households projected to save £1,400 annually by 2040. Yet, scepticism persists, driven above all by a short-term risk focus and negative narratives.
“Businesses must embed sustainability at their core—not as a compliance exercise, but as a strategy for long-term profitability,” Nina emphasises. Financial institutions are already adapting, and those doing so are gaining a competitive edge.Watch now to understand why the positive data should convince companies to act fast to stay ahead.
Website Links
www.cisl.cam.ac.uk
www.thinkunthink.org
“Climate change is the existential threat we face,” says Leah Seligmann, Chief Executive and Chief Change Catalyst at The B Team. “But the opportunity is an economic transformation that will create jobs, wealth, and excitement... we are not going backwards.”
Nik Gowing is joined by Leah Seligmann for this crucial conversation on 'greenhushing' and why silence on climate doesn't mean inaction.
#politics #greenhushing #sustainability #news #green
The clean tech revolution is essential to tackling the climate crisis. It’s taking place faster than we think. New funding is enabling it to happen.
Beverley Gower-Jones is a leading expert on how to fund clean tech innovation. Her Clean Growth Fund is expanding fast, and more than doubling its resources..
In this new TTU podcast, she highlights to Nik Gowing why clean tech is crucial to our future and how it is showing it helps businesses thrive while addressing the climate emergency.
What’s stopping us from solving the climate crisis?"We need to stop talking to ourselves." In this thought-provoking conversation, Tom Rivett-Carnac challenges us to rethink how we communicate about the climate crisis. Are we truly engaging the people who need to hear the message most? Or are we stuck in an echo chamber?As co-founder of Global Optimism, Tom brings a unique perspective on shifting the narrative and driving real change. In this interview, he explores the power of storytelling, the role of optimism, and why broadening our audience is essential for progress.As Tom points out: "The solutions already exist. What’s missing is the will to act."Listen in to uncover why now is the time for leaders to take bold, decisive action. Find out more: - globaloptimism.com - thinkunthink.org #Sustainability #Leadership #ClimateAction #BoldDecisions #ThinkingTheUnthinkable #Innovation #GreenTransition #Resilience #FutureEconomy #ClimateCrisis #SystemicChange
Andrew Liveris, former Dow Chemical CEO, explains passionately to Nik Gowing on this Thinking the Unthinkable podcast that constant disruption demands a radical reimagining of skills. Andrew challenges every assumption leaders make about their abilities. He makes a compelling case for discarding outdated rule books for a new leadership toolbox. There is an urgency to adapt to the fast-evolving landscape, where digital, environmental, social, and geopolitical forces now collide. A new form of inclusive capitalism is needed. Andrew highlights the imperative for companies to integrate nature and the future of the planet into their balance sheets. The social license to operate (SLO) must be redefined. Sustainability must now be a fundamental business driver. Andrew's message is clear: leaders must re-invent themselves to handle constant disruption for the benefit not just of their companies but also society. In these 18 minutes podcast watch Liveris unveil graphically the blueprint for new leadership that ensures the status quo is remoulded for the new disruption. #LeadershipRevolution #DisruptionInnovation #SustainabilityLeadershipWebsites https://www.thinkunthink.org/ https://www.andrewliveris.org/ LinkedIn Thinking the Unthinkable Andrew N. Liveris
Be positive. Hear how smart, radical lobbying is achieving a big rethink on investments in fossil fuels, especially from pension funds.In our latest Thinking the Unthinkable podcast Catherine Howarth OBE, Chief Executive of ShareAction reveals the impact of their successful low key, activist tactics.She tells TTU’s Founder & Director, Nik Gowing: “Oh yes, we've got to stop feeling gloomy. There are many risks and challenges. But frankly, change is afoot. A lot is happening. We just need to accelerate. Each of us can tap into that extraordinary power of finance and investment to accelerate the already important change underway”Her message to us all: “Just go out and do it. Try it.” Tune in to hear how financial activism and systemic changes can drive the world toward a sustainable, low-carbon future.Website Linkshttps://www.thinkunthink.org/https://shareaction.org/
What’s holding leaders back from solving the climate crisis?In this episode interview with Sandrine Dixson-Declève, Nik Gowing challenges the urgency of rethinking business models for sustainability and fairness. They explore the connection between climate and inequality and the urgent role of courageous leadership.Sandrine emphasises, "The age of bold leadership is here. We need systemic changes—now."💬 "The solutions already exist. What's missing is the will to act."Listen as they unpack the challenges leaders face, the need for resilience, and how to create an equitable future.Can businesses lead this transition—or will they be left behind?Tune in for this honest and essential discussion.Learn more here: https://www.clubofrome.org/https://thinkunthink.org/
In this powerful interview with Dan Esty, Director at Yale University’s Center for Environmental Law and Policy and Nik Gowing, challenge the true intentions behind corporate sustainability efforts. Dan Esty boldly states, “We are at a critical moment—corporate leaders must make genuine, systemic changes, or we will face irreversible environmental damage.” Listen in as they dive into the reality of corporate greenwashing, the role of leaders in shaping the sustainability narrative, and why we all need to question the status quo. Dan’s message is clear: “If companies don’t step up now, the consequences could be catastrophic.” Can businesses lead the way toward a truly sustainable future, or are they just paying lip service? Find out in this critical discussion.
Emily's Dilemma: Truth or Scale of Climate Change?
With Emily Shuckburgh
Join Nik Gowing, Founder and Director of the Thinking the Unthinkable project, as he discusses the deepening climate, nature, and biodiversity crises with leading experts. In this episode, climate scientist Emily Shuckburgh, Director of Cambridge Zero at the University of Cambridge, shares how we can change the narrative around climate action to inspire hope and drive positive change
Discover how innovative technologies, sustainable practices, and reframing the conversation can help individuals and societies tackle ambitious goals like the UK’s COP29 target of reducing emissions by 81% by 2035. Learn about real-world solutions, from zero-carbon cement to sustainable agriculture, and the power of communicating a shared vision for a better, more sustainable future.
Tune in to explore how to transform doom into opportunity and inspire the global community to act.
