As the US federal government drifts further into anti-climate rhetoric and abandons its national and international commitments, can non-state actors hold the line?
With Christiana Figueres away in Vanuatu, Tom Rivett-Carnac and Paul Dickinson take the reins to explore how climate progress is increasingly being driven by - or being left to - businesses and non-profits. They unpack the mounting challenges facing climate-aligned companies, the promise and complexity of existing voluntary initiatives, and the role that the private sector can play in driving innovation, accountability, and ambition in the absence of strong national leadership.
Later, they speak with Helen Clarkson, CEO of the Climate Group, about the shifting reality for businesses trying to lead on climate in the US and beyond. And they ask her to address some of the rumours surrounding Climate Week NYC: Is it happening? Will it definitely be held in New York? And how can it become a beacon of action in an age of political uncertainty?
Plus: Tom and Paul consider the upcoming ruling in a ground-breaking climate liability case with potentially seismic impacts.
Learn more
โ๏ธ Details and documents on the Luciano Lliusya v. RWE EG legal case
๐ข๏ธ โScientists Tally Oil Majorsโ Climate Damage With Eye to Legal Liabilityโ in Bloomberg
๐ โThe End of Rule of Law in Americaโ by J. Michael Luttig, in The Atlantic
๐บ โEvery day I have been shocked and disgustedโ - J. Michael Luttig on MSNBC
๐ Find out more about Climate Week NYC, or the Climate Groupโs RE100 and EV100
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Producer: Ben Weaver-Hincks
Video Producer: Caitlin Hanrahan
Exec Producer: Ellie Clifford
Commissioning Editor: Sarah Thomas
This is a Persephonica production for Global Optimism and is part of the Acast Creator Network.