186. The Breakthrough Effect
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview change-makers, and transform our anger into productive dialogue about building a sustainable future.
In this episode, co-hosts Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac, and Paul Dickinson discuss US President Joe Biden\u2019s State of the Union address, a possible green race to the top across the G7 nations, and how to identify positive economic tipping points with Kelly Levin, Co-Director of the Systems Change Lab and Chief of Science, Data and Systems Change for the Bezos Earth Fund, which provides grants to support the climate and nature.\xa0
The team agrees that United States politics, as witnessed through the lens of the annual State of the Union speech, seems like a slugfest, with jabs from both sides but no winner. Still, they admire Biden\u2019s multiple references to climate change as a global security issue affecting vulnerable people\u4e00rather than more political drama. Also worth discussing: Could Biden have a chance at winning reelection in 2024? The trio weighs in.
Next, Kelly Levin discusses the Breakthrough Effect, a groundbreaking report on how to trigger a cascade of tipping points to accelerate the net zero transition. She outlines the three super leverage points that could prompt the \u201ctipping of the tipping points\u201d to bring about planet-saving climate action. Electric vehicles (EVs), green ammonia, and alternative proteins play a role.
The co-hosts contend this is a welcome concept\u4e00that if we can trigger the right leverage points, we can cause a global cascade of positive climate change. From there, we can go from a linear to exponential transformation. It\u2019s almost a relief to think it\u2019s possible, especially in the face of grinding, slow change that seemingly won\u2019t be fast enough to save the planet. You won\u2019t want to miss this fascinating conversation!
Finally, alt-pop singer-songwriter Panteon closes the episode with the beautiful acoustic track \u201cArchipelago.\u201d
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See you next week!
NOTES AND RESOURCES\xa0
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To learn more about our planet\u2019s climate emergency and how you can transform outrage into optimistic action subscribe to the podcast here.
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Kelly Levin, Co-Director Systems Change Lab
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Find out more about The Breakthrough Effect report
Explore more about the Systems Change Lab
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To find out more about the Climate Party, visit their website.
Or contact them on: info@theclimate.party\xa0
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MUSIC
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Check out Panteon\u2019s new single - \u2018Anyone Someone\u2019
Yvonne from Panteon is in Encanto!
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We were a finalist for the AICA Award (International Association for Environmental Communication)! Check out the work they are doing here on their website.
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Be sure to check out and follow our sister podcast, \u2018The Way Out Is In\u2019
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