187. THIS is the Rainy Day
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 the monstrous profits made by Big Oil last year, how at least one fossil fuel firm plans to invest its gains, and what it all means for the climate agenda going forward. They also speak to Avinash Persaud (Avi), Special Envoy to the Prime Minister of Barbados on Investment and Financial Services and creator of the 2022 Bridgetown Initiative, and we have music from gifted musician Scotty Grand.
The team opens with the astounding report that BP, Chevron, Equinor, ExxonMobil, Shell, and TotalEnergies together made more than $200 billion in profits in 2022. What\u2019s even more shocking? BP followed with an announcement that in the interests of \u201cenergy security,\u201d it\u2019s scaling back its 2030 emissions reductions targets from 40% to 25%. Let\u2019s just say the trio doesn\u2019t mince words in response. Outrage indeed!
Next, Avi Persaud outlines his work on the 2022 Bridgetown Initiative with Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley. While climate change impacts us all, it does so unevenly. Those who suffer disproportionately have the narrowest access to capital support. Can our current economic system address this problem? Persaud leads a fascinating discussion on the power of global finance\u30fcwhen deployed creatively\u30fcto drive extraordinary changemaking. Find out how callable capital, international reserve currency, and other key levers could meet the significant systemic challenges in front of us today.
Finally, we have music from the one and only Scotty Grand. He\u2019s served as Creative Director, Keyboardist, and MC for Grammy-nominated artists Jordin Sparks, the Jonas Brothers, and fellow pianist Alicia Keys, among many other A-listers. He\u2019s also the great-nephew of legendary gospel singer Mahalia Jackson\u30fcand Christiana\u2019s neighbor!
You won\u2019t want to miss a minute of this substantive and thrilling episode!\xa0
\xa0
NOTES AND RESOURCES\xa0
\xa0
To learn more about our planet\u2019s climate emergency and how you can transform outrage into optimistic action subscribe to the podcast here.
\xa0
Avinash Persaud, Special Envoy to the Prime Minister of Barbados on Investment and Financial Services
Learn more about the Bridgetown Initiative.
\xa0
Scotty Grand
Spotify | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram\xa0\xa0
\xa0
Watch Scotty Grand\u2019s inspiring video for \u201cChange Everything.\u201d
Also, be sure to give a listen to \u2018All I Know\u2019 and \u2018Alchemy\u2019
\xa0
It\u2019s official, we\u2019re a TED Audio Collective Podcast - Proof!
Check out more podcasts from The TED Audio Collective
\xa0
Please follow us online!