Podcasts for the Planet – 7 Podcasts about Climate Change

Mothers of Invention

Climate heroes come in all shapes and sizes.

Sometimes it’s people like Mary Robinson, Ireland’s first female president, who now hosts this brilliant podcast, along with New York Times contributor Maeve Higgins and producer Thimali Kodikara. But the climate movement is blossoming all over the world, and Mothers of Invention brings guests from all kinds of activist backgrounds into conversation.

Political giants like senator Bernie Sanders are paired up with grassroots leaders to discuss problems and solutions, and international guests from Indonesia to Botswana come together to share their insights. The hosts originally set out to find “a feminist solution to the climate crisis”: their aim was to promote work of female environmentalists, and to tackle this mammoth issue through their individual stories. Three seasons later, the show has evolved to include a wide range of subjects, from politics to science to economics, and examines climate change and its protagonists with incredible nuance.

Listen to Mothers of Invention here

The ClimateReady Podcast

The ClimateReady Podcast is a fantastic gateway to the climate change discourse.

In just thirty episodes (and ten more in the making), the show includes an array of cutting-edge interviews with experts from all over the world. The primary focus is the connection between climate change and the water scarcity, but it delves into all kinds of topics, from engineering and policymaking to coping with climate anxiety. The conversations dig deep, but they never get too technical: no industry jargon or inside jokes that could alienate newbies.

So whether you’re a rookie or a climate connoisseur, you can expect high-quality resources with the seal of approval of the World Bank.

Listen to The ClimateReady Podcast here

The Energy Gang and The Interchange

Cleantech is the key to a sustainable future, so it’s important to keep up to speed.

Every week, the Greentech Media company produces not one, but two podcasts, spotlighting the latest news in the cleantech market and its technologies. Captained by editor Stephen Lacey, the hosts explore the future of renewable energy from both a consumer and business standpoint.

The two shows combine detailed expertise with a journalistic eye for current events, discussing how US climate policy and societal transformations are impacting the transition to renewable energy. The Energy Gang gets technical about the modelling, development and distribution of green energy, while The Interchange is more business-driven, with insights on market trends and data as well as technology.

Greentech is a subsidiary of Wood Mackenzie, one of the world’s leading energy consulting firms. Get an insider’s look into a globally expanding industry!

Listen to The Energy Gang and The Interchange here and check out Greentech Media here

Redefining Energy

For a European perspective on cleantech, look no further than Redefining Energy.

Gerard Reid and Laurent Segalen bring decades-long experience in finance and environmentalism to their podcast, co-hosted in London and Berlin. They never miss a beat as they explain minutiae of low carbon aluminum, or comment on the effectiveness of international agreements with their guests.

“Redefining energy” means following the development of renewables, but also comparing different energy sources, their ramifications around the world, who’s lobbying for and against their implementation. With Segalen playing devil’s advocate to challenge the interviewees, the discussion is truly electric.

Listen to Redefining Energy here

Generation Green New Deal

Now that Joe Biden has been inaugurated as President, many climate activists have finally breathed a sigh of relief. The 46^th POTUS has never tweeted that climate change is a Chinese hoax, he rejoined the Paris Agreement within hours of holding office, and lo and behold – he has a plan.

But what does Biden’s Green New Deal actually entail? How did we get to this milestone, and what are the next steps for climate politics?

Generation Green New Deal takes us behind the scenes of climate change policy, through the eyes of the worldwide youth movement that is so crucial in pushing it forward. Sam Eilertsen, documentarist turned podcast producer, meets the volunteers, activists and politicians who are fighting to keep the environment a top priority, in the United States and beyond.

Listen to Generation Green New Deal here

Hot Take

“Intersectional justice oriented media criticism”… We love to see it!

This is how Amy Westervelt and Mary Heglar describe their internationally successful podcast, which puts climate change in the spotlight by commenting on its media coverage.

Since 2019, the two friends have walked us through news coverage, essays and even TV shows, highlighting the importance of effective storytelling in solving the climate crisis.

The Hot Take team believe that climate change is interconnected with diversity, especially since its effects are already felt most sharply in the Global South. So they consistently push forward diverse voices, engaging with a wide range of media with the help of expert guest hosts.

But be warned: this podcast spares no punches. The language is often not kid-friendly, and listeners may be shocked by the rather heavy topics and the hosts’ uncompromising political opinions. Here at F10, we don’t necessarily agree with everything Amy and Mary have to say, but we love to challenge our views and listen to fresh perspectives.

Added bonuses include a weekly newsletter with extra content, stylish merch and a great sense of humor. Hot take indeed!

Listen to Hot Take here or find them on Twitter