The Big Questions
The Big Questions is a podcast hosted by Simon Messenger and David Carlin that explores the policies, ideas, and technologies shaping our future, with a focus on climate change. Each episode tackles big questions like whether there is hope in the fight against climate change, if geoengineering will save us, and if we are doomed. The show brings in experts to provide answers in a digestible format, aiming to inspire and offer solutions.
Episodes
S02E10 - Is climate change turning Greenland into a global prize?
Although news highlights have moved on in the last month, the Greenland question hasn't gone away and it'll no doubt rear its head again soon. The short question: why?Having spent most of modern history on the geopolitical sidelines, this quiet corner of the map is starting to look very different as the climate warms and the ice retreats. Shipping routes are opening, minerals are attractin
S02E09 - why is climate messaging failing so badly?
Climate change is not just a science crisis. It is a communication disaster. We have clearer data than ever, stronger evidence than ever, and louder warnings than ever, yet public understanding still trails far behind reality. Somewhere between charts, headlines, and soundbites, the message keeps slipping through the cracks. Why?In this episode, we dig into why misleading framing spreads faster th
S02E08 - 2026: what to expect!
As 2026 approaches, climate policy looks contradictory: governments pulling back in some places, doubling down in others, and markets charging ahead regardless. Is this chaos, clarity, or a slightly cursed mix of both? In this episode, we unpack four forces quietly reshaping the climate landscape: regulation shifting from promises to implementation, international cooperation fragmenting into regio
S02E07 - How to boost the impact of COPs?
After three decades of climate summits, endless negotiations, and carefully worded communiqués, global emissions are still rising. The question is unavoidable: how can we improve the impact of COPs? In this episode (and while fully supporting the overall value of COPs), we take a hard look at what’s no longer optimal, from the unanimity rule that gives every nation a veto to the strange taboo of n
S02E06 - COP30 outcomes: bad, very bad, or just about OK?
COP30 was billed as the “COP of Truth”: the moment the world would finally stop sketching climate plans and start delivering them. Set in the heart of the Amazon, the summit carried huge symbolic and political weight. Expectations were high; urgency even higher. Across two tense weeks, progress did happen: on finance, adaptation, forests, and the new Just Transition Mechanism. But the headline sto
S02E05 - China: how did it turbo-charge its EV success?
China now dominates the global electric vehicle market, selling more EVs than the U.S. and Europe combined and doing it at record speed. What began as a niche experiment has snowballed into an industrial powerhouse reshaping how cars are built, priced, and powered.In this episode, we explore how China pulled ahead: smart industrial policy, full supply-chain integration, lightning-fast manufacturin
S02E04 - Rocky Roads Ahead? The Geopolitics of Going Electric
Electric vehicles aren’t just reshaping the auto industry, they’re reshaping global power. Behind every battery sits a world of contested minerals, fragile supply chains, and geopolitical leverage. This episode dives into the high-stakes race for lithium, cobalt, graphite, and the refining capacity that turns raw rock into the engines of the energy transition.From China’s dominance in processing t
S02E03 - “Will an electric car save you - or cost you - a fortune?”
Electric vehicles promise cleaner, cheaper driving—but do they actually make financial sense for everyday drivers? From purchase price and running costs to insurance, resale, and charging, the economics of EV ownership are more nuanced than the headlines suggest.In this episode, we crunch the numbers behind the hype. David and Simon explore whether EVs are still too pricey upfront, how quickly the
S02E02 - Are electric cars as green as they seem?
Electric vehicles have become the icons of a cleaner future: quiet, sleek, and seemingly guilt-free. But behind the smooth marketing lies a big question: are EVs really better for the planet, or just a cleaner-looking illusion?In this episode, we dig into the full story, from the carbon cost of mining and manufacturing to how electricity grids shape the true footprint of driving electric. We explo
S02E01 - Will the next major war be about water?
or centuries, people have warned that the wars of the future will be fought over water. As rivers dry and populations grow, the risk of conflict over this most vital resource seems inevitable - or is it? History paints a more complex picture.In this episode, we explore how water scarcity has shaped relations between neighbours - from the Middle East over the past century to other regions where sha
S01E38: will flying ever be guilt-free?
Aviation is one of the hardest sectors to decarbonise - and with demand for flights only growing, the pressure is on to find cleaner fuels. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is being pitched as the industry’s game-changer, promising to cut emissions while keeping planes in the sky. But: is it really the answer?In this episode, we unpack what SAF actually is, how it works, and whether it can scale fa
S01E37 - AI: Climate’s Worst Enemy or Secret Weapon?
Artificial intelligence is changing the world at breakneck speed. But with that power comes a big climate question: is AI an energy-hungry problem, or could it be a crucial part of the solution?In this episode, we explore both sides. From the hidden costs of each AI query - the energy, the water, the booming data centres - to the risks of over-reliance that dull human judgment. But we also dive in
S01E36 - What if A.M.O.C. runs amok?
The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is an incredibly critical ocean current system. It moves heat around the planet and shapes global weather. But scientists warn it could weaken—or even shut down—within decades. The result? Severe disruption to Europe’s climate, shifting monsoons, and global ripple effects.In this episode, we break down what an AMOC shutdown could mean for peop
S01E35 - Tax me if you can? The value of carbon taxes!
Carbon taxes are one of the most talked-about tools in tackling climate change. By putting a price on emissions, they aim to fix a market failure: the true costs of climate damage aren’t built into the price of fossil fuels. But how far can this tool really take us?This episode gives a Carbon Tax 101—what it is, why economists like its simplicity, and how it can cut emissions. We also look at the
S01E34 - Net Zero: Powering a Better Future?
What does the push to Net Zero really mean for your wallet, for government policy, and for the future of energy? This week, we break down the forces driving energy prices—from fossil fuel dependence to the real costs of renewables—and explore how decarbonization could deliver cheaper, more secure, and more reliable power.Whether it’s families deciding if they can afford to heat their homes, or ind
S01E33 - Ship Happens: what's next for shipping?
International shipping is the engine of the global economy, moving over 80% of our goods. However, this essential industry operates as a climate blind spot. Its emissions are so vast they would rank as the world's fifth-largest country (!), but they were intentionally excluded from the Paris Agreement. What's the impact of this?Last week too, the IMO finally reached a major new climate agr
S01E32 - Hot Property, Cold Reality ? Guest Interview - Ivan Frishberg
In this episode, we dive into how climate change is transforming the U.S. housing market (and wider economy) —and what it means when properties become uninsurable and markets destabilize.Join hosts David Carlin and Simon Messenger for a powerful conversation with Ivan Frishberg, Chief Sustainability Officer at Amalgamated Bank and one of the leading voices on climate and finance. While the focus o
S01E31 - From Baby Boom to Carbon Bust? The impact of a population decline
As birth rates fall and populations shrink, could this be the unexpected solution to climate change? Fewer people might mean fewer emissions—but the reality is more complicated. The environmental impact may be smaller than you'd think. So why doesn’t the math add up?Meanwhile, ageing populations are set to reshape societies. Countries like Japan and South Korea are already feeling the pressure
S01E30 - Living on a knife edge: what are climate tipping points?
This week, Simon Messenger (solo—no David Carlin!) dives deep into the science of climate tipping points. What are they, where do they come from, and why do they matter? From collapsing ice sheets to shifting ocean currents, learn how Earth’s systems can absorb pressure for a while—until they suddenly snap, shifting into a new and often irreversible state. Think leaning too far back in your chair
S01E29 - No nature, no future? - Guest, Olivier Dauert
Join David Carlin and Simon Messenger for today's interview with Oliver Dauert, the founder of Wildya. Forget those "LinkedIn experts"—Oliver is the real deal. He's a genuine authority on biodiversity and nature, boasting deep ecological knowledge gained from years of working in the field. He dedicates his time to helping businesses grasp the critical importance of nature, not ju
S01E28 - Will solar power our tomorrow?
Join your hosts, David Carlin and Simon Messenger, as we dive deep into the fascinating and ever-evolving world of solar power. In this episode, we'll unpack the immense promise of solar energy, exploring its potential to revolutionize the global power sector and provide a sustainable future. But it's not all sunshine and rainbows; we'll also tackle some of the significant hurdles, including the c
S01E27 - Paws for thought: what can we learn from animal behaviour? - GUEST - Professor Nicky Clayton
Join hosts David Carlin and Simon Messenger today as they welcome Professor Nicky Clayton, a distinguished psychologist specializing in animal behaviour. Discover the intriguing parallels between animal and human behaviour, and gain insights into the biases that shape our perceptions and how they may be of use to policy makers.Explore how we project into the future and why distance often reduces o
S01E26 - Fission Impossible: does nuclear energy have a (safe) future?
Join David Carlin and Simon Messenger as they delve into the complex role of nuclear power in tackling the climate crisis. Is it a vital tool for creating a safe, reliable baseload for the grid, or does it present unacceptable risks? We explore the real dangers and costs associated with nuclear energy, alongside the exciting potential of future technologies like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). But
S01E25: high seas, high stakes: are oceans on the brink?
Dive into the deep (boo boom) with David Carlin and Simon Messenger as they navigate the turbulent waters of ocean protection in this week's episode.With the UN Summit on Oceans in Nice drawing to a close and the crucial High Seas Treaty still hanging in the balance, we explore the critical challenges facing our oceans: from the devastating effects of warming and coral bleaching to the looming
S01E24 - Adaptation or Mitigation: which path to a cooler future?
Join David Carlin and Simon Messenger for one very big question this week: adaptation, mitigation, or both?In this episode, we explore the crucial debate between adapting to climate change's inevitable impacts and mitigating its causes to prevent further damage. Adaptation involves adjusting our lives and infrastructure to withstand changes, while mitigation focuses on reducing emissions to s
S01E23 - Carbon bubbles - are we headed for a crash? Guest - Mark Campanale, Founder, Carbon Tracker
Join Simon Messenger and David Carlin as they sit down with Mark Campanale, the Founder of Carbon Tracker, a leading think tank analyzing the financial implications of climate change. Do terms like "carbon budget," "carbon bubble," and "stranded assets" mean very little to you? Or even a bit, but you're not really sure what the global implications are? Then tune in to this podcast episode!Mark, Si
S01E22 - Will Biden's climate policies survive?
Today's Big Question: what's Big and Beautiful? A bill, apparently!Making its way through US legislative process is a bill called, without any irony, "One Big Beautiful Bill". It's largely a bill to repeal many of Biden's Inflation Reduction Act decisions, many of which are linked to "green" decisions, and offer new tax breaks (in short).What might this mean for
S01E21 - Is global sustainability momentum building up again?
Today's episode is a whistle-blow tour of what's been happening in the last few weeks in terms of elections in the world (well, at least the English-speaking world in terms of today's discussion). There's been a lot of understandable talk about sustainability being on life support in terms of politics and corporate action but a few recent elections show that maybe, after all, the s
S01E20 - DEEP DIVE - So what just happened in Spain?!
At 12.33pm on Monday 28 April, a large chunk of Spain and Portugal were plunged into chaos by a major blackout. So what happened? Lots of actors and media jumped on a bandwagon to blame net-zero, renewables or the energy transition. Was that fair? What was does this mean in terms of future resilience of renewable-energy based grids? (Spain and Portugal are two of the world's leading nations f
S01E19 - can the world's economy transition in a just manner ? - Guest - Nick Robins
In this episode, Nick Robins, a veteran in climate change and sustainable finance, discusses with Simon Messenger and David Carlin the critical importance of a Just Transition for successful climate action. As Professor at the London School of Economics and pioneer in sustainable finance, he highlights how the concept emerged from the labour movement to ensure fairness for workers and communities
S01E18 - Food! Is the global food system about to collapse?! (Episode 5)
Join Simon Messenger and David Carlin for the final episode of our series on food, where we tackle the big question: is the food system about to collapse? The vulnerabilities in our food system are not accidental—they result from policy choices that prioritized efficiency and profit over resilience and equity. Simon and David discuss how these choices have left us with a fragile system. They argue
S01E17 - How to build a culture of sustainability that drives meaningful impact? Guest - Antonio Vizcaya
Today, we're joined by Antonio Vizcaya, a true sustainability expert who's making waves across LinkedIn and beyond and who's bridging the gap between theory and practice.Based in Mexico City, Antonio has a knack for simplifying complex sustainability concepts, and is passionate about making sustainability accessible to everyone, whether they're seasoned professionals or just starti
S01E16 - Food! Is culture the real reason for our bad food habits?! (Episode 4)
In this episode, we are diving into the fascinating world of food and its deep connection to culture. For many of us, food is more than just sustenance; it's an integral part of our identity, traditions, and heritage.But, in today's world, food has increasingly become a commodity, leading to a culture of abundance and, unfortunately, waste. We've come to expect that every ingredient sh
S01E15 - Food! Will there still be meat in the future? (Episode 3)
Is that juicy burger headed for extinction? Meat consumption has become one of sustainability's biggest flashpoints - and perhaps its ripest opportunity for disruption. While meat production consumes a staggering 83% of global farmland - equivalent to the entire Americas - it delivers just 18% of our calories.What will tomorrow's protein look like? Lab-grown meat has seen costs plummet fro
S01E14 - Food! How much oil and gas do you eat every day? (Episode 2)
Ever wondered how much oil and gas you're "eating" with every meal? You might be surprised to learn it's a lot more than you think! Our global food systems devour a staggering 15% of the world's fossil fuels. But it's not just the obvious culprits like tractors, transport, and packaging. The real shocker? Fertilizers!Join David Carlin and Simon Messenger as they uncover the surprising chemical pro
S01E13 - Food! Can it ever be sustainable? (Episode 1)
Join David Carlin and Simon Messenger for a small series on the complex world of food, a topic that touches all of us multiple times a day.We often hear that beef is "bad" and free-range farming is "good," but what about the less obvious truths of the food industry?How much fossil fuel is fuelling your diet, and where does it really come from? Transportation, fertilizers, somet
S01E12 - Is a circular economy possible? Guest - Vojtech Vosecky
In today's episode, David Carlin and Simon Messenger are diving deep into the circular economy, a critical shift from our current "make, take, and waste" linear model which is pushing our planet to its limits. The classic "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" mantra is more vital than ever, especially when considering that if everyone lived like the average American, we'd need five Earths to sustain our consum
S01E11 - is the future of migration already here?
Humans have always migrated, sometimes by choice and sometimes by necessity. As the climate warms, our choices and reaction times will dwindle. Are we facing the movement of millions yearly, worldwide, or is this a regional issue? How should the global community adapt and prepare? And intriguingly, how many Australians might find themselves in France in the coming decades? Join our discussion on t
S01E10 NEWS DIGEST - 13 March 2025
Join Simon and David as they break down this week's key climate change developments you might have missed.In this episode, they explore elections in North America*, France's new national adaptation plan, the impact of the military sector on emissions, some of the recent withdrawals from international climate funds and, lastly, some (hopefully) promising news from one of the world's lar
S01E09 - Will carbon credits save us?
Struggling to focus on your work because your phone keeps pinging with notifications? Are carbon credits the equivalent of Instagram updates when it comes to climate action? A pretty, shiny but dangerous distraction which stops us from focusing on what's needed? Or could they be the essential global safety net we desperately need while emissions continue to rise?Simon and David clash on this contr
S01E08 - DEEP DIVE - the future of sustainability in the U.S.?
Gutted environmental protections. Dismantled clean energy initiatives. Crippled federal climate regulations. Science agencies hollowed from within. International climate commitments abandoned like unwanted pets ... the question is simple: is sustainability in the USA on life support? Or has it already flatlined?The answer is a little more complex. Join David and Simon in this short deep-dive into
S01E07 - So what is capital?! - Guest: Mark Gough
What is capital? If you immediately think "money," think again. Capital encompasses far more than financial assets – it's the essence of companies, communities, and lives. Concepts like human capital and natural capital are vital to our economy's operation, yet they're often overlooked.So, how do we account for these diverse forms of capital? How do we assess their value and ensure they play centr
S01E06 - NEWS DIGEST - 3 March 2025
Join Simon and David as they break down this week's key climate change developments you might have missed.In this episode, they explore the positive outcomes of COP16 on biodiversity in Rome, examine the global progress on countries' decarbonization commitments, and discuss the remnants of Biden's Inflation Reduction Act. They'll also investigate how AI could be leveraged to address climate change
S01E05 - DEEP DIVE - What's happening in Europe?
DEEP DIVE SPECIAL - What's happening in Europe?Join David-only today for a special deep dive on the huge (at least if you're a business!) changes put forward by the European Commission this week. What's changed? What's left? Why did they make these changes? And what does David think about it? A short, sweet and slightly technical episode for those who don't have the time to read through hundreds o
S01E04 - Is the world big enough?!
How many hamsters can survive in a cage? And, similarly, how many humans can survive on earth? Is the solution population control, or transforming our relationship with resources? With the richest 1% having a carbon footprint 1000x larger than the poorest, what happens if everyone adopts luxury lifestyles?Join Simon and David discuss the cultural shifts, ethical considerations, and economic change
S01E03 - What is the Tragedy of the Commons?
Why do humans often prioritize individual gains over collective well-being?Is there a fundamental aspect of human psychology driving this behaviour, and what do economic models reveal about it?And, most importantly, in the context of climate change, is there anything we can do about it?! Join Simon and David to find out more about the Tragedy of the Commons, a critical issue impacting our daily an
S01E02 - Will geoengineering save us?
Could fighting climate change really be as simple as writing a $10 billion check? What if sprinkling iron dust into our oceans could slash human emissions by up to 20%? Sounds too good to be true, right?Welcome to the fascinating and controversial world of geoengineering - where bold solutions meet serious concerns. Is it humanity's ace up the sleeve against climate change, or are we opening P
S01E01 - Can we stay under 2°C?
Welcome to the first episode of The Big Questions! In our first episode, we tackle a crucial issue: Can we keep global warming below 2°C? Emissions are at their highest levels ever since humans are around, and we need to cut them by 50% in the next 2,000 days—that's just five Christmases away! Join David and Simon as they discuss what's realistic and where the hope lies for our planet’s future.
The Big Questions - Video Welcome
Welcome to The Big Questions! Do you prefer video to audio? Then this is a brief intro to us and the podcast!Join us each week as we unpack the complexities of our time, explore potential solutions and explore the big questions!It's time to rethink the future.
The Big Questions - Welcome
Welcome to The Big Questions, your new weekly podcast about climate change and rethinking the future!Today, meet us (Simon and David!) as we set out (briefly!) why we're setting up the podcast and how we hope to help your understand policies, ideas, and technologies that will shape your future world.Enjoy :-)
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