What it is
Outrage + Optimism is a weekly podcast hosted by Christiana Figueres (the architect of the Paris Agreement), Tom Rivett-Carnac, and Paul Dickinson. Episodes feature interviews with world leaders, scientists, activists, and business executives working on climate solutions. The format balances policy analysis with personal stories and practical hope. Each episode also features a musical guest.
Why we picked this
Hosted by the person who literally brokered the Paris Agreement, Outrage + Optimism provides insider access to global climate diplomacy that no other podcast matches. Figueres' relationships with world leaders, CEOs, and negotiators mean the guest list includes people who are actually shaping policy, not just commenting on it. The 'stubborn optimism' framing, grounded in real policy achievements, provides an antidote to climate despair without denying the severity of the crisis.
Key takeaways
- Christiana Figueres' direct role in the Paris Agreement gives the podcast unmatched access to global climate policy leaders and negotiators.
- The 'stubborn optimism' framework is grounded in evidence: the podcast consistently highlights policy wins, cost reductions, and adoption milestones that mainstream media underreports.
- Weekly episodes track climate policy developments in real-time, making it the most current source for understanding the politics of the green transition.