UCL Generation One: The Climate Podcast

As the importance of climate justice grows, UCL Generation One asks the questions: can we address the past for a fairer future? And are historic injustices to blame for today’s climate inequalities? In this episode, Mark and Simon discuss the landmark ruling from the International Court of Justice, which declares nations are legally obligated to protect the environment from greenhouse gas emissions. This gives the countries most affected by climate change – many of which are former colonies – the legal right to hold major polluters accountable.Lawyer and climate activist Farhana Yamin provides context on the ICJ’s decision, explaining the link between climate change and colonialism, and how activism combined with legal action can tackle systematic inequalities.We then hear from Raffaella Fryer-Moreira (UCL Department of Anthropology), who works with indigenous communities in Brazil. Raffaella reveals how traditional academic practices often enforce historic dynamics, and explores how research projects might include rather than marginalise indigenous knowledge.Date of episode recording: 23 July 2025Duration: 00:38:38Language of episode: English Presenters: Professor Mark Maslin and Dr Simon Chin-Yee Guests:Raffaella Fryer-Moreira (UCL Department of Anthropology)Farhana Yamin (Climate Justice – Just Transition Donor Collaborative)Producers: Adam BatstoneCaitlin Mullin

As summer kicks-off, UCL Generation One dives into the intersection of sport and sustainability – exploring how sport contributes to climate change, and how the climate crisis is already affecting how and where we play.Mark and Simon are joined by Sofie Junge Pedersen, professional footballer and climate campaigner (Inter Milan, Denmark national team) and Dan Hall (Sustainability Engagement Officer at UCL, Communications Manager for Football For Future). Dan and Sofie discuss the role of grassroots initiatives and player-led advocacy in promoting climate consciousness in the beautiful game.We also hear from Dr Russell Seymour, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Sport Business from Loughborough University, and the Chair of the British Association for Sustainable Sport. Russ breaks down the impact of climate change on sport, and the necessity for stronger government and organisational regulation to tackle climate change.From grassroots campaigns to global initiatives, tune in to hear what clubs, venues, and fans can do to build a more sustainable future for the sports we love.Link to Action FC actionfc.org/aramno-campaignDate of episode recording: 12 and 23 May 2025Presenters: Professor Mark Maslin and Dr Simon Chin-Yee Guests:Dan Hall (UCL Sustainability, Football For Future)Sofie Junge Pederson (Inter Milan, Denmark national team)Dr Russel Seymour (Loughborough University, British Association for Sustainable Sport)Producers:Adam BatstoneCaitlin Mullin

It’s crunch time for the oceans and shipping sector, and tensions are high. Dr Simon Chin-Yee brings you this special episode of #UCLGenerationOne in the midst of critical negotiations at the International Maritime Organization (IMO).  Simon speaks to colleagues who have travelled across the oceans to the IMO: the UN agency responsible for regulating the shipping sector. In April 2025, countries came together to negotiate the IMO Net-Zero Framework, including a set of ‘mid-term measures’ to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with 2023 targets.   In this episode, Fijian performing artist and climate advocate John Taukave (Pacific Coordinating Group) and Eldine Glees (Maritime Policy Consultant) discuss the importance of a just and equitable transition for small islands and developing countries.   And as the dust settles, Simon picks up with Opportunity Green’s Emma Fenton to break down what actually happened, and what it means for the future of green shipping.  The stakes are huge: will the IMO agree to decarbonise global shipping while ensuring no one is left behind? Find out in our podcast Talanoa! Transcript: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/climate-change/podcasts-videos/ucl-generation-one-climate-podcast  Date of episode recording: 5 and 16 April 2025 Duration: 55:40 Language of episode: English  Presenter: Professor Mark Maslin and Dr Simon Chin-Yee  Guests: John Taukave, Micronesian Center for Sustainable Transport Eldine Chilembo Glees, Micronesian Center for Sustainable Transport Emma Fenton, Senior Director, Climate Diplomacy at Opportunity Green Producers:  Adam Batstone Caitlin Mullin 

In the months of both Ramadan and Lent, Generation One joins in with reflections on the relationship between food, community, and health with our fifth episode of Season 5.Hosts Mark and Simon explore not only the impacts of climate change on global food availability, but societal behaviour around food and decision-making. Examining the intersecting issues of food security and consumer culture, they uncover the effects of both on nutritional health.They’re joined by two UCL experts: Mark Miodownik (Professor of Materials & Society) who deconstructs the supply chain to highlight the damaging effects of packaging and microplastics. And Gail Taylor (Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences), who explains how the latest developments in plant science and agrotechnology can help make food more nutritious and widely available.We also heard from Dr Andrew Simms of the New Economics Foundation. And from UCL students Carson and Valentina, leaders of the Students’ Union’s Zero Food Waste project, which aims to tackle food waste on campus.Zero Food Waste: studentsunionucl.org/volunteering/o…ero-food-wasteTranscript: www.ucl.ac.uk/climate-change/pod…ne-climate-podcastDate of episode recording: 6 and 21 March 2025Duration: 55.46Language of episode: English Presenter: Professor Mark Maslin and Dr Simon Chin-Yee Guests:Professor Mark Miodownik, UCLProfessor Gail Taylor, UCLYat Hin Carson Chan, UCL Students’ UnionValentina (Hye Won) Chang, UCL Students’ UnionProducers:Adam BatstoneCaitlin Mullin

What is the Climate and Nature Bill, and why does it matter?The Zero Hour campaign is here to tell us, as we dive into their efforts to secure widespread backing for the Climate and Nature Bill. The Bill, which had its Second Reading in Parliament on 24 January 2025, aims to strengthen the UK government’s commitments to cut emissions, restore nature, and ensure public consultation on the road to net zero.Hosts Mark and Simon are joined by Simon Oldridge, Policy Advisor at Zero Hour to break down the key components of the Bill, and why it’s crucial to tackling the climate emergency. Simon also sheds light on how Zero Hour managed to gain cross-party support for the Bill, and what individuals can do to help it get passed.We also hear from the Bill’s sponsor: Liberal Democrat MP Roz Savage, on why she believes it’s a vital step needed on climate action. And from Conservative MP Andrew Bowie, who shares his concerns about the Bill and why he remains a critic.Find out more about the Zero Hour campaign:www.zerohour.uk/www.youtube.com/@zerohour_ukUCL’s Love Your Planet event: www.ucl.ac.uk/grand-challenges/e…e-your-planet-2025Transcript: www.ucl.ac.uk/climate-change/pod…ne-climate-podcastDate of episode recording: 31st February 2025Duration: 32.51 minsLanguage of episode: English Presenter: Professor Mark Maslin and Dr Simon Chin-Yee Guests:Simon Oldridge, Policy Advisor at Zero HourProducers:Adam BatstoneCaitlin Mullin

In this special episode hosts Mark Maslin and Simon Chin Yee give us behind the scenes insights and their verdicts on the outcome of COP29.  This COP was mainly about the money and went into extra time, but our hosts unpack it and take a deep dive into the key results with the help of special guests in the studio Priti Parikh, Professor of Infrastructure Engineering and International Development, at UCL’s Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction and Anoushka Jain, a UCL Politics and International Relations student and member of the UK Youth Climate Coalition.  We even round off this episode with some post COP music therapy!   Let the spine tingling music wash over you.  It’s a new composition from the collaboration between UCL and the BBC Young Composer project. UCL teamed up with the BBC Young Composer competition to inspire the winners to create brand new pieces based on UCL’s climate science. Composing for the Climate is a collaboration between UCL and the BBC as part of East Bank – the UK’s newest culture quarter on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park where UCL has a campus.  BBC music credits:©  BBC ‘Gaia’ composed by BBC Young Composer competition winner Advaith Jagannath. Recording made as part of the BBC Proms 2024, performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra and conducted by Hugh Brunt.BBC Radio 3 website to hear the full pieces: BBC Radio 3 - BBC Proms - BBC Young Composer Winners: The Process and MusicWebsite for BBC Young Composer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p030pblf Find out more about UCL at COP29  https://www.ucl.ac.uk/climate-change/ucl-cop Date of episode recording: Monday 25th November 2024Duration: 41:57Language of episode: English Presenters: Professor Mark Maslin and Dr Simon Chin-Yee Guests:Professor Priti ParikhAnoushka JainProducer:  Adam BatstoneExecutive producers: Caitlin Mullin, Jane Yelloly

What do vultures in India and beavers in West London have to do with protecting our ecosystems? What’s the link between biodiversity loss and human-driven climate change? Why does Simon love beavers so much? And what exactly is “COP16”?This episode explores some of the key issues at play – focusing on global ecosystems and local conservation efforts, and coincides with the Sixteenth Convention on Biological Diversity in Cali, Columbia.Hosts Mark and Simon are joined in the studio by Elliot Newton of The Ealing Beaver Project: a collaboration between the Ealing Wildlife Group, Citizen Zoo, The Friends of Horsenden & Ealing Council. And UCL expert Dr Alex Pigot, whose work on evolutionary biodiversity helps predict how ecosystems are responding to climate change.While at the conference in Cali, Simon also catches up with freshwater systems expert: UCL’s Dr Izzy Bishop, to discuss the work she took to COP16.Citizen Zoo www.citizenzoo.org/The Ealing Beaver Project theealingbeaverproject.com/UCL Faculty of Life Sciences biodiversity campaign www.ucl.ac.uk/lifesciences-facul…rsity-ucl-priorityFind out more about UCL at COP16 www.ucl.ac.uk/climate-change/ucl-cop/ucl-and-cop16Access the transcript www.ucl.ac.uk/climate-change/pod…ne-climate-podcastDate of episode recording: Friday 18th October 2024Duration: 45 minsLanguage of episode: English Presenter: Professor Mark Maslin and Dr Simon Chin-Yee Guests:Elliot Newton, Head of Conservation at Citizen Zoo and Creative Director at A Focus On NatureDr Alex Pigot, Professorial Research Fellow in the UCL Division of BiosciencesDr Izzy Bishop, Lecturer in Ecology, UCL’s People and Nature LabProducers:Adam BatstoneCaitlin MullinJane Yelloly

This is Generation One, the climate podcast from University College London – turning climate science and ideas into action.Hosted by Dr Simon Chin-Yee from the School of Public Policy, and Mark Maslin, Professor of Earth Systems Science at UCL.We’re going to be tackling climate action in all its forms, from innovative business and tech solutions, to inspiring stories from the frontlines of collective activism. With fantastic guests and top UCL experts.Look out for Series 5, coming soon on your favourite podcast platform.Learn more about UCL’s Generation One campaign and access the transcripts here www.ucl.ac.uk/climate-change/pod…ne-climate-podcast. Or find us on X using #UCLGenerationOne.Presenters: Prof. Mark Maslin and Dr. Simon Chin-YeeProducers: Adam Batstone, Caitlin Mullin, Jane Yelloly

Welcome to Series 5! In this first episode, following the recent Labour party conference, our hosts Professor Mark Maslin and Dr Simon Chin-Yee discuss the UK government’s plan to create ‘Great British energy’.The (not so?) ambitious programme aims to make Britain a clean energy superpower to bolster energy security and achieve its net zero carbon emissions target by 2050. But how impactful actually are these policies?With UCL’s Professor of Energy Policy Jim Watson, Emma Fletcher from Octopus Energy, and Dave Powell from Climate Outreach, we assess whether this is a genuine step towards green energy or just political rhetoric. Our experts also look more broadly at green initiatives, and whether they really can lower your bills.Date of episode recording: Monday 16th and 17th September 2024Duration: 49.55 minutesLanguage of episode: English Presenter: Professor Mark Maslin and Dr Simon Chin-Yee Guests:Emma Fletcher (Low Carbon Homes Director of Octopus Energy)Dave Powell (Senior Advocacy Manager at Climate Outreach)Jim Watson (Professor of Energy Policy and Director of UCL Institute of Sustainable Resources within the Faculty of the Built Environment)Producers: Adam BatstoneCaitlin MullinJane Yelloly

In this special episode, we look back at the year through some of our favourite moments from Series 4.Our hosts Mark Maslin and Simon Chin-Yee explored climate action in a multitude of forms: from groundbreaking climate science and AI, to innovative policy solutions and inspiring stories of individual activism. With fantastic guests spanning multiple disciplines and industries.Reflect with us on what’s been done, and what there is still to do, with our Series 4 highlights.Transcript link: www.ucl.ac.uk/climate-change/pod…ne-climate-podcastDate of episode recording: 28th May 2024Duration: 27.16 minutesLanguage of episode: English Presenter: Mark Maslin and Simon Chin-Yee Guests:Ian Townsend, ONSPierre Cannet, Client EarthSims Witherspoon, Google Deep MindBuffy Price, Carbon ReLouise Harris, Just Stop OilAnnabel Rice, Green AllianceVersha Jones, The Climate Reality ProjectKris de Meyer, Department of Earth Sciences, UCLShirley Rodrigues, previous Deputy Mayor, Environment and Energy at Greater London AuthorityMark Watts, C40 CitiesProducers: Adam BatstoneCaitlin MullinJane Yelloly

In the final episode of this series of Generation One, we take a look at cities and climate action. With many elections happening around the world, what are cities actually doing to adapt to climate change, mitigate climate impact on populations, and reduce emissions?  Our hosts discuss urban adaptation and transformation with UCL Professor Lauren Andres (Director of Research at the Bartlett School of Planning) and Mark Watts, the Executive Director of C40 Cities, a global network of mayors taking urgent climate action.   C40 Cities website: https://www.c40.org/ The Bartlett School of Planning: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/planning/bartlett-school-planning For the transcript: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/climate-change/podcasts-videos/generation-one-climate-podcast  Date of episode recording: 11th April 2024 Duration: 33.46 minutes Language of episode: English  Presenter: Mark Maslin and Simon Chin-Yee  Guests:  Professor Lauren Andres, UCL Mark Watts, C40 Cities Producer: Adam Batstone  

Happy Earth Day! This episode’s focus is on entrepreneurial climate action: what are businesses – particularly the AI sector – doing to combat the climate crisis and help reach net zero?Helping our hosts Mark and Simon answer these questions are Sims Witherspoon (current UCL student studying for MSC in climate change and Climate and Sustainability Lead at Google DeepMind), Buffy Price (COO and Co-Founder of Carbon Re, an AI startup which aims to accelerate decarbonisation), and Zoe Cokeliss Barsley (Director of Sustainability at Oxford University Press) and UCL alumna (MSc Conservation 2003)Carbon Re carbonre.com/Oxford University Press Responsible Publishing report oup.foleon.com/responsible-publi…-2022-23/2022-23/For more information and to access the transcript: www.ucl.ac.uk/climate-change/pod…ne-climate-podcastSign up to our climate newsletter here: r1.dotdigital-pages.com/p/6T06-7DL/su…s-newslettersDate of episode recording: 14th February, 23rd February and 1st March 2024Duration: 32.15 minutesLanguage of episode: English Presenter: Mark Maslin and Simon Chin-Yee Guests:Sims Witherspoon, Google DeepMindBuffy Price, Carbon ReZoe Cokeliss Barsley, Oxford University PressProducer: Adam Batstone

What are individuals doing to fight climate change and how important is the role of local activism? This episode will be focusing on individual climate action, with our guests chatting to our hosts about the role of activism in initiating change. Featuring Louise Harris (songwriter and Just Stop Oil activist), Versha Jones, (Climate Reality Project - Volunteer National Coordinator, UK) Annabel Rice (Political Advisor at the Green Alliance) and Kris de Meyer (Senior Research Fellow in Climate Communications University College London, Dept of Earth Sciences).   ‘We Tried’ song by Louise Harris https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2XV20G85Tg The Climate Reality Project https://www.climaterealityproject.org/ For more information and to access the transcript: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/climate-change/podcasts-videos/generation-one-climate-podcast  Sign up to our climate newsletter here: https://r1.dotdigital-pages.com/p/6T06-7DL/subscribe-to-ucl-climate-hubs-newsletters  Date of episode recording: 14th February and 8th March Duration: 39.20 minutes  Language of episode: English  Presenter: Mark Maslin and Simon Chin-Yee  Guests:  Louise Harris, Just Stop Oil  Versha Jones, The Climate Reality Project  Annabel Rice, Green Alliance Kris de Meyer, Department of Earth Sciences, UCL Producer: Adam Batstone  

In this episode, we’re moving beyond the UK to explore global climate policy in the wake of COP28. Hosts Mark and Simon are joined by Pierre Cannet, the Global Head of Public Affairs and Policy at Client Earth, to discuss how the law can be used to create change.More about Client Earth: www.clientearth.org/For more information and to access the transcript: www.ucl.ac.uk/climate-change/pod…ne-climate-podcastSign up to our climate newsletter here: r1.dotdigital-pages.com/p/6T06-7DL/su…s-newslettersDate of episode recording: 16th February 2024Duration: 27.12 minutesLanguage of episode: English Presenter: Mark Maslin and Simon Chin-Yee Guests: Pierre Cannet, Global Head of Public Affairs and Policy at Client EarthProducer: Adam Batstone

Introducing episode 3 of season four! Our hosts Mark and Simon continue this series with a discussion on the fallout from COP28 for the UK, and what needs to be done on a national, governmental and local level. Joining them are our guests Ian Townsend (ONS Divisional Director of Environment), Robbie Macpherson, (APPG lead at Uplift), Annabel Rice (Political Advisor at Green Alliance) and Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy at Greater London Authority, Shirley Rodrigues, to talk national feeling and climate policy. For more information and to access the transcript: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/climate-change/podcasts-videos/generation-one-climate-podcast  Sign up to our climate newsletter here: https://r1.dotdigital-pages.com/p/6T06-7DL/subscribe-to-ucl-climate-hubs-newsletters   References ONS release calendar: https://www.ons.gov.uk/releasecalendar/ Key ONS environmental releases: https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/environmentalaccounts Important issues facing the UK (5.1-5.13), http://bit.ly/ONSimpactCOLPublic opinions and social trends, Great Britain Statistical bulletins: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/wellbeing/bulletins/publicopinionsandsocialtrendsgreatbritain/previousReleases Business insights and impact on the economy bulletins: https://www.ons.gov.uk/businessindustryandtrade/business/businessservices/bulletins/businessinsightsandimpactontheukeconomy/previousReleases  Date of episode recording: 14th and 23rd February 2024  Duration: 27 mins, 14 secs  Language of episode: English  Presenter: Mark Maslin and Simon Chin-Yee  Guests:  Ian Townsend, ONS, Divisional Director of Environment  Annabel Rice, Political Adviser at Green Alliance and UCL alum (Environment, Politics and Society 2021)  Robbie MacPherson, Political and Climate Change APPG Lead, Uplift Shirley Rodrigues, Deputy Mayor, Environment and Energy at Greater London Authority  Producer: Adam Batstone

COP28 in Dubai is over and Mark and Simon are back in the studio to debrief. What on earth happened and is it good enough? They discuss the loss and damage fund, the challenges with the COP process and ultimately whether the outcome is enough. Joining them live from COP are Dr Guy Jackson (University of Northumbria), Nada Berrada (Education Development Centre), Mary McHarg (UCL Union Affairs Officer) and Kerrlene Wills (United Nations Foundation). For more information and to access the transcript: www.ucl.ac.uk/climate-change/podcasts-videos/generation-one-climate-podcast

Welcome back to UCL’s Generation One podcast! To kick us off co-hosts Prof Mark Maslin and Dr Simon Chin-Yee are chatting about COP28, set to be held in the United Arab Emirates. In this episode Mark and Simon are looking back at what went wrong at COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, and what needs to happen at COP28 to keep us track to combat the climate crisis.  For more information and to access the transcript: www.ucl.ac.uk/climate-change/podcasts-videos/generation-one-climate-podcast

Join host Helen Czerski as she discusses what happened at the COP27 conference, and whether the negotiations went far enough.Helen is joined by Dr Nadia Ameli and Katie Kedward to discuss the financial implications of COP27, international financial institutions, and also the focus on loss and damage at COP27.We also hear from Zi Han Xuan, UCL Student and climate activist with YOUNGO, the youth constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Zi Han shares his perspective as a young person at COP27, and why young voices are so critical. For more information and to access the transcript: www.ucl.ac.uk/climate-change/podcasts-videos/generation-one-climate-podcast

Welcome back to UCL Generation One: The Climate Podcast. We’re back for a two-part series, and part one is coming to you live from COP27 in Sharm El-Sheik. Join Professor Mark Maslin as he takes us through the conference centre, and chats to multiple delegates and activists along the journey. Views expressed by our guests are their own.For more information and to access the transcript: www.ucl.ac.uk/climate-change/podcasts-videos/generation-one-climate-podcast

It is the final episode of season two! Hosts Mark and Helen are wrapping up this season with a conversation on disaster, mitigation and climate change.Dr Ilan Kelman and Prof Lisa Vanhala are sitting down with Mark to discuss defining natural disasters and what can be done to mitigate climate change.For more information and to access the transcript: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/climate-change/podcasts-videos/generation-one-podcast/climate-podcast-how-should-we-tackle-climate-disastersSign up to our climate newsletter here: r1.dotdigital-pages.com/p/6T06-7DL/su…s-newslettersDate of episode recording: 28/04/2022Duration: 00:29:53Language of episode: EnglishPresenter: Mark MaslinGuests: Ilan Kellman, Lisa VanhalaProducer: Adam Batstone