The Pacific island of Vanuatu is one step closer to getting the world’s highest court to weigh in on the climate crisis for the first time ever. Backed by the United Nations, it's asking the International Court of Justice to clearly lay out how countries must address the warming planet. Few countries are feeling climate change pressure more acutely than Barbados, along with other small island nations that fear being swallowed up by the sea. Prime Minister Mia Mottley has become one of the most well-known world leaders calling for action, clearly communicating what’s at stake. She has a kindred spirit in Avinash Persaud, her climate envoy. Together, they are pushing the Bridgetown Initiative – named for their capital city – to help pay for and delay climate change damage in developing countries. 

Also on today's show: Matthew Desmond, author, “Poverty, By America”; Gilbert & George 

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