Inconvenient Chats

IC17: Is current geopolitics the death of climate action?


Listen Later

Apologies for the slightly worse audio quality this week. We had to manage some technical difficulties.

This week, we take a first stab at probably one of the biggest topics we have discussed so far: geopolitics and how it currently overshadows sustainability. The problem is clear as public perception shapes political urgency, climate action has clearly taken a step back. We look at the World Economic Forum in Davos and take it as an example of where currently the spotlight in the public debate is. Then, we also talk about where sustainability talks where hidden in Davos and what would be a good reframing for the sustainability agenda going forward. All in less than 30 mins. It won't be the last time we talk about this.

If you want to give feedback you can write to [email protected] or [email protected].

If you have a topic on your mind that you have always wondered about, send us an e-mail with your topic recommendation and we’ll make it less inconvenient for all of you.

Sources

  • Transcript of Donald Trump's speech at WEF 2026 (https://www.weforum.org/stories/2026/01/davos-2026-special-address-donald-trump-president-united-states-america/))
  • Fact checker article on Donald Trump's speech by CNN (https://edition.cnn.com/2026/01/21/politics/trump-davos-nato-greenland-fact-check))
  • Transcript of Mark Carney's speech at WEF 2026 (https://www.weforum.org/stories/2026/01/davos-2026-special-address-by-mark-carney-prime-minister-of-canada/))
  • Politico, Davos' climate resignation (https://www.politico.eu/article/davos-climate-change-world-economic-forum/))
  • European Union External Action Service, Enhancing Climate Security and Defence (https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/enhancing-climate-security-and-defence_en))
  • ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    Inconvenient ChatsBy Kaisa Virolainen & Jan Kleine