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 for renewables)

How can policy makers right now and in the future strengthen interconnectedness between grids yet build up local resilience. What's the role of battery storage in the future? What's the role of AI?

Join us this week for a short deep-dive on what just happened to get some of the answers to these Big Questions!

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 during the shift to a green economy. Nick helps us understand how the Just Transition isn't just about environmental policy but also about human rights, labour standards, and community development.

Join us to find out more about how governments, corporations, and financial institutions can play a role in ensuring a fair transition as well as the potential pitfalls, such as poorly designed climate policies that disproportionately affect low-income populations.

This episode is a must-listen for understanding the complexities and opportunities in achieving a fair transition to a low-carbon economy.

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 for a shift in focus towards long-term sustainability and alternative models which already exist to ensure our food systems can withstand future challenges.

The real question is whether we have the political will to treat food security with the same seriousness as military defence or public health.

In a world of increasing climate instability, food security is national security.

Tune in to learn how we can transform our food systems for a better future.

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 starting their journey.

In this episode, he challenges us to move beyond awareness and truly understand sustainability. Antonio shares his insights on how to tailor sustainability education to different audiences, from boardrooms to classrooms. And, rather than focusing solely on alarming statistics or technical compliance, Antonio advocates for selling a positive vision of the future we can build together.

He tackles a key challenge: the barriers that prevent people from translating sustainability knowledge into action. He emphasizes the importance of understanding their priorities and speaking their language and also highlights the critical role of education in igniting both individual and collective action.

He shares practical tips on how to overcome "sustainability amnesia" and create a shared vision of a positive future. Tune in to discover how you can move beyond check-the-box exercises and build a culture of sustainability that drives meaningful impact.

Whether you're a sustainability professional, educator, or leader looking to drive change in your organization, this conversation offers valuable insights on making sustainability stick through effective education and engagement.

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 should be available year-round, regardless of seasonality or environmental impact. This is a far cry from the past, where food was more closely tied to local ecosystems and cultural practices.

So, what can we do to address these challenges?

Is the answer education, regulation, or perhaps finding the right messenger to make environmentally-friendly food choices cool and appealing?

Join Simon Messenger and David Carlin as they explore these questions and more in this thought-provoking episode!

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 from $330,000 to as little as $10-50 per serving, but questions remain about scaling and consumer acceptance. Meanwhile, plant-based alternatives using soy and pea protein continue gaining ground in supermarkets worldwide.

Join David Carlin and Simon Messenger in Episode 3 of our food series as they slice into the sizzling debate about meat's future. Will technology save our steaks, or are we headed for a plant-based revolution?

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 processes behind fertilizers that lead to massive greenhouse gas emissions. Discover how much is wasted, what can be done to curb this, and whether our globalized food system can survive without them.

Join David Carlin and Simon Messenger to find out more in Episode 2 of our short eye-opening series on how to make the food system sustainable!

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, something else?!
• How can we reconcile our cultural food traditions with the urgent need for environmental action?
• What about ensuring social rights in the process?
• Can precision farming, electric tractors, and lab-grown meat offer a sustainable path forward?

Join us as we explore these questions and more, uncovering the hidden layers of the food industry.

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 consumption.

That's why widespread participation is key; it's not enough to redesign, remanufacture or revalue a few products or for a few to be environmentally conscious – everyone needs to do their part; everything needs to be reimagined.

To guide us through this essential topic, we're thrilled towelcome Vojtech Vosecky, a.k.a. the Circular Economist and a leading voice in the field, offering invaluable insights into rethinking a sustainable, and circular, future. To find out more about his work, don’t hesitate to sign up to his excellent newsletter ‘The Loop’: https://circulareconomist.kit.com/theloop

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 these pressing questions and how you, and decision-makers, can get ready for the future!