UCL Generation One: The Climate Podcast

In this episode, we are unpacking how effective COP30 really was, did the promises match the expectations and  where did world leaders deliver or fall short . COP 30 was held in Belém, the gateway to the Amazon. From extreme heat and climate-driven floods and fires to the political symbolism of choosing the Amazon over Rio, the setting shaped everything. 

The expectations were high this year. Brazil promised a ‘forest-first COP,’ with more youth engagement, significant inclusion of indigenous communities and major moves on finance and fossil fuels. Our host Simon Chin Yee, from UCL’s School of Public Policy and one of our guest Elena, Climate Reality Project Central and Eastern Europe, both of whom attended COP30 shares their biggest takeaways from Belem.

Our other guest, Susannah Fisher, is a leading researcher and author whose new book on climate adaptation, Sink or Swim, was published in August (Sink Or Swim - Link to Susannah's latest book). In this episode, she explains why adaptation is a crucial part of the COP agenda and why it can’t be overlooked.

The episode also features the recent National Emergency Briefing on climate, and its important call to action to sign their petition to ask the government and all public service broadcasters to hold an urgent televised briefing so that everyone understands the profound risks this crisis poses to themselves and their families.

https://www.nebriefing.org/open-letter-keir

Credits:

Date of episode recording: 28th Nov 2026

Duration: 39:38

Language of episode: English 
Presenter: Professor Mark Maslin and Dr Simon Chin-Yee
Producer: Adam Batstone

Guests:

Susannah Fisher – Author and Principal Research Fellow at Department of Risk and Disaster Reduction, UCL.
(Sink Or Swim - by Susannah's Fisher)

Elena-Alexandra Miron – Central and Eastern Europe Regional Organiser, Climate Reality Project.

This episode brings you the highlights from a special event from UCL marking 10 years since the Paris Agreement.  Hear how it continues to influence policy, markets, and public debate — and what lies ahead as the world confronts climate change in an era of geopolitical turbulence.  

Host Professor Mark Maslin (UCL Earth System Science) joins forces with Professor Lisa Vanhala (UCL Political Science) from the live event co‑hosted with the French Embassy in London, UCL’s European Institute, UCL Faculty of Laws and UCL's Grand Challenge for the Climate Crisis.  

The event brought together diplomats, policymakers, and academics to reflect on the legacy, challenges, and future of the Paris Agreement and their hopes for COP30 in Brazil.  

From the optimism of 2015 to the realities of climate governance in 2025, we bring you highlights and a sense of hope from the panel who explore whether multilateralism can survive political fragmentation, how markets are reshaping the clean energy transition, and how solidarity across nations is so challenging.  Essential listening for anyone interested in climate governance, international cooperation, and the future of multilateralism.

Panel chaired by Professor Eloise Scotford (Dean of UCL Faculty of Laws), featuring:

•            Dan Bradley (UK Mission to the EU) 

•            Adam Berman (Energy UK) 

•            Professor Jean Jouzel (CEA, Academy of Science) 

•            Dr Pedro Schilling de Carvalho (UCL) 

•            Professor Lisa Vanhala (UCL) 

Date of episode recording: 12th November 2025 

Duration: 00:46:52 

Language of episode: English  
Host: Professor Mark Maslin and Professor Lisa Vanhala

In this episode of Generation One, we’re exploring the importance of start-ups and the role of entrepreneurs in stepping up with ground breaking solutions to solve the climate crisis and what policy makers and organisations like UCL are doing to enable this.

Our hosts Professor Mark Maslin and Dr Simon Chin-Yee are joined by three inspiring guests who share their experiences and insights on how entrepreneurship is driving a greener future, building climate-focused businesses, overcoming start-up challenges, and the crucial role investors and incubators play in scaling climate impact:

Alexandra Ranft, Senior Project Manager from UN Global Compact Network UK.  The UN Global Compact’s aim is to mobilise a global movement of sustainable companies and stakeholders to create the world we want.

William Moore co-founder and CEO of Consus Energy and UCL alum (Geography 2025).  Consus Energy was selected to join UCL’s Hatchery incubator programme, which provides co-working space and business support to UCL startups.

Simon Chaudhuri was a Strategic Advisor for the U.S. Department of Commerce during the Obama Administration and founded CIV:LAB, a nonprofit developing and funding place-based innovation programs across the US.   Simon is also a Founding Fellow at the UCL Centre for Sustainable Business.  

Credits: 

Date of episode recording: 29th Oct 2025 and 5th of November 2025

Duration: 37:10

Language of episode: English 
 Presenter: Professor Mark Maslin and Dr Simon Chin-Yee 

Organisations:

UN Global Compact Network UK, https://www.unglobalcompact.org.uk

Consus Energy https://www.consusenergy.com
UCL Hatchery https://www.ucl.ac.uk/enterprise/students Alongside your studies at UCL, did you know you can access UCL’s specialist free extra-curricular entrepreneurship programme? 
CIV:LAB https://civ-lab.org

UCL School of Management https://www.mgmt.ucl.ac.uk/  

In this episode, we explore a subject that’s deeply important to us as educators: the role of climate in the classroom. How are schools and universities placing climate change at the heart of learning—not just in science lessons, but across the whole school experience?

We look beyond the curriculum to discover how educators are fostering sustainable living and embedding green practices into everyday school life. From encouraging active travel and connecting students with the natural world, to making conscious, eco-friendly choices part of the school culture, we’ll share inspiring examples of how teaching can shape a greener future.

We’re thrilled to welcome three inspiring champions of climate education:

🌱 Jenny Wilson – A passionate advocate from the Green Schools Revolution, Jenny is actively involved in the Teach the Teacher initiative. She collaborates with schools in underserved communities, empowering students to create their own Climate Action Plans and become agents of change.

🌍 Will Wale – A student at LSE and the outgoing Youth Focal Point for Sustainability and Climate Change at the Department for Education, Will brings a wealth of experience. He’s worked closely with young people, educators, civil servants, and ministers to advance climate and sustainability education across the UK.

🏫 Professor Nicola Walshe – Pro-Director of Education at UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society, Nicola is also the co-founder and Executive Director of the UCL Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Education. Her work focuses on transforming how climate education is delivered in schools nationwide.

Date of episode recording: 4th August 2025

Duration: 00:42:16

Language of episode: English 
Presenter: Professor Mark Maslin and Dr Simon Chin-Yee 

Guests:  

Jenny Wilson, Green Schools Revolution https://www.greenschoolsrevolution.uk/

Will Wale, LSE student and Youth Focal Point for Sustainability and Climate Change at the DOE

Nicola Walsh, Professor and Pro Director of Education UCL IOE and CoFounder and Executive Director of UCL’s Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Education https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/departments-and-centres/ucl-centre-climate-change-and-sustainability-education

Producers: 

Adam Batstone

Caitlin Mullin

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 2025

Duration: 00:38:38

Language 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 Batstone

Caitlin 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-campaign

Date of episode recording: 12 and 23 May 2025

Presenters: 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 Batstone
Caitlin 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-waste
Transcript: www.ucl.ac.uk/climate-change/pod…ne-climate-podcast

Date of episode recording: 6 and 21 March 2025
Duration: 55.46
Language of episode: English 
Presenter: Professor Mark Maslin and Dr Simon Chin-Yee 
Guests:
Professor Mark Miodownik, UCL
Professor Gail Taylor, UCL
Yat Hin Carson Chan, UCL Students’ Union
Valentina (Hye Won) Chang, UCL Students’ Union
Producers:
Adam Batstone
Caitlin 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_uk

UCL’s Love Your Planet event: www.ucl.ac.uk/grand-challenges/e…e-your-planet-2025

Transcript: www.ucl.ac.uk/climate-change/pod…ne-climate-podcast

Date of episode recording: 31st February 2025
Duration: 32.51 mins
Language of episode: English 
Presenter: Professor Mark Maslin and Dr Simon Chin-Yee 
Guests:
Simon Oldridge, Policy Advisor at Zero Hour
Producers:
Adam Batstone
Caitlin 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 Music

Website 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 2024
Duration: 41:57

Language of episode: English

Presenters: Professor Mark Maslin and Dr Simon Chin-Yee
Guests:

Professor Priti Parikh

Anoushka Jain
Producer:  Adam Batstone

Executive producers: Caitlin Mullin, Jane Yelloly