The Climate Question

Could changing weather patterns due to climate change make a difference to where and when we travel, or to the cost of our holidays? It was the hottest June on record for Western Europe, according to the EU’s climate service, Copernicus. And the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says that heatwaves in Europe will become more frequent, more intense and longer-lasting. Extreme heat and drier weather can lead to wildfires, while retreating snow lines can put pressure on winter skiing trips. For their part, popular destinations in the Caribbean and the Pacific face another challenge - from rising sea levels. Host Graihagh Jackson asks how holiday-makers and the travel industry can adapt to a changing climate. Contributors: Simon King, Lead BBC weather presenter and meteorologist Dr. Susanne Etti, Global Environmental Impact Manager at Intrepid Travel Stefan Gössling, Professor of Tourism Research, Linnaeus University, Sweden Presenter: Graihagh Jackson Producer: Diane Richardson Production Co-Ordinator: Brenda Brown Sound Mix: Tom Brignell and Dave O'Neill Editor: Simon Watts Got a question you’d like us to answer? Send an email to: TheClimateQuestion@bbc.com or whatsapp us on +44 8000 321 721

Delhi’s roads are being taken over by electric mopeds, scooters and rickshaws. More than fifty per cent of two- and three-wheelers are already electric, and the market is expected to continue growing. It’s good news for the fight against climate change. Why has the transition to green vehicles been so swift in India and what can the rest of the world learn from it? Graihagh Jackson speaks to reporter Sushmita Pathak, who’s been chatting to those who’ve made the switch to electric as well as those who haven’t. Akshima Ghate from the RMI Foundation and Louise Ribet of C40 cities explain why these small vehicles are so popular and what countries like India and others gain from encouraging electric uptake. From better air quality and healthier children to energy security and manufacturing expertise, there are many benefits beyond mitigating climate change. Got a comment or a question you’d like us to answer? Send an email to: TheClimateQuestion@bbc.com or whatsapp us on +44 8000 321 721 Presenter: Graihagh Jackson Producer: Ben Cooper Researcher: Octavia Woodward Production Co-Ordinator: Brenda Brown Sound Engineer: Tom Brignell Editors: Sophie Eastaugh and Simon Watts Got a question you’d like us to answer? Send an email to: TheClimateQuestion@bbc.com

Graihagh Jackson talks to two doctors about the health impact of a warmer world, and how the medical sector needs to adapt. Guests: Dr Jemilah Mahmoud, Executive Director, Sunway Centre for Planetary Health, Malaysia. Dr Omnia El Omrani, Vice-Chair of the Global Climate and Health Alliance, If you have a question, email us at theclimatequestion@bbc.com or leave a WhatsApp message at + 44 8000 321 721 Presenter: Graihagh Jackson Producers: Diane Richardson and Jordan Dunbar Production Coordinator: Brenda Brown Sound Mix: Tom Brignell and Philip Bull Editor: Simon Watts

The Climate Question panel discuss how to make homes - and ships - better for the climate. Plus, what about our own carbon footprints? And are oceans or forests better at storing carbon? Answering your head-scratchers are Justin Rowlatt, BBC climate editor; Akshat Rathi, senior climate reporter for Bloomberg News and host of Bloomberg's Zero podcast; and Caroline Steel, presenter of BBC CrowdScience. Got a question for the next listeners' show? You can email us at theclimatequestion@bbc.com or leave a WhatsApp message at + 44 8000 321 721 Host: Graihagh Jackson Producer: Diane Richardson Production co-ordinator: Brenda Brown Sound Mix: Mike Regaard and Tom Brignell Editor: Simon Watts

Tropical rainforests cover around 6% of our planet, yet they're home to more than half of the world’s species. They're also one of our planet’s most vital defences against climate change. But a new report shows how our tropical forests were ravaged in 2024 — and the Amazon rainforest was one of the worst impacted. Host Graihagh Jackson finds out why, speaking to BBC climate reporter Esme Stallard and Colombia’s former environment minister, Susana Muhamad. Presenter: Graihagh Jackson Producers: Beth Timmons and Diane Richardson Sound Engineers: Dave O'Neill, Tom Brignell Editors: Simon Watts and Lisa Baxter

David Attenborough's new documentary argues that our oceans have been underexplored and undervalued. Could protecting our seas not only help biodiversity, but fix the climate too? Keith Scholey, one of the directors of "Ocean With David Attenborough", tells The Climate Question how the world’s seas are at a critical turning point. Many countries have pledged to protect a third of the world’s oceans, and the film’s creators hope it will push global leaders to deliver on their promise at this year's UN conference on oceans. The documentary also includes some of the most detailed footage ever captured of bottom trawling, a widespread fishing method that damages the seabed. In this episode we ask why we know so little about the ocean? And why the largest part of our planet been under-protected for so long? Presenters: Graihagh Jackson and Jordan Dunbar Producer: Beth Timmins Sound Engineers: Ben Andrews, Mike Regaard and Tom Brignell Editor: Simon Watts Got a question? Email us: theclimatequestion@bbc.com

Around the world, scientists and entrepreneurs are pouring billions into researching new ways of storing carbon dioxide. We look at a scheme in India to put CO2 in rocks and research in the UK using kelp. Will either of them be effective? Host Graihagh Jackson dives into the waters off Britain's southern coast to find out more about the magical powers of kelp, while Chhavi Sachdev visits a tea plantation in Darjeeling which is hoping to diversify into carbon sequestration. Contributors: Shrey Agarwal, CEO, Alt Carbon. Dr Steve Smith, Arnell Associate Professor of Greenhouse Gas Removal, Oxford University. Dr Ray Ward, Queen Mary University of London. Carbon sequestration lead, Sussex Kelp Recovery Project. Presenter: Graihagh Jackson Reporter in India: Chhavi Sachdev Producer: Diane Richardson Production co-ordinator: Brenda Brown Sound Mix: Tom Brignell Editor: Simon Watts If you have a question, email us at theclimatequestion@bbc.com or leave a WhatsApp message at + 44 8000 321 721

Why farmers around the world are bringing back ancient crops - and ancient animals! We meet the "potato guardians" of the Peruvian Andes and hear about a scheme to bring back bison to Britain. Presenters: Graihagh Jackson and Jordan Dunbar Reporter in Peru: Beth Timmins Sound Mix: Tom Brignell Editors: Simon Watts and Sophie Eastaugh If you have a question, email us at theclimatequestion@bbc.com or leave a WhatsApp message at + 44 8000 321 721

A new Climate Fiction prize has been launched in the UK. Graihagh Jackson talks to the Nigerian winner, Abi Daré , and the chair of judges, Madeleine Bunting. Presenter: Graihagh Jackson Producer: Di Richardson Sound mix: Hannah Montgomery and Tom Brignell Editor: Simon Watts The Climate Fiction Prize is supported by Climate Spring. If you have a question, email us at theclimatequestion@bbc.com or leave a WhatsApp message at + 44 8000 321 721

Will Pope Leo continue the Catholic Church's work on fighting global warming? And how influential might he be? Graihagh Jackson investigates. Guests: Christiana Zenner, Associate Professor of Theology, Science and Ethics in the Department of Theology at Fordham University. Author of the forthcoming "Beyond Laudato Si" Dr Adil Najam, President of WWF International, and Professor of International Relations and of Earth and Environment at the Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University Producer: Beth Timmins Production Coordinator: Brenda Brown Sounds Engineers: Dave O'Neil and David Crackles Editor: Simon Watts If you have a question, email us at theclimatequestion@bbc.com or leave a WhatsApp message at + 44 8000 321 721

President Trump has made sweeping changes to America's policies on climate since being sworn in 100 hundred days ago. He has announced plans to "unleash" American energy, including revitalising the coal industry and boosting oil and gas. The President has also cut funding for clean energy projects and renewables, while slashing jobs in government-funded climate research. Experts also say Washington's trade tariffs are having a big impact on the global market for new technologies such as solar panels and electric vehicles. So what does all this mean for the green transition in America and beyond? In this show, Graihagh Jackson talks to the BBC's US Environment Correspondent Carl Nasman, BBC Climate Editor Justin Rowlatt and Zerin Osho, Director of the India Programme at the Institute for Governance & Sustainable Development based in Washington DC. Graihagh also chats to Tom Di Liberto, a climate scientist who was recently fired from America's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Presenter: Graihagh Jackson Producers: Sophie Eastaugh and Beth Timmins Production Coordinator: Brenda Brown Sound Mix: Gabriel O'Regan and Tom Brignell Editor: Simon Watts If you have a question, email us at theclimatequestion@bbc.com or leave a WhatsApp message at + 44 8000 321 721

Hydroelectricity is the world’s biggest source of renewable energy, and dams have long been a popular - if controversial - way to fast-track development and boost economies. Jordan Dunbar is in Thailand, a country that has been transformed by hydropower. He meets Thais who've been helped by dams, and those they’ve hurt. And he finds out how a warming world could put the future of hydropower in jeopardy. Presenter: Jordan Dunbar Producer: Ellie House Assistant Producer in Thailand: Maew Wilawan Watcharasakwej Sound design: Tom Brignell Production Coordinator: Brenda Brown Editor: Simon Watts If you have a question, email us at theclimatequestion@bbc.com or leave a WhatsApp message at + 44 8000 321 721

A growing body of scientific evidence from across the globe suggests that a love of nature could inspire us to be more sustainable – something scientists say is more necessary than ever given the climate crisis. The more we connect with nature, the more likely it is that we're willing to protect it. It’s never too late to build that bond, but studies show that outdoor adventures as children make us more likely to be eco-heroes later on. Getting outside isn't just a win for the planet. Science has shown that increased time in nature yields a plethora of positive impacts, ranging from reduced crime rates and enhanced family bonding to improved physical health, peace of mind, child development, and overall well-being. The Climate Question celebrates Earth Day by speaking to children at a wildlife club in Kenya, a virtual reality film director in South Africa whose ambition is to make up-close encounters with animals accessible for everyone, and a leading nature connection expert in Canada. Guests: Ulrico Grech-Cumbo, CEO Habitat XR in South Africa John Zelenski, Professor of Psychology at Carleton University in Canada Gabriel Ngale, Nairobi Region Conservation Education Head, Wildlife Clubs of Kenya Production team: Presenter: Graihagh Jackson Reporter in Kenya: Michael Kaloki Production Co-ordinator: Brenda Brown Producer: Diane Richardson Sound mix: Tom Brignell Editor: Sophie Eastaugh If you have a question, email us at theclimatequestion@bbc.com or leave a WhatsApp message at + 44 8000 321 721

As the UN's shipping body, the International Maritime Organization, meets to decide on a pivotal levy that will tax ships for using polluting fuels, host Graihagh Jackson and BBC Climate Reporter Esme Stallard discuss whether this will be enough to cut the industry's significant carbon emissions. From the Port of Rotterdam, we find out how the industry is already trying to reduce its carbon footprint. And are alternative shipping fuels really as green as it's claimed. We dive into the issue, along with more of April's climate news. The BBC’s Climate Editor Justin Rowlatt speaks to one of COP30’s top officials, a new study on carbon-gobbling forests in China and the latest on India’s heatwave. Presenters: Graihagh Jackson and Esme Stallard Producer: Beth Timmins Editor: Sophie Eastaugh Sound mixing: Tom Brignell Production Coordinator: Brenda Brown

Graihagh Jackson talks to mothers from India, Kenya and the UK about how climate change is affecting women's decisions about whether to have children and how to raise them.

Graihagh Jackson and guests tackle more of your intriguing questions: Why do we use big wind turbines instead of small ones? Can petrol and diesel vehicles be converted to EVs? And can floodwater be captured and stored? In the debate are Justin Rowlatt, BBC climate editor; Akshat Rathi, senior climate reporter for Bloomberg News and host of Bloomberg's Zero podcast; and Caroline Steel, presenter of BBC Crowdscience, If you have a question, email us at theclimatequestion@bbc.com or leave a WhatsApp message at + 44 8000 321 721 Presenter: Graihagh Jackson Producer: Diane Richardson Production Coordinator: Brenda Brown Sound Mix: Dave O'Neill and Tom Brignell Editor: Simon Watts

Bangkok is a mega city of more than 10 million people, the economic powerhouse of Southeast Asia and one of the world’s most visited cities. Billions of dollars worth of new luxury real estate is planned as huge skyscrapers pierce the sky and become back drops to some of our biggest film and TV series. But there’s a problem, Bangkok is sinking; in fact, it’s one of the fastest sinking cities in the world. To make matters worse, climate change is affecting both sides of the city: sea levels are rising in the Bay of Bangkok, and water levels are increasing in the mighty Chao Praya river. Jordan Dunbar is in the Thai capital to find out: How do you stop a mega city sinking? Reporter: Jordan Dunbar Producers: Ellie House and Maew Wilawan Watcharasakwej Production Coordinator: Brenda Brown Sound Mix: Tom Brignell Editor: Simon Watts If you have a question, email us at the climatequestion@bbc.com or leave a WhatsApp message at +44 8000 321 721

Experts say we need to be 40 per cent more energy efficient to meet our climate goals. Is that doable? And might it save us money too? It's a solution that's been called the main route to net zero: energy efficiency - or using less energy to get the same or better results. But there’s an issue – it's got an image problem as many people think it’s boring. And it is hard to get excited about the idea of better lightbulbs! But energy efficiency could save us money on our bills too - especially in a warming world, where many countries will need air conditioning just to function. So does this crucial area in the fight against climate change need a rebrand. And could it even become sexy? In a programme first broadcast in 2024, Presenter Jordan Dunbar talks to: Dr Rose Mutiso - Research Director Energy for Growth Hub Prima Madan – Director, Cooling & Energy Efficiency, International Natural Resources Defence Council, India Kofi Agyarko – Director of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, Ghana Energy Commission Thomas Naadi – BBC Correspondent, Ghana Production Team: Ben Cooper, Octavia Woodward, Brenda Brown, Simon Watts Sound Design: Tom Brignell email: theclimatequestion@bbc.com NOTE: The speech made by President Jimmy Carter mentioned in the programme, was made in 1977 not 1974, as stated.

Graihagh Jackson and BBC Climate Reporter Esme Stallard discuss the latest news from around the world - including a row at Britain's prestigious Royal Society about whether to expel Elon Musk, the latest numbers on the state of glaciers and a report from Germany on the future of the country's massive coal industry. Plus, Caroline Steel from the BBC's Crowdscience podcast has been finding out how Norwegians are protecting themselves from the growing number of encounters with polar bears. Hosts: Graihagh Jackson with Esme Stallard Reporters: Caroline Steel and Tim Mansel Sound Mix: James Beard, Neil Churchill and Tom Brignell Produced and Edited by Graihagh Jackson and Simon Watts If you have a question, email us at the climatequestion@bbc.com or leave a WhatsApp message at +44 8000 321 721

Climate change is usually associated with hotter weather, but experts say that in Mongolia it's making the country's cold snaps even harsher. Can Mongolian nomads survive much longer in extreme winter conditions known as "dzuds"? Or will the loss of their livestock and livelihoods force herders to abandon a way of life that dates back millennia? Graihagh Jackson finds out more about the situation on the ground from Mongolian reporter Khaliun Bayartsogt, and explores possible solutions with Khulan Dashpuntsag from the UN-funded ADAPT project. Presenter: Graihagh Jackson Reporter in Mongolia: Khaliun Bayartsogt Producers: Tsogzolmaa Shofyor, Octavia Woodward, Caroline Bayley, Ellie House Sound Mix: Tom Brignell Editor: Simon Watts If you have a question, email us at the climatequestion@bbc.com or leave a WhatsApp message at +44 8000 321 721