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Fossil vs FutureWHAT ABOUT DEMOGRAPHICS? Cause for panic or time for intergenerational action? | Ft. John ElkingtonDemography is the study of human populations, while demographics refer to the characteristics of a population like age, gender, ethnicity, income, education, health. These traits both influence – and are influenced by – the climate crisis. In this episode, James and Daisy speak with John Elkington, a world authority on corporate responsibility and sustainable capitalism. Together they explore the role demographics play in shaping our climate future. What role do older generations play in shaping – or resisting – climate action? Will immigration become the main driver of population growth? How should demographic shifts inform climate solutions?2025-07-1544 minFossil vs FutureWHAT ABOUT THE OCEAN? A body of water or the planet’s life-support system?The ocean is essential to life on Earth – regulating climate, producing oxygen, providing food and livelihoods, and supporting ecosystems. But it's in trouble. Today, it faces a triple crisis: overfishing, pollution, and climate change.In this episode, James and Daisy dive deep into the ocean’s role in climate stability. Why is ocean protection critical to solving the climate crisis? What were the key takeaways from the UN Ocean Conference? Can the ocean itself be part of the solution?SOME RECOMMENDATIONS: Ocean with David Attenborough – A stunning documentary highlighting both the beauty of the sea and...2025-07-0135 minFossil vs FutureWHAT ABOUT ACTIVISM? A force for change or fuel for resistance? | Ft. Clover HoganActivism is often defined as the act of using vigorous campaigning to bring about political or social change. But in practice, it takes many forms and means different things to different people. For many – especially younger generations – activism isn’t just a choice; it’s a necessity, driven by frustration that conventional approaches have failed. Yet, the effectiveness of more disruptive tactics remains hotly debated. In this episode, James and Daisy sit down with Clover Hogan – a young climate activist who has worked alongside the world’s leading authorities on sustainability, consulted within the boardrooms of Fortune 50 companies, a...2025-06-1748 minFossil vs FutureWHAT ABOUT LAW? Too hard to enforce or our best line of defence? | Ft. Philippe SandsEnvironmental law is the law relating to environmental problems – but these problems are anything but simple. Traditional legal systems weren’t designed with challenges like climate change or biodiversity loss in mind, making this one of the most diverse, evolving, and demanding areas of law today.In this episode, James and Daisy are joined by Philippe Sands KC – a leading international lawyer, professor at UCL and Harvard, and author of East West Street and the recently published 38 Londres Street. Together, they explore the role of international law in protecting the environment. When did international law be...2025-06-0348 minFossil vs FutureWHAT ABOUT INSURANCE? An industry under pressure or the key to a more resilient future?Climate change is increasing the risk of damage from unexpected events such as extreme weather and natural disasters. While steps can be taken to reduce the risk, they can’t eliminate it entirely – that’s where insurance comes in. It allows people to transfer financial risk and protect themselves from financial losses. In this episode, James and Daisy discuss insurance. How is insurance changing with our changing climate? Will certain areas become uninsurable? Can the insurance industry help build a more resilient future? SOME RECOMMENDATIONS: Allianz SE (2025) – Allianz board membe...2025-05-2037 minFossil vs FutureWHAT ABOUT POPULISM? PART TWO!Shortly after we recorded our episode on populism, two major developments in the UK prompted us to do this follow-up. First, former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair called for a major rethink of the UK’s net zero policy. Then, the right-wing populist party Reform UK made significant gains in the English local elections.In this episode, James and Daisy talk about these events and reflect on what they might mean for climate action in the UK. Was Blair’s report a missed opportunity to make a meaningful contribution? What did he get right – and wh...2025-05-2021 minFossil vs FutureWHAT ABOUT POPULISM? A reason to stall climate action or a chance to reframe the narrative?Populism is a political approach that claims to speak for “ordinary people” – those who feel ignored or left behind established elite groups. Around the world, populist movements frequently frame environmental action as elitist, out of touch with the priorities of “real people.” In this episode, James and Daisy discuss the rise of populism. What exactly is populism? How is it shaping public attitudes towards climate action? How must the climate movement adapt? SOME RECOMMENDATIONS: · The New Statesman (2025) – “It’s time for climate populism” – an interesting article by Caroline Lucas and Rupert Ready. Caroline L...2025-05-0636 minFossil vs FutureWHAT ABOUT WAR? Essential for security or a dangerous distraction from climate action?War engages our fight or flight instincts. When immediate threats like conflict arise, they often overshadow slower-burning, long-term crises like climate change.In this episode, James and Daisy talk about war. How does climate change fuel conflict? How does war, in turn, hinder efforts to combat the climate crisis? How do we avoid trading one existential threat for another?SOME RECOMMENDATIONS: Conflict and Environment Observatory – CEOBS was launched in 2018 with the primary goal of increasing awareness and understanding of the environmental and derived humanitarian consequences of conflicts and mil...2025-04-2237 minFossil vs FutureWHAT ABOUT ESG? A path to a better world or a threat to returns?ESG – short for Environmental, Social, and Governance – is a framework for evaluating how companies manage sustainability-related risks and opportunities. In ESG investing, environmental, social, and governance factors are integrated into investment decisions, alongside traditional financial metrics. In this episode, James and Daisy discuss ESG. How has sustainable investing evolved? Why is there a growing backlash against ESG? What is greenhushing? SOME RECOMMENDATIONS: John Elkington, a world authority on corporate responsibility and sustainable capitalism, coined the phrase “people, planet, profit” in 1994 to describe the Triple Bottom Line. Originally intended as a tool t...2025-04-1043 minFossil vs FutureWHAT ABOUT ESG? A path to a better world or a threat to returns?ESG – short for Environmental, Social, and Governance – is a framework for evaluating how companies manage sustainability-related risks and opportunities. In ESG investing, environmental, social, and governance factors are integrated into investment decisions, alongside traditional financial metrics. In this episode, James and Daisy discuss ESG. How has sustainable investing evolved? Why is there a growing backlash against ESG? What is greenhushing? SOME RECOMMENDATIONS: John Elkington, a world authority on corporate responsibility and sustainable capitalism, coined the phrase “people, planet, profit” in 2004 to describe the Triple Bottom Line. Originally intended as a tool t...2025-04-0843 minFossil vs FutureWHAT ABOUT WATER? A boundless resource or a crisis in the making?Water is essential for all life on Earth, yet climate change is disrupting the natural water cycle, altering where, when, and how much water is available. In many ways, climate change expresses itself through water. In this episode, James and Daisy talk about the vital role of water. What is the water cycle? How will water security will be impacted by the changing climate? What can we do about it? SOME RECOMMENDATIONS: Is a River Alive? by Robert Macfarlane – At the heart of this book is a single, trans...2025-03-2538 minFossil vs FutureWHAT ABOUT AVIATION? A remarkably valuable system for society or a carbon-intensive luxury?Flying is one of the most carbon-intensive activities. In fact, if you fly, it is probably the most polluting thing that you do. Yet, aviation remains one of the toughest sectors to decarbonise, as battery technology and alternative fuels still struggle to match the efficiency of jet fuel.In this episode, James and Daisy – who both love travelling – confront the challenging topic of aviation. What are the environmental impacts of aviation? Should we stop flying? What are the alternatives?SOME RECOMMENDATIONS:Mike Berners-Lee is a researcher and writer on carbon footprinting and has written arti...2025-03-1141 minFossil vs FutureWHAT ABOUT AI? A promising tool to find solutions or a waste of valuable energy?Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming our world, enabling computers to learn and solve problems in ways that can seem human. This powerful technology is already being used to benefit the environment – optimising efficiencies, predicting weather patterns, and mapping ecological impacts. However, the immense computing power required for AI comes at a cost, consuming vast amounts of energy and other critical resources.In this episode, James and Daisy talk about AI. What exactly is AI? What are its environmental impacts? And with AI now deeply embedded in our daily lives, how can we ensure it ev...2025-02-2539 minFossil vs FutureWHAT ABOUT FASHION? An example of groundbreaking innovation or a major polluter?The fashion industry is huge. Fuelled by social media, influencer culture, and powerful marketing, we’re constantly tempted to buy new clothes at low prices. But behind these bargains lie devastating consequences for the environment and poor conditions for garment workers. In this episode, James and Daisy dive into our obsession with fast fashion and its hidden costs. What are the environmental impacts of the fashion industry? Do different generations approach fashion differently? What can we do to change our consumption habits? SOME RECOMMENDATIONS:Less – A book by Patric...2025-02-1140 minFossil vs FutureWHAT ABOUT PLASTICS? A lifesaving innovation or a threat to our planet and health? | Ft. Aidan CharronPlastics have revolutionized modern life with their versatility and usefulness, but their overwhelming abundance has led to a mounting crisis. Plastic waste is everywhere: in the air we breathe, the ice on Mount Everest, the water we drink, the fish we eat, and even in human placentas. This pollution is not only devastating ecosystems but also harming our health. Adding to the problem, plastics are intrinsically tied to climate change, as most are derived from fossil fuels. In this episode, James and Daisy are joined by Aidan Charron from EARTHDAY.ORG to unpack the p...2024-12-0335 min
The Convex ConversationFossil vs Future – An Intergenerational Look at Climate ChangeSeasoned barrister & environmentalist James Cameron - one of the leading architects of COP – reflects on three decades of arguing for a fairer and more sustainable planet.
He co-hosts a new podcast series – Fossil vs Future – with his 30-year-old god-daughter Daisy Nicholls who works in sustainable finance. It’s a refreshing, authentic conversation exploring the climate crisis through different generational lenses.
Together they discuss a series of what they call ‘what abouts’ – what about the ocean, food, China, international law, nature-based solutions, the role of finance and much more.
2024-11-1752 minFossil vs FutureWHAT ABOUT COP? A complex, outdated process or an important platform for vulnerable countries?The COP, or ‘Conference of the Parties,’ is the main decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), meeting annually to assess progress in dealing with climate change. This year, COP29 will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan. In this episode, James and Daisy talk about the COPs. How did they begin? Is the process effective? What might we expect from this year’s conference? SOME RECOMMENDATIONS:The Carbon War by Jeremy Leggett – this book is an eyewitness account of the climate talks, and the way the fo...2024-11-0546 minFossil vs FutureWHAT ABOUT NATURE? A separate issue to solve or critical to tackling climate change?Nature is essential to our survival and wellbeing, yet we are rapidly destroying it. Human activities like urbanisation, pollution, deforestation and commercial fishing are all degrading Earth’s biodiversity at an alarming rate. While they have historically been treated as two separate issues, climate change and biodiversity loss are deeply connected. In this episode, James and Daisy discuss nature. Why is protecting nature important? What exactly is natural capital? What emerging incentives are there to prevent biodiversity loss? SOME RECOMMENDATIONS:The Dasgupta Review – an independent, global review of the Ec...2024-10-2243 minFossil vs FutureWHAT ABOUT FOOD? An unavoidable source of emissions or an untapped climate solution?Food is often overlooked in conversations about climate change, yet our food system contributes roughly one-quarter to one-third of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. It is also the leading cause of biodiversity loss, and agriculture accounts for 70% of global freshwater withdrawals. Beyond environmental impacts, the food system is significantly damaging human health. In this episode, James and Daisy talk about our global food system. What is wrong with it? How much responsibility lies with big corporations? And do we need to stop eating meat? SOME RECOMMENDATIONS:Project Drawdown – A great...2024-10-0834 minFossil vs FutureWHAT ABOUT OFFSETS? An effective incentive or a distraction from meaningful decarbonization?Carbon offsetting is a carbon trading mechanism that allows entities to compensate for their residual carbon emissions by investing in projects that reduce, avoid, or remove emissions elsewhere. While this approach can contribute to climate goals, it often faces criticism for potentially allowing companies to sidestep substantial decarbonization efforts. Additionally, verifying the benefits of offsets is a significant challenge and some projects may promise more than they can deliver. In this episode, James and Daisy chat about the complexities of carbon offsets and carbon markets. What are the differences between the voluntary and compliance c...2024-09-2434 minFossil vs FutureWHAT ABOUT THE FINANCIAL COST? A burdensome expense or a worthwhile investment?It’s too expensive to make the change, isn’t it? The financial cost of addressing climate change is often used as a reason not to act. However, while estimates for how much the green transition will cost are indeed high, these numbers are dwarfed by the increased social and economic costs that we will incur if we continue with business as usual. In this episode, James and Daisy explore the financial “cost” of climate action. What are the costs of acting on climate change? What are the costs of not acting? Is it detriment...2024-09-1044 minFossil vs FutureWHAT ABOUT NUCLEAR? A low-carbon energy source or a threat to our safety?Nuclear energy holds great potential to contribute to power sector decarbonisation. It is a carbon-free and extremely energy dense resource that produces no air pollution. However, it comes with significant drawbacks: not only is nuclear energy very expensive, but the byproduct is radioactive material that can be extremely toxic and is long-lasting, leading to safety fears. In this episode, James and Daisy discuss the benefits and challenges of nuclear energy, one of the most contentious topics within the environmental movement. What exactly is nuclear energy? What role should nuclear power play in the transition t...2024-08-2738 minFossil vs FutureWHAT ABOUT CRITICAL MINERALS? A necessity for clean energy technologies or a harmful new dependency?Nearly every aspect of our lives depends on minerals. From mobile phones and cars to medical devices and laptops, these essential elements are everywhere. The transition from fossil fuels to clean energy hinges on critical minerals. However, their mining and processing can lead to significant environmental and social challenges.In this episode, James and Daisy explore the complex issues surrounding the supply of critical minerals. Can we bridge the gap between supply and demand? How can we navigate the escalating geopolitical tensions? Can we trust the mining companies? SOME RECOMMENDATIONS:Toxic Cost of Going G...2024-08-1341 minFossil vs FutureWHAT ABOUT CHINA? The largest emitter of greenhouse gases or the driver of the green transition?China is often called out for its excessive contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, predominantly due to its huge reliance on coal power. However, at the same time it is the world leader in renewable energy generation and has a rapidly expanding electric vehicle industry. In this episode, James and Daisy discuss China’s centrality to global climate action. Is China slowing down its use of fossil fuels? Should we be concerned about our high dependence on China for minerals and other resources? What can we learn from China’s approach to transition? ...2024-07-3037 minFossil vs FutureWHAT ABOUT FOSSIL FUELS? An Important Essential Energy Source or a Dangerous Threat to Our Planet?Fossil fuels—coal, oil, and natural gas—have been a dependable and efficient energy source for over a century. However, their combustion releases greenhouse gases, making fossil fuel emissions the primary driver of climate change. Reducing fossil fuel consumption is imperative to mitigate global warming.In this episode, hosts James and Daisy delve into the contentious debate surrounding fossil fuels. Are fossil fuels essential for meeting current and future global energy needs? How might we transition away from our reliance on fossil fuels? Should fossil fuel companies play a role in our green future?SOME RECO...2024-07-1649 minFossil vs FutureIntroducing an Intergenerational Conversation on Climate Change ChallengesWelcome to the first episode of Fossil vs Future! Join hosts Daisy and James as they introduce themselves and their backgrounds in the climate movement, and discuss the importance of intergenerational dialogue as a tool for driving meaningful change in the face of climate challenges.KEY ADVOCATES AND RESOURCES HIGHLIGHTED IN THIS EPISODE:Daisy shared a compelling statistic from the International Energy Agency (IEA) (2022): “Children born today will emit 10 times less carbon during their lifetimes than their grandparents if the world achieves the goal of reducing global emissions to net zero by 2050.”Read more...2024-07-1644 min