How to Halve Emissions by 2030

·30 min·2 clips

Tom Heap imagines a world where we've halved global greenhouse gas emissions in just nine years.

The episode opens with host Tom Heap setting the high-stakes scenario: halving global emissions by 2030 to limit warming to 1.5 degrees, a central challenge for COP26 in Glasgow. He introduces Nigel Topping, the high-level climate action champion for COP26, who explains the importance of this conference as the first test of the Paris Agreement's five-year ratchet mechanism. Topping notes that 70% of the global economy is now committed to reducing emissions by 50%, but emphasizes the need for short-term action in the next five to ten years. He describes the 'ambition loop' where business and city actions influence policy and vice versa. The episode then features three expert segments. First, Dr. Angela Wilkinson, CEO of the World Energy Council, discusses the energy transition, predicting widespread wind and solar by 2030 and the potential for clean hydrogen to reach 2% of the global energy mix. She argues that engaging with fossil fuel companies, rather than excluding them, is necessary for a whole-of-society approach, citing examples like floating offshore wind projects. Second, Dr. Stephen Cornelius, chief advisor on climate change for WWF UK, focuses on land use, which accounts for nearly a quarter of emissions. He outlines a plan to protect existing carbon stores like forests, restore degraded peatlands, improve agricultural practices, and plant new trees. He highlights the fragility of deforestation efforts in Brazil and the role of market demand and international funding mechanisms like REDD+. Third, Rhiann-Marie Thomas, CEO of the Green Finance Institute, explains the financial sector's role, noting the need for trillions in investment and a shift in capital flows. She predicts that by 2030, pensions will default to ESG alignment and fossil fuel projects will face higher borrowing costs. She discusses challenges in financing projects in developing countries and references the Dasgupta Review on valuing natural capital. Topping returns to discuss policy certainty, such as end dates for combustion engines, and the role of citizens as both voters and consumers in driving change. He expresses optimism about rapid technological and behavioral shifts but stresses the need for continued effort. The episode concludes with a reminder that success at COP26 requires global cooperation and action across all sectors.

As heard by us

A sober climate-policy conversation that weighs the 2030 target against the broader mix of solutions it may require.

This climate-policy episode takes a hard look at whether the world can halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. It treats the target as a systems problem, tracing the pace of industrial, political, and behavioral change and the wider mix of solutions needed to reach climate…

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You want the straight argument for how 2030 emissions cuts might still happen.

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