Start searching for podcasts to advance your language learning skills


Podcasts



#242 | COP29 and G20: THE FUTURE IS NOW

Duration: 0:25:31.354708

In this commentary, Rita Lisauskas discusses two significant events taking place in November: the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, and the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The G20 countries, which account for 80% of the global economy and greenhouse gas emissions, will focus on climate change and energy transition during their discussions. The urgency of addressing climate change is emphasized as the impacts are becoming increasingly apparent worldwide. Key speakers in the discussion include Annelise Vendramini, a researcher and professor at the FGV Center for Sustainability Studies, and Mario Mantovani, an environmentalist from the National Association of Municipalities and Environment. They highlight the critical role of financing in combating climate change, particularly for developing countries that lack the resources to address this urgent issue. Mantovani stresses that without funding, it is impossible for these nations, especially those historically categorized as Annex II (developing countries), to deal with the climate crisis effectively. The conversation also covers the need for new financial mechanisms to support climate initiatives, with a significant emphasis on public and private funding. Currently, there is approximately $1.3 trillion earmarked for climate issues, but experts estimate that $11-12 trillion will be needed by 2030. The speakers discuss various funding sources, including banks, private sector investments, and public budgets, which must adopt a climate lens to ensure adequate allocation of resources. The Brazilian government's efforts and challenges are also under scrutiny, particularly regarding its commitments to reducing deforestation and transitioning to sustainable practices. Despite having ambitious environmental targets, Brazil faces difficulties in attracting necessary funding due to a lack of concrete actions and governance issues. The commentary stresses the importance of accountability and stable political conditions to secure climate finance effectively. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts and substantial financial resources to combat climate change and adapt to its effects, particularly in vulnerable regions.

Language: Brazilian Portuguese
Topics: Climate changeClimate Action at COP 29 and G20Financing Challenges for Climate Solutions

Record heatwave: the facts that marked the year 2024

Duration: 0:06:49.330113

In a segment on CBN Radio, Marco Bravo discusses key environmental and sustainability issues that emerged in 2024. He highlights several pressing problems: 1. **Record Heat Waves**: The planet experienced its highest recorded temperatures, particularly in Europe, exceeding 50 degrees Celsius. This impacted agriculture, public health, and biodiversity, prompting a call for communities to prepare for extreme temperatures. 2. **Deforestation in the Amazon**: Unfortunately, deforestation rates increased by 15% from the previous year, with wildfires affecting areas as large as the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The Amazon's significance in regulating climate and rainfall in Latin America is underscored. 3. **Plastic Pollution**: A staggering 12 million tons of plastic were dumped into oceans, contributing to the pervasive microplastic contamination affecting marine life and humans, leading to health concerns. 4. **Water Crisis**: Major cities like Jakarta faced severe water shortages, and Brazil experienced its worst drought on record, highlighting the need for responsible water consumption. 5. **Extreme Weather Events**: The year was marked by intense hurricanes, floods, and droughts, stressing the complexity of climate events and the importance of international policies. Bravo also references the COP29 discussions, which aimed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. As temperatures have already reached this threshold, the focus shifts to supporting developing nations facing climate-related losses. He encourages reflection on advancements in green technology, such as electric vehicles and renewable energy sources, and emphasizes the importance of conservation and biodiversity efforts in Brasil and the EU. Moreover, Bravo promotes the idea of reducing single-use plastics and adopting reusable items, as well as fostering grassroots movements and environmental education led by youth. In conclusion, he urges listeners to consider how they can contribute positively to addressing these challenges as 2024 comes to an end.

Language: Brazilian Portuguese
Topics: Environmental ChallengesClimate Change and COP29

2024 is the hottest year ever seen on Earth; understand

Duration: 0:13:04.082416

In a recent discussion on CBN Radio, Marco Bravo addressed the alarming forecast that 2024 is expected to be the hottest year on record. This assertion is backed by data from the Copernicus Institute, which indicates a global temperature rise of 1.5 degrees Celsius. Bravo emphasized the serious repercussions of climate change, arising primarily from industrialization and the resultant increase in carbon emissions due to fossil fuel consumption, deforestation, and other human activities. He outlined the implications of this temperature rise, highlighting that it leads to more extreme weather patterns, including torrential rains in some regions and droughts in others. Bravo noted that this altered climate affects critical ecological systems, such as the Amazon rainforest, whose plants play a key role in the global carbon cycle and agriculture. Additionally, he discussed the dangers of thawing permafrost in the Arctic, which could release significant amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. He warned about the devastating impact of deforestation and urban expansion without proper planning, suggesting that Brazil does not need to clear more land to increase agricultural productivity. Bravo also mentioned Brazil's potential in renewable energy sources and the importance of restoring degraded land to mitigate climate change. He concluded by highlighting recent extreme weather events in Brazil as a reflection of climate change’s reality, urging the need for awareness and concrete actions to address these pressing issues.

Language: Brazilian Portuguese
Topics: Climate changeRising Global TemperaturesDeforestation, Renewable Energy, and Mitigation Strategies

Environment is the Means #18: Fragmented climate agenda could bring even more impacts to the environment

Duration: 0:28:16.156735

The radio program "Ambiente" aired by Rádio USP features a conversation with Olivia Ainbinder, a lawyer specializing in climate change and environmental law. Olivia discusses her journey into politics, her experience working with the Instituto Talanoa, and their project "Política por Inteiro," which monitors environmental policies and climate change using artificial intelligence to analyze government actions. She mentions her previous roles in various organizations and her founding of an initiative focused on climate change law. The conversation shifts to the challenges in Brazilian environmental policy, highlighting the fragmented nature of climate change agendas among legislators. Olivia points out that although there are groups like the Parliamentary Front for Environmentalists, a cohesive "climate caucus" is lacking. She notes that climate issues are often overshadowed by competing priorities in Congress, such as health and education, which complicates the legislative process. Olivia emphasizes the urgency of addressing climate change, referencing a recent report from the IPCC warning that the world is approaching unacceptable warming levels. The discussion wraps up with Olivia advocating for increased awareness and action in the legislative sphere, stressing the importance of monitoring both executive and legislative actions to safeguard environmental policies.

Language: Brazilian Portuguese
Topics: AI in Climate Change Monitoring: "Política por Inteiro" ProjectChallenges in Brazilian Environmental Policy and Legislative Action