Episode 330 COP30 is nearly upon us - and this climate conference may be the most crucial so far. In a year where we’ve seen the first major global tipping point reached, destructive wildfires raging in Los Angeles and much more, joint action has never been more urgent. But as hope starts to wane and climate goals continue to be missed, many are questioning the value of the COPs. Even legendary figure Christiana Figueres is showing signs of doubt. So 10 years on from Paris, in a year that countries are meant to come back with renewed, more ambitious pledges - will their commitments be enough? In a special COP30 episode of the podcast, we’re joined by Simon Evans, climate journalist and deputy editor of the website Carbon Brief, as well as Rupert Read, climate philosopher, activist and director of the Climate Majority Project. Together they outline what has actually been achieved since the Paris agreement was signed - and whether the COP process is fit for purpose. They discuss the growing need for adaptation, and disagree on the failure of mitigation goals. And they touch on America’s absence from the conference, promises of raising climate finance goals, the problem with net-zero and more. Hosted by Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet.To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.