S01E35 - Tax me if you can? The value of carbon taxes!
Carbon taxes are one of the most talked-about tools in tackling climate change. By putting a price on emissions, they aim to fix a market failure: the true costs of climate damage aren’t built into the price of fossil fuels. But how far can this tool really take us?This episode gives a Carbon Tax 101—what it is, why economists like its simplicity, and how it can cut emissions. We also look at the challenges, from fairness concerns to whether pricing alone can drive the big shifts we need.Join David Carlin and Simon Messenger as they explore the promise and pitfalls of carbon taxes, and ask: is this the solution, or just one piece of a bigger puzzle?
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S01E34 - Net Zero: Powering a Better Future?
What does the push to Net Zero really mean for your wallet, for government policy, and for the future of energy? This week, we break down the forces driving energy prices—from fossil fuel dependence to the real costs of renewables—and explore how decarbonization could deliver cheaper, more secure, and more reliable power.Whether it’s families deciding if they can afford to heat their homes, or industries struggling to stay competitive, energy prices shape everyday choices and national priorities alike. So how can policymakers balance volatility with the promise of a cleaner future?Come join David Carlin (only!) on this week’s episode of The Big Questions.
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S01E33 - Ship Happens: what's next for shipping?
International shipping is the engine of the global economy, moving over 80% of our goods. However, this essential industry operates as a climate blind spot. Its emissions are so vast they would rank as the world's fifth-largest country (!), but they were intentionally excluded from the Paris Agreement. What's the impact of this?Last week too, the IMO finally reached a major new climate agreement, but the policy is already facing significant political challenges (notably from the US). Join Simon Messenger and David Carlin as they discuss the emissions, the political turmoil, and the high-stakes future of the shipping industry in this episode.
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S01E32 - Hot Property, Cold Reality ? Guest Interview - Ivan Frishberg
In this episode, we dive into how climate change is transforming the U.S. housing market (and wider economy) —and what it means when properties become uninsurable and markets destabilize.Join hosts David Carlin and Simon Messenger for a powerful conversation with Ivan Frishberg, Chief Sustainability Officer at Amalgamated Bank and one of the leading voices on climate and finance. While the focus of our conversation is on the U.S., the implications will be global. Ivan shares sharp, forward-thinking insights on what needs to change, where finance is falling short, and how popular movements might hold the key to building resilience. If you care about climate, housing, or the future of the economy, this is one you won’t want to miss.
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S01E31 - From Baby Boom to Carbon Bust? The impact of a population decline
As birth rates fall and populations shrink, could this be the unexpected solution to climate change? Fewer people might mean fewer emissions—but the reality is more complicated. The environmental impact may be smaller than you'd think. So why doesn’t the math add up?Meanwhile, ageing populations are set to reshape societies. Countries like Japan and South Korea are already feeling the pressure. Will the value of migrants skyrocket? Will AI and robots fill the workforce gap? Join Simon Messenger and David Carlin as they unpack what a shrinking population really means for our planet, our economies, and our future.
Welcome to the The Big Questions, a podcast hosted by Simon Messenger and David Carlin delving into the policies, ideas, and technologies that will shape our future.
Is there any hope in our fight again climate change? Will geoengineering save us? Is the world big enough? Are we doomed?
Ever asked yourself some big questions about climate change? We bring experts. And we bring answers, in a digestible format..
Join us for conversations that matter, insights that inspire, and solutions that could change everything.
It’s time to rethink the future.
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