The Climate Pivot

Hosted by Ben Weaver-Hincks

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Mar 2024

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About the show

A podcast for people working to change the world More people care about the climate than ever before. But we all know that recycling or reducing our carbon footprint alone won't cut it when it comes to tackling the challenges ahead. That’s why it's no surprise that an increasing number of people are looking to pivot their careers towards climate action. But this isn’t easy: navigating this complex and fast-evolving field can be daunting, especially if you don’t have a climate science or engineering background. Many of us simply don’t know where to start or how to use our skills to have an impact. So, in this series, host Ben Weaver-Hincks will speak to guests who have made or are making their own climate pivots. From artists and academics, to business owners and legal experts, each episode will uncover inspiring stories of individuals who are transitioning their careers to tackle the climate crisis in their own way. Join us as we explore the diverse pathways and possibilities for creating positive change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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9 recent

March 5, 202443 min

Chris Broadbent - Sustainable Sport Expert and Founder

In this episode, I talk with sustainable sport expert and founder, Chris Broadbent. Chris’s career in sport has seen him work at every level, from local youth organisations to the Olympic and Commonwealth Games. Following a background in sports marketing and communication, he realised the need for more sustainable sporting events, and established Planet Earth Games.More about Chris and his work:Planet Earth GamesChris’s LinkedInHis Twitter If you’d like to support The Climate Pivot, please consider making a contribution (https://ko-fi.com/benwh) or get in touch at theclimatepivot@benweaverhincks.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

January 29, 202445 min

Lâle Davidson - Author and Professor of Writing

In this episode, I talk with writer, storyteller and professor Lâle Davidson. Her second novel Against The Grain is described as an environmental thriller with a mystical twist, and takes place against the backdrop of the Redwood Summer of 1990, when activists took extraordinary steps to protect California’s old-growth redwoods.More about Lâle and her work:Lâle’s websiteHer InstagramAgainst The Grain on Red Penguin Books If you’d like to support The Climate Pivot, please consider making a contribution (https://ko-fi.com/benwh) or get in touch at theclimatepivot@benweaverhincks.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

November 30, 202347 min

Matthieu Mehuys - Landscape Architect

In this episode, I talk with landscape architect Matthieu Mehuys. Raised on his family’s farm, Matthieu has carried a lifelong fascination for how nature works. And after pivoting from a job he found unfulfilling, he now runs a landscape design business, while empowering others to transform their outdoor spaces using a nature-centric approach.More about Matthieu and his work:Matthieu’s InstagramHis LinkedInHis TikTok:His company, Paulownia Landscape ArchitectsPaulownia’s InstagramHis advice and support for those creating gardensHis book website If you’d like to support The Climate Pivot, please consider making a contribution or get in touch at theclimatepivot@benweaverhincks.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 19, 202352 min

Laura Hartley - Coach and Activist

In this episode, I talk with coach and activist Laura Hartley. Combining her passions for asking good questions and climate activism, Laura founded her school for changemakers, Public Love Enterprises. Through her courses and coaching, she helps people to unlearn and dismantle systems that inhibit our thriving, while working towards a more just, regenerative and loving world.More about Laura and her work:Laura’s websiteHer LinkedInHer InstagramHer Facebook pageLinks to topics and people discussed and further reading:Rob Hopkins, writer and Transition co-founderMark Fisher’s Capitalist Realism, which draws on the quote that ‘it is easier to imagine an end to the world than an end to capitalism’ (attributed to both Slavoj Žižek and Fredric Jameson)Kelly Diels, thinker, teacher and coach for culture makersElla Saltmarshe, co-founder of the Long Time ProjectPhoebe Tickell, biologist and systems thinkerTwo books that Laura recommends – How to Be Alive: A Guide to the Kind of Happiness That Helps the World by Colin Beavan and Active Hope: How To Face The Mess We’re In Without Going Crazy by Joanna MacyIf you’d like to support The Climate Pivot, please consider making a contribution or get in touch at theclimatepivot@benweaverhincks.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 21, 202354 min

Harriet Rix - Tree Science Consultant and Writer

In this episode, I talk with tree science consultant and writer Harriet Rix. Harriet’s diverse career has taken her from the biochemistry lab, to landmine clearance efforts in Iraq, to advocating for Britain's treescape. Her first book, Earth, Wind and Fire: How Trees Mastered the Elements and Conquered the World, will be published in summer 2025.More about Harriet and her work:Harriet’s TwitterHer LinkedInHer InstagramHer author page at Pew Literary AgencyNews about her upcoming bookJust some of her writing in the LRB, the TLS, and The FenceLinks to topics discussed:The Tree CouncilMore about Ash DiebackHasar Climate Action Organization, of which Harriet is a TrusteeIf you’d like to support The Climate Pivot, please consider making a contribution (https://ko-fi.com/benwh) or get in touch at theclimatepivot@benweaverhincks.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 7, 202356 min

Vedantha Kumar - Climate Philanthropy

In this episode, I talk with Vedantha Kumar. Following a degree in philosophy, several years in the UK civil service, and a law conversion, Vedantha now works in the third sector. Based at the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, he manages a portfolio of grants to address climate change. For our conversation, he is speaking in a personal capacityMore about Vedantha:Vedantha’s LinkedInLinks to further reading and viewing:An explanation of IkigaiLoretta J. Ross’s TED Talk: ‘Don’t call people out – call them in’The research of Kris De MeyerThis foreword, which Vedantha was recently inspired byIf you’d like to support The Climate Pivot, please consider making a contribution or get in touch at theclimatepivot@benweaverhincks.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 24, 202357 min

Emily Swaddle - Podcaster, Coach, Nature Connection Facilitator

In this episode, I talk with Emily Swaddle. She’s a freelance podcaster, coach, storyteller, nature connection facilitator, and more besides. Among other projects, she also works with me as part of the team that puts together Apple chart-topping podcast The Carbon Removal Show. Much of Emily’s work deals with the question of how to communicate climate issues to different audiences, as well as how we can all better connect with the wild.More about Emily and her work:Emily’s websiteHer LinkedInThe Carbon Removal ShowHappy Porch Radio: The Circular Economy Technology PodcastLinks to topics discussed:The Green Office MovementIf you’d like to support The Climate Pivot, please consider making a contribution or get in touch at theclimatepivot@benweaverhincks.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 10, 202353 min

Elphège Barthe - Visual Designer

In this episode, I talk with Elphège Barthe. He’s a senior visual designer, based at strategic design firm Designit, and he’s worked with globally-recognised clients across a range of different industries. Recently, he’s been focusing on ethical and environmentally responsible projects, and acting as an advocate for these values in both his professional and personal life.We talk about Elphège’s career journey, his personal climate awakening, and the complex relationship between individual, collective and corporate responsibility. I found his whole approach to improving his climate impact really unique and inspiring, and I think his story is a perfect illustration of why we need people of all working backgrounds to take on this challenge. More about Elphège:Elphège’s websiteHis LinkedInHis InstagramThis recent post about slow travelLinks to topics and resources discussed:Shame Plane – emissions estimates for flightsThe Palau PledgeIf you’d like to support The Climate Pivot, please consider making a contribution or get in touch at theclimatepivot@benweaverhincks.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

June 16, 20231 min