In this new episode of How Could We? recorded in the streets of Baku during COP29, Anne-Sophie Garrigou interviewed Rich Wilson, CEO of the Iswe Foundation, about the state of our democracies today and the role of citizen assemblies in making our democracies stronger.

In this episode, Rich says that we are at a pivotal moment for democracies today. Despite growing public demand for action, our governments and democratic systems are struggling to effectively address the climate crisis.

Rich discusses how citizen assemblies can help strengthen democracies by building agency for citizens, fostering learning, and being grounded in principles of solidarity and inclusion. The challenge, however, is in scaling them.

One of Iswe Foundation’s projects is to create a global, permanent citizen assembly to bring to COP30 in Brazil. Their goal is to support a new form of democracy and governance that can help address the climate crisis, by empowering citizens to drive change within their communities.

Visit the Iswe Foundation website to learn more: Iswe

Visit the Global Citizen Assembly website: Address the climate and ecological crisis | Global Assembly

Visit ⁠climate-kic.org⁠, and reach out to us at media@climate-kic.org with any questions.

This episode was presented and produced by ⁠Anne-Sophie Garrigou⁠.

In this new episode of How Could We?, Anne-Sophie Garrigou interviews Megan Rowling, editor of Climate Home News, to discuss the main objectives and challenges of COP29.

With years of experience covering international climate negotiations, Megan unpacks what’s at stake at this year's conference in Azerbaijan. From the urgent need for a new climate finance goal to support developing countries, to the implications of a potential U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, this conversation highlights key challenges and anticipated outcomes.

Megan explains why, despite criticisms, the COP process remains crucial in mitigating global climate risks, preventing what could otherwise be “runaway climate change.” She shares insights on the obstacles to securing sufficient climate finance, especially in light of geopolitical tensions and pressures on both wealthy and emerging economies to contribute.

They also discuss topics expected to dominate media headlines, like the global transition from fossil fuels and the evolving dynamics in climate finance governance.

This episode sheds light on the pressing issues shaping COP29 and why the decisions made here will affect climate action worldwide.

For updates from the COP29, follow Climate Home News’ reporting on their website, subscribe to their newsletter and visit the Climate Home News Whatsapp channel.

Visit climate-kic.org, and reach out to us at media@climate-kic.org with any questions.

This episode was presented and produced by Anne-Sophie Garrigou.

In this episode of How Could We?, Daniel Zimmer from ⁠EIT Climate-KIC⁠ joins us just after returning from COP16, the UN’s Biodiversity Summit hosted by Colombia.

In this conversation, we explore the challenges faced by indigenous communities, who manage 80% of the world’s biodiversity but are increasingly threatened by deforestation and land degradation.

Daniel shares insights on the pressing need for finance—estimated at $700 billion by 2030—and the critical importance of ensuring that this funding reaches local levels, where it can have a meaningful impact.

We also discuss the tension between agricultural expansion - driven by rising demand for meat and land and biodiversity conservation.

Additionally, we explore the role of value chains and the necessity of reconnecting local producers with the benefits derived from their resources.

This episode shows the connection between finance, local communities, agricultural practices, and biodiversity, highlighting the need for integrated approaches to tackle these challenges effectively.

Join the Climate-KIC Community: https://www.climate-kic.org/sign-up-now/

Visit ⁠climate-kic.org⁠ to learn more and contact us at ⁠media@climate-kic.org⁠ if you have any questions.

This episode was presented and produced by Anne-Sophie Garrigou.