In a world-first, the International Court of Justice is preparing to deliver an advisory opinion on climate change and human rights - all thanks to a youth-led campaign that began thousands of miles from The Hague, in the Pacific Islands.

This week, we look inside that extraordinary campaign, and hear the story of Cynthia Houniuhi, who - as a young law student from the Solomon Islands - helped launch the movement that would ultimately unite over 130 countries behind a single goal. Now, six years after this idea began in a law classroom, the world’s highest court is set to weigh in on the responsibility of states to protect current and future generations from climate harm.

Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac, and Paul Dickinson reflect on the power of legal activism, the role of youth leadership, and what this landmark case could mean for the future of international climate law.

Learn more

⚖️ Read more information about the ICJ climate case on the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change website

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Producer: Ben Weaver-Hincks

Video Producer: Caitlin Hanrahan

Assistant Producer: Caillin McDaid

Exec Producer: Ellie Clifford

Commissioning Editor: Sarah Thomas

This is a Persephonica production for Global Optimism and is part of the Acast Creator Network.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scientists warn that the world could breach its 1.5°C emissions limit within just 2-3 years. It’s a scary thought, but across the globe, many are grappling with an even more immediate and visceral reality: the climate crisis is already a health crisis.

From deadly heatwaves to worsening air pollution and climate-related trauma, the health impacts of climate change are escalating. In this episode, Christiana Figueres and Paul Dickinson explore how growing awareness of these challenges is beginning to reframe the conversation, and ask whether this could be the narrative that finally drives faster, more inclusive climate action.

Christiana is joined by former Australian Prime Minister and Chair of the Wellcome Trust, Julia Gillard, who makes the case for why health must become central to climate communication - and why we should be talking about “lives lost”, rather than simply degrees gained.

Meanwhile, Tom Rivett-Carnac drops in from the launch of London Climate Action Week 2025, where health is rapidly emerging as a defining lens.

Learn more

🌡️ See what the Wellcome Trust is doing at the intersection of climate and health

🩺 Read all about the speakers and events at the Conduit’s Climate and The Future of Health, supported by the Wellcome Trust and held on the first day of LCAW

📅 Browse the full London Climate Action Week events listings, featuring over 500 events across London and online

🎤 Leave us your voice notes and questions for upcoming episodes on SpeakPipe

Follow us on social media for behind the scenes moments and to watch our videos:

Instagram @outrageoptimism

LinkedIn @outrageoptimism

Or get in touch with us via this form.

Producer: Ben Weaver-Hincks

Video Producer: Caitlin Hanrahan

Assistant Producer: Caillin McDaid

Exec Producer: Ellie Clifford

Commissioning Editor: Sarah Thomas

This is a Persephonica production for Global Optimism and is part of the Acast Creator Network.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.