Podcast
The Rest is Climate Podcast
Hosted by Nick Simpson · EN
Cutting edge climate change science from the Climate Risk Lab
15episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
An Ambitious Global Goal on Adaptation for Heritage
Apr 2200:12:58Tap to summarizeThis Rest is Climate Podcast discusses the formal adoption of the Belém Adaptation Indicators at COP30, which establish a framework for protecting global cultural heritage from climate change. This initiative aims to operationalise the Global Goal on Adaptation by creating measurable targets for preserving both physical sites and intangible traditions. The authors advocate for an ambitious approach that integrates Indigenous and local knowledge while avoiding excessive administrative burdens by aligning with existing UNESCO inventories. They highlight critical gaps, such as the need for better climate-resilient infrastructure reporting and improved access to adaptation finance for heritage custodians. Ultimately, the sources reposition heritage not just as a vulnerable asset, but as a dynamic driver of social resilience and sustainable development. Progress is measured through a mix of quantitative metrics and narrative-based assessments to capture the complex, relational value of cultural continuity. The podcast is based on the recent article from the Climate Risk Lab published in npj Climate Action, 'An Ambitious Global Goal on Adaptation for Heritage', https://doi.org/10.1038/s44168-026-00379-x
Transcribe →The effects of extreme heat on educational outcomes for children in low- and middle-income countries
Apr 2000:21:27Tap to summarizeThis Rest is Climate podcast discusses how extreme heat negatively affects educational outcomes for children in low- and middle-income countries. The research highlights that rising temperatures disrupt learning through direct physiological and cognitive stress, while also indirectly hindering school access by damaging agricultural livelihoods and household income. While the evidence consistently shows that heat diminishes performance in mathematics and verbal tests, results for high-stakes university exams remain mixed due to varying levels of student preparedness. Beyond academic scores, the studies indicate that prolonged heat exposure can lead to increased absenteeism and lower school completion rates. Mediating factors like gender, socio-economic status, and classroom infrastructure further complicate these impacts, suggesting that vulnerable populations face the greatest risks. Ultimately, the authors advocate for climate-resilient school infrastructure and social safety nets to protect the educational progress of children in warming climates. This Rest is Climate podcast draw on the recently published article from the Climate Risk Lab in Environmental Research Communications, "The potential effects of heat extremes on educational outcomes of children in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review", https://doi.org/10.1088/25157620/ae6037
Transcribe →评估气候变化对中国世界文化遗产的风险
Apr 1600:21:32Tap to summarize这项由气候风险实验室和中国研究人员共同开展的研究，对中国39处世界文化遗产进行了全面的气候风险评估，涵盖148处具体遗址及其保护缓冲区。该研究结合专家见解和未来气候预测，揭示了到21世纪末，几乎所有被评估的遗址都将面临中度至极度风险，原因是气温上升和降水强度增加。数据尤其凸显了古代建筑结构的脆弱性，例如五台山，它们极易受到极端降雨和冻融循环的影响而发生物质退化。除了这些标志性地标之外，作者还强调，数以千计鲜为人知的遗产遗址仍未得到保护，记录不足，面临着全球变暖带来的更大威胁。因此，该研究呼吁迫切需要从被动保护转向积极的适应策略，包括采用基于自然的解决方案和建立数字化清单。这种系统性的筛选是优先分配保护资源、确保中国丰富文化遗产长期传承的重要工具。 本期“气候影响下的遗产保护”播客重点介绍了Lei等人于2026年发表在《npj Heritage Science》上的研究成果：《中国世界文化遗产地的气候风险评估》（https://doi.org/10.1038/s40494-026-02512-9
Transcribe →Assessing Climate Risks to China’s Cultural World Heritage
Apr 1600:26:09Tap to summarizeThis research from the Climate Risk Lab and researchers in China provides a comprehensive climate risk assessment for 39 of China’s Cultural World Heritage properties, encompassing 148 specific sites and their protective buffer zones. By integrating expert insights with future climate projections, the study reveals that nearly all examined locations will face moderate to extreme risk by the late 21st century due to rising temperatures and intensified precipitation. The data specifically highlight the vulnerability of Ancient Architectural Structures, such as Mount Wutai, which are particularly susceptible to material degradation from extreme rainfall and freeze-thaw cycles. Beyond these flagship landmarks, the authors emphasise that thousands of lesser-known heritage sites remain unprotected and under-documented, facing even greater peril from a warming world. Consequently, the text advocates for an urgent shift from passive preservation to active adaptation strategies, including the use of nature-based solutions and digital inventories. This systematic screening serves as a vital tool for prioritising conservation resources to ensure the long-term survival of China’s extensive cultural legacy. This Rest is Climate Podcast highlights the findings of Lei et al., 2026. Climate risk assessment of Cultural World Heritage Sites in China, npj Heritage Science, https://doi.org/10.1038/s40494-026-02512-9
Transcribe →Learning from the Global Adaptation Mapping Initiative for Future Evidence Synthesis
Apr 1400:01:37Tap to summarizeThe Global Adaptation Mapping Initiative (GAMI) serves as a pioneering framework for synthesising worldwide climate change adaptation data, originally established to support major international assessments like the IPCC 6th Assessment Report. Through a reflective survey of 59 participating researchers, this source evaluates the project's impact, reliability, and procedural feasibility, noting significant success in community-building and policy influence. The analysis highlights a critical trade-off between broad global coverage and local contextual depth, while also identifying geographic and linguistic biases inherent in relying solely on English-language academic journals. To address these limitations, the authors recommend integrating grey literature and diverse knowledge systems to ensure a more equitable representation of adaptation efforts. Furthermore, the source advocates for the strategic adoption of machine learning and natural language processing to manage the expanding volume of climate research through hybrid human-AI workflows. Ultimately, these findings provide a foundational roadmap for "GAMI 2.0," aiming to create a more inclusive, real-time evidence base for global climate policy. This podcast draws on the recently article published in the Nature family journal Communications Sustainability, 'Ways forward for global adaptation evidence synthesis building on the global adaptation mapping initiative', https://doi.org/10.1038/s44458-026-00071-5
Transcribe →Critical science for the next decade of climate risk management
Dec 500:15:17Tap to summarizeThis podcast highlights the necessity of advancing the science and practice of climate risk management (CRM) in response to escalating global climate risks and insufficient current adaptation efforts. Extreme weather and "new climate normals" demonstrate the inadequacy of traditional responses, forcing a critical reflection on how CRM has evolved since its origins in the late 1990s. To prepare for the coming decade, the authors encourage research addressing several interrelated frontiers, including improvements in adaptation decision support and finance, which currently suffers from a significant funding gap. Further crucial research areas include examining the connections between climate change and human and national security, as well as the responsible application of emerging technologies and innovation like artificial intelligence. Finally, the authors stress the need to focus on equitable adaptation and justice to avoid reinforcing existing social inequalities, alongside rigorous evaluation and learning mechanisms to sustain effective, long-term change. The podcast is based on research from the Climate Risk Lab: Critical science for the next decade of climate risk management, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crm.2025.100770
Transcribe →Suid-Afrika se Tweede Nasionaal Bepaalde Bydrae, 2025
Nov 500:19:01Tap to summarizeHierdie Rest is Climate-podsending dek Suid-Afrika se Tweede Nasionaal Bepaalde Bydrae (NDC), 'n formele dokument wat in Oktober 2025 ingevolge die Paryse Ooreenkoms gekommunikeer is. Hierdie Suid-Afrika se NDC skets die land se verbintenisse rakende versagting, aanpassing en ondersteuning vir die tydperk 2031-2035, wat die vordering vanaf sy eerste NDC demonstreer. Sleutelkomponente sluit in 'n versagtingsteikenreeks vir 2035 (320-380 Mt CO2-ekwivalent) en 'n Regverdige Oorgang na netto nul CO2-uitlatings teen 2050. Dit gee ook besonderhede oor agt nasionale aanpassingsdoelwitte met gepaardgaande finansieringsbehoeftes (ZAR 250 miljard vir aanpassing tussen 2026-2035) en wy 'n afdeling aan die aanspreek van verlies en skade as gevolg van toenemende klimaatsimpakte. Die NDC raam sy benadering op grond van billikheid, nasionale omstandighede en die behoefte aan beduidende internasionale klimaatsfinansiering om sy ambisieuse doelwitte te bereik. Die bespreking is gebaseer op navorsing gelei deur die Climate Risk Lab wat die tegniese grondslag gelê het vir en die opstel van Suid-Afrika se Tweede Nasionaal Bepaalde Bydrae kragtens die Paryse Ooreenkoms, https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/2025-10/South%20Africa%27s%20second%20Nationally%20Determined%20Contribution_2025.pdf#page=2.08
Transcribe →South Africa's Second Nationally Determined Contribution, 2025
Nov 500:13:38Tap to summarizeThis Rest is Climate podcast covers South Africa’s Second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), a formal document communicated in October 2025 under the Paris Agreement. This South Africa’s NDC outlines the country’s commitments regarding mitigation, adaptation, and support for the period 2031-2035, demonstrating progression from its first NDC. Key components include a mitigation target range for 2035 (320-380 Mt CO2-eq) and a Just Transition to net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. It also details eight national adaptation goals with associated finance needs (ZAR 250 billion for adaptation between 2026–2035) and dedicates a section to addressing loss and damage from increasing climate impacts. The NDC frames its approach based on equity, national circumstances, and the need for significant international climate finance to achieve its ambitious goals. The discussion is based on research led by the Climate Risk Lab that laid the technical foundation for and drafting of South Africa’s Second Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement, https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/2025-10/South%20Africa%27s%20second%20Nationally%20Determined%20Contribution_2025.pdf#page=2.08
Transcribe →Securing structural economic transformation in a climate-changed world
Sep 1000:20:52Tap to summarizeThis podcast highlights how both the impacts of climate change and our responses to climate change affect climate change risk of structural economic transformation. examines Structural Economic Transformation (SET) in a world impacted by climate change, asserting its continued importance for poverty reduction and resilience. It highlights how climate change necessitates adaptations in development strategies, from diversifying production away from vulnerable sectors to capitalising on green economy opportunities, which are also influenced by geopolitics. The authors investigate how climate change and global responses affect national SET efforts and cross-border economic transformation, using case studies from Ethiopia, Jamaica, Kenya, Bangladesh, and Kazakhstan to illustrate diverse national experiences. The paper identifies a "green squeeze" through trade and finance policies by major industrial powers, but also proposes a "green ease" through reformed trade measures, R&D in green technologies, and supportive financial systems. Ultimately, it argues that advancing SET, alongside climate adaptation, is critical for all countries, with existing development initiatives now also serving to build climate resilience and competitiveness in a low-carbon economy. It is based on work from ODI Global and the Climate Risk Lab: Securing structural economic transformation in a climate-changed world. ODI Global Working paper. London: ODI Global, www.odi.org/publications/securing-structural-economic-transformation-in-a-climate-changed-world
Transcribe →Indigenous knowledge in adaptation to climate change across Africa
Aug 1800:20:33Tap to summarizeThis Rest is Climate podcast examines the critical role of Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK) in climate change adaptation in Africa. They highlight how ILK, encompassing traditional wisdom, practices, and observations, is crucial for African communities, particularly smallholder farmers, in forecasting weather patterns, managing natural resources, and ensuring food security. The texts also acknowledge the challenges to ILK's continued use, such as urbanisation, colonial influences, and a lack of formal recognition and documentation, while stressing the importance of integrating ILK with modern scientific approaches for more effective and inclusive climate adaptation strategies across the continent. It is based on research from the Climate Risk lab covering: Role of Indigenous and local knowledge in seasonal forecasts and climate risk preparedness: a case study of smallholder farmers in Chiredzi, Zimbabwe, Environmental Science and Policy, 145, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2023.03.017 Is indigenous knowledge serving climate adaptation? Evidence from various African regions, Development Policy Review, https://doi.org/10.1111/dpr.12664 The Role of Indigenous Knowledge in Climate Change Adaptation in Africa, Environmental Science and Policy, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2022.06.004 The role of indigenous knowledge and local knowledge in water sector adaptation to climate change in Africa: A structured assessment, Sustainability Science, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11625-022-01118-x Understanding responses to climate-related water scarcity in Africa, Science of The Total Environment, 806(1), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150420
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