There are so many informative and entertaining climate podcasts out there, and new ones started all the time. Prior versions of this post had a broad focus on different categories of podcasts. With this update the focus is narrowed down to five podcasts providing a broad overview of the science, impacts and solutions to climate change. Please enjoy these excellent podcasts!
This post updated: February 2024
One of the best climate podcasts I’ve listened to, now in its fourth season. It weaves a story together each season, taking you to the front lines of climate change and talking to the people there to understand how they cope and adapt to climate change. From Market Place/American Public Media.
“Marketplace is a public media outlet that produces broadcast shows, podcasts, digital reporting and more… We’re committed to covering business and the economy in ways that everyone can understand, not just those on Wall Street. Our mission is to raise the economic intelligence of the country. To do that, we share economic perspectives and realities relevant to all communities — especially those who often go unrepresented in financial news.”
Listen here: Website and links to podcast sources
A really well done podcast with travel to the front lines of climate change, and in depth interviews. The Big Switch is now in its fourth season. Dr. Lott is also one of the hosts of The Energy Gang podcast (below), which is also listed on The Best Energy Transition Podcasts page.
From the Columbia University Center for Global Energy Policy...
“To slow climate change, we need to transform our homes, buildings, cars, and economy quickly. “The Big Switch” is a show that explains how we can rebuild the energy systems all around us. Dr. Melissa Lott, Senior Director of Research at the Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia SIPA and a Professor of Practice at Columbia’s Climate School, brings together historical examples, current events, and incisive analysis to give listeners a deep understanding of the solutions to climate change.“
Listen here: Website and links to podcast sources
These folks manage to consistently put out excellent content. They do in-depth interviews and panel discussions with important scientists, sociologists, activists, CEOs and politicians from the national to local level. Sometimes the focus is on California, but even then it’s still relevant and interesting.
“In our weekly podcast and public radio program, Climate One from The Commonwealth Club engages advocates, influencers and policymakers in empowering conversations that connect all aspects of the climate emergency – the individual and the systemic, the scary and the exciting – to deepen your understanding of the most critical issue of our time.”
Listen here: website | Apple Podcasts
They also have video excerpts.
Climate Cast from Minnesota Public Radio
This podcast is usually about 15 minutes long, so it’s an easy listen, although sometimes it leaves you wanting more. Occasionally they will go longer, getting in-depth on a particular topic. It often has a Minnesota focus, but they also interview people from government, companies and organizations at the national level. It is especially interesting because the farther north you go, the larger and more obvious the impacts of climate change become. So in this regard, as Minnesota goes, sooner or later the rest of us will follow.
Listen here: website | Apple Podcasts | Spotify
An outstanding podcast that is sadly a limited ten episode series, every single episode worth a listen. Hopefully they will expand this in the future.
From the respected Foreign Policy journal, comes Heat of the Moment, an FP Studios podcast, in partnership with The Climate Investment Funds… “Stories from the front lines of the fight against climate change.”
“The climate change crisis can feel so formidable, so daunting, that instead of mobilizing people to action, it engenders paralysis. What could we mortals possibly do to prevent the calamity? A fair bit, it turns out. On Heat of the Moment, a 10-part podcast by FP Studios, in partnership with the Climate Investment Funds, we focus on ordinary people across the globe who have found ways to fight back.
Listen here: Website and other podcast sources
Go here for a list of The Best Energy Transition Podcasts. Go here for an alphabetical list of climate change podcasts.
Please leave a comment below and share your favorite climate change podcast, or contact us if you know of a great climate podcast you think should be on the list!
Thanks for compiling this list! We recently launched Supercool, a new climate podcast about extraordinary solutions that cut carbon and improve modern life – now spreading to towns and cities across the globe.
More details: https://getsuper.cool
The podcast Drilled is interesting.
Thanks for the great lost of podcasts!
“The Climate Pod” is pretty great.
Just started listening to that one, https://www.theclimatepod.com/
Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll check it out!
Have you heard the Red Cross’ climate podcast? https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cant-take-the-heat/id1521180615
I haven’t heard of that one. Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll check it out. Scary cover pic! LOL!