Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this episode of the Climate Confident Podcast, I’m joined by legendary environmentalist Jonathon Porritt to unpack the hard truths about the climate crisis, the widening science–politics gap, and why civil disobedience has become an essential tool for change.
Jonathon shares insights from his new book Love, Anger, and Betrayal, co-authored with young activists from Just Stop Oil, giving voice to a new generation of campaigners fighting for a liveable future. We discuss the crackdown on protest rights in the UK, the corrosive influence of fossil fuel subsidies, and why the insurance industry could be the unexpected catalyst for systemic change.
Despite decades on the frontlines, Jonathon still holds onto what he calls “authentic hopefulness” — a belief that we can build a fairer, more compassionate society if we face the crisis with honesty and courage.
🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations with global climate leaders.
👉 Want full access to 230+ episodes? Become a Climate Confident+ subscriber: [link to subscription]
📌 Key Topics in This Episode:
– The science–politics gap and what it means for our future
– Civil disobedience and the role of groups like Just Stop Oil
– Erosion of protest rights in the UK
– Fossil fuel subsidies and political capture
– Why insurance may drive faster climate action than politics
– Authentic hope vs false optimism
Chapters
00:00 – Intro & subscription update
02:00 – Jonathon Porritt’s journey into environmental activism
05:00 – The “science–politics gap” and why it matters
09:30 – Why civil disobedience is essential for climate action
14:00 – Just Stop Oil and lessons from past protest movements
18:00 – Erosion of protest rights in the UK
23:30 – The influence of fossil fuel money on politics and media
29:00 – Why the insurance industry could drive systemic change
36:00 – Hope, anger, and betrayal: insights from Jonathon’s new book
42:00 – Authentic hope vs false optimism
46:00 – Greta Thunberg and the power of youth leadership
48:00 – Jonathon’s ongoing activism and future outlook
50:00 – Closing thoughts & where to learn more
🌍 Listen to the podcast on all major platforms: climateconfidentpodcast.com
#climatechange #climateaction #climateactivism #civilDisobedience #JonathonPorritt
In this episode of the Climate Confident Podcast, I’m joined by legendary environmentalist Jonathon Porritt to unpack the hard truths about the climate crisis, the widening science–politics gap, and why civil disobedience has become an essential tool for change.
Jonathon shares insights from his new book Love, Anger, and Betrayal, co-authored with young activists from Just Stop Oil, giving voice to a new generation of campaigners fighting for a liveable future. We discuss the crackdown on protest rights in the UK, the corrosive influence of fossil fuel subsidies, and why the insurance industry could be the unexpected catalyst for systemic change.
Despite decades on the frontlines, Jonathon still holds onto what he calls “authentic hopefulness” — a belief that we can build a fairer, more compassionate society if we face the crisis with honesty and courage.
🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations with global climate leaders.
👉 Want full access to 230+ episodes? Become a Climate Confident+ subscriber: [link to subscription]
📌 Key Topics in This Episode:
– The science–politics gap and what it means for our future
– Civil disobedience and the role of groups like Just Stop Oil
– Erosion of protest rights in the UK
– Fossil fuel subsidies and political capture
– Why insurance may drive faster climate action than politics
– Authentic hope vs false optimism
Chapters
00:00 – Intro & subscription update
02:00 – Jonathon Porritt’s journey into environmental activism
05:00 – The “science–politics gap” and why it matters
09:30 – Why civil disobedience is essential for climate action
14:00 – Just Stop Oil and lessons from past protest movements
18:00 – Erosion of protest rights in the UK
23:30 – The influence of fossil fuel money on politics and media
29:00 – Why the insurance industry could drive systemic change
36:00 – Hope, anger, and betrayal: insights from Jonathon’s new book
42:00 – Authentic hope vs false optimism
46:00 – Greta Thunberg and the power of youth leadership
48:00 – Jonathon’s ongoing activism and future outlook
50:00 – Closing thoughts & where to learn more
🌍 Listen to the podcast on all major platforms: climateconfidentpodcast.com
#climatechange #climateaction #climateactivism #civilDisobedience #JonathonPorritt
