logo
episode-header-image
Jul 2021
25m 40s

Putting a Price on Pollution

The New York Times
About this episode

Extreme weather across Europe, North America and Asia is highlighting a harsh reality of science and history: The world as a whole is neither prepared to slow down climate change nor live with it.

European officials are trying to change that. The European Commission, the E.U.’s executive arm, recently introduced ambitious legislation aimed at sharply cutting emissions to slow down climate change within the next decade, specifically by weaning one of the world’s biggest and most polluting economies off fossil fuels. But can it generate the political will to see it through?

Guest: Somini Sengupta, the international climate reporter for The New York Times.

Sign up here to get The Daily in your inbox each morning. And for an exclusive look at how the biggest stories on our show come together, subscribe to our newsletter

Background reading: 

  • Our climate correspondent explains what you need to know about the implications of recent extreme weather events for rich countries.
  • Want to learn more about the science behind climate change? Here are some answers to the big questions, like how we know we’re really in a climate crisis.

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. 

Up next
Yesterday
‘Modern Love’: Bridget Everett Says A Best Friend Can Be Your Greatest Love
Stories of romantic love are everywhere, but the actor, singer and comedian Bridget Everett says that friendships deserve our attention, too. Onscreen and in everyday life.Last Fall, Everett appeared on Modern Love to talk about her HBO Original series “Somebody Somewhere,” which ... Show More
38m 49s
Aug 23
'The Interview': Jen Hatmaker's Life Exploded in Middle Age. So She Built a Better One.
The former evangelical star on waking up halfway through her life. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 
45m 43s
Aug 22
California Strikes Back at Texas’ Power Grab
Texas is about to gerrymander five new house seats, and California is ready to retaliate. Gov. Gavin Newsom says that his state will also redraw its congressional maps to create five new districts, effectively fighting fire with fire.Laurel Rosenhall, who covers California’s gove ... Show More
28m 44s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2023
New Technology Is Here To Fight Climate Change. Will We Use It?
Despite global efforts to slow the effects of climate change, July was the hottest month on record in over 125,000 years. The good news is, powerful new technology not available just a few years ago can help turn things around, if we get serious about taking action. Bloomberg’s E ... Show More
27m 4s
Nov 2022
Babbage at COP27: Part one—the new climate realism
This week, the COP27 climate summit will begin in Egypt. In the first of four episodes, we consider the themes set to dominate the conference. After a year lacking in climate action, do lofty targets need a dose of realism? Plus, “loss and damage” financing is expected to be high ... Show More
39m 13s
Apr 2022
Babbage: Can the 1.5°C climate target survive?
In its latest report, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warned that the window to fulfil UN climate targets is vanishing. Emissions must peak by 2025 if the world is to meet the Paris Agreement goals. Decisions made this year could determine whether or not that will b ... Show More
39m 23s
Nov 2022
Babbage at COP27: Part one—the new climate realism
This week, the COP27 climate summit will begin in Egypt. In the first of four episodes, we consider the themes set to dominate the conference. After a year lacking in climate action, do lofty targets need a dose of realism? Plus, “loss and damage” financing is expected to be high ... Show More
39m 13s
Apr 2023
John Kerry on the Climate Crisis
A recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change sounded the alarm once again that the time to act is now if the global community hopes to limit the effects of climate change. But is there sufficient political will across countries to implement the necessary polic ... Show More
43m 12s
Apr 2023
Special Report: Landslides exacerbated by climate change
How can the most vulnerable countries protect against climate change if they’re drowning in debt? A major international aid agency revealed this week that 93% of the world’s worst-affected countries can’t afford to safeguard against natural disasters. Some are being forced to sla ... Show More
55 m
Oct 2021
To a Lesser Degree: Going in reverse
Lowering greenhouse gas emissions won’t be enough to stop the world from overheating. Carbon needs to be sucked out of the atmosphere. But can that be done quickly enough -- and on what scale? Nathalie Seddon of the Nature-Based Solutions Initiative explores the ways ecosystems c ... Show More
32m 23s