or centuries, people have warned that the wars of the future will be fought over water. As rivers dry and populations grow, the risk of conflict over this most vital resource seems inevitable - or is it? History paints a more complex picture.In this episode, we explore how water scarcity has shaped relations between neighbours - from the Middle East over the past century to other regions where shared rivers have sparked both tension and cooperation. While water can heighten existing pressures, it has also driven diplomacy, not just division.Join David Carlin and Simon Messenger as they dive into the politics of water, uncovering why it’s often a catalyst for collaboration rather than conflict—and what that means for a drier, more interconnected future.
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S01E38: will flying ever be guilt-free?
Aviation is one of the hardest sectors to decarbonise - and with demand for flights only growing, the pressure is on to find cleaner fuels. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is being pitched as the industry’s game-changer, promising to cut emissions while keeping planes in the sky. But: is it really the answer?In this episode, we unpack what SAF actually is, how it works, and whether it can scale fast enough to matter. From supply bottlenecks to sky-high costs, we look at the hurdles ahead—and ask if it’s a genuine pathway to guilt-free flying or just a drop in the ocean.Join David Carlin and Simon Messenger as they explore whether Sustainable Aviation Fuel is the future of flight—or just a story that’s taking off without enough fuel behind it.
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S01E37 - AI: Climate’s Worst Enemy or Secret Weapon?
Artificial intelligence is changing the world at breakneck speed. But with that power comes a big climate question: is AI an energy-hungry problem, or could it be a crucial part of the solution?In this episode, we explore both sides. From the hidden costs of each AI query - the energy, the water, the booming data centres - to the risks of over-reliance that dull human judgment. But we also dive into the promise: breakthroughs in science, smarter energy systems, and tools that could accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.Join David Carlin and Simon Messenger as they unpack whether AI is driving us closer to climate disaster - or helping us find the solutions we’ve been waiting for.
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22:58
S01E36 - What if A.M.O.C. runs amok?
The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is an incredibly critical ocean current system. It moves heat around the planet and shapes global weather. But scientists warn it could weaken—or even shut down—within decades. The result? Severe disruption to Europe’s climate, shifting monsoons, and global ripple effects.In this episode, we break down what an AMOC shutdown could mean for people and economies worldwide. From freezing winters in Europe to disrupted rainfall in the tropics, the stakes are high—and the timelines may be shorter than many expect.Join David Carlin (only this week!) as we explore what’s at risk, why it matters for policymakers today, and how we might act now to prevent a shock that could reshape the world.
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S01E35 - Tax me if you can? The value of carbon taxes!
Carbon taxes are one of the most talked-about tools in tackling climate change. By putting a price on emissions, they aim to fix a market failure: the true costs of climate damage aren’t built into the price of fossil fuels. But how far can this tool really take us?This episode gives a Carbon Tax 101—what it is, why economists like its simplicity, and how it can cut emissions. We also look at the challenges, from fairness concerns to whether pricing alone can drive the big shifts we need.Join David Carlin and Simon Messenger as they explore the promise and pitfalls of carbon taxes, and ask: is this the solution, or just one piece of a bigger puzzle?
Welcome to the The Big Questions, a podcast hosted by Simon Messenger and David Carlin delving into the policies, ideas, and technologies that will shape our future.
Is there any hope in our fight again climate change? Will geoengineering save us? Is the world big enough? Are we doomed?
Ever asked yourself some big questions about climate change? We bring experts. And we bring answers, in a digestible format..
Join us for conversations that matter, insights that inspire, and solutions that could change everything.
It’s time to rethink the future.
Ireland