In this episode of Real Zero, hosts Professor Hugh Montgomery and Dr. Daniel Grant speak with Professor Paul Ekins, an expert in environmental economics and energy systems, about the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels and the economic challenges we face in achieving this goal.

They discuss the stark reality that we have just six years left before exceeding the carbon budget for the 1.5°C target — and why fossil fuel companies continue to prioritize profit over sustainability. The conversation dives into the political, financial, and social inertia keeping us dependent on fossil fuels and explores practical steps individuals can take to create change.

Key takeaways include how switching your bank accounts, investments, and pensions away from fossil fuel-supporting institutions can send a powerful market signal, and how carbon pricing and government policies are crucial levers for systemic change. Discover how millions of small actions can make markets jump — and why every fraction of a degree matters.

Tune in to learn how to wield your financial choices, voting power, and everyday decisions to help divert the global climate supertanker toward a brighter future.

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Welcome to the first episode of Real Zero! In this inaugural episode, co-hosts Dr. Daniel Grant and Professor Hugh Montgomery set the stage for the series by exploring the urgent realities of climate change. Dr. Grant, with a curious mind but limited knowledge on the topic, interviews Professor Montgomery — a leading climate expert, intensive care consultant, chair of the Lancet Commission on Climate, and founder of the non-profit Real Zero.

They break down the latest climate science and news, revealing the stark truths about what’s happening to our planet and what could lie ahead. But it’s not all doom and gloom. The conversation pivots to hope and action, highlighting 7 key steps each of us can take today — as individuals, businesses, and healthcare systems — to help drive the urgent change needed.

Tune in to find out how you can be part of the solution and help create a brighter, more sustainable future for the next generation.