Episodes
What type of leadership does the world need to tackle global warming? Amol Rajan discusses whether people with power are doing enough to solve the climate crisis. Are politicians just too focused on the ballot box to take long term decisions? What about the role of celebrities and business leaders? Graihagh Jackson, presenter of the BBC podcast ‘The Climate Question’ is with Amol alongside guests Lord Deben, Greg Jackson, Monika Langthaler and Professor Daniel Schrag. Producers Nick...
Published 01/06/23
Published 01/06/23
Will technology and innovation slow down or even reverse climate change? Amol Rajan looks at some of the existing innovations that could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and also at some of those still being developed. He asks whether we're relying too much on the promise of technology that either isn’t ready yet or can’t work at scale. Graihagh Jackson, presenter of the BBC podcast ‘The Climate Question’ is with Amol alongside guests the former President of Kiribati Anote Tong, James...
Published 01/05/23
Amol Rajan explores what switching to a green economy may mean for the way we live and work and whether it's compatible with financial growth. If, for the sake of the planet we need to cut production, consumption and perhaps profit, then how will we pay for the essential services we need in the future? There are some difficult choices to make that sound particularly tough amid a cost-of-living crisis. However, despite all the difficulties, there are those who foresee a cleaner, fairer and...
Published 01/04/23
What personal lifestyle habits are we prepared to give up to stop global warming and who bears responsibility for changing our behaviour? Is it the state or the individual? Amol Rajan discusses why we continue to live the way we do, despite knowing the planet is heating up. Is it ignorance or denial? Perhaps the problems is with the way we talk about climate change. If so, then how does the discourse need to change? Graihagh Jackson, presenter of the BBC podcast ‘The Climate Question’ is...
Published 01/03/23
In the first programme in this series Amol Rajan and guests examine the pledges that have been made on climate change and how far we have gone towards meeting them. What has worked to reduce greenhouse gasses and what’s not working, including the role of COP. Is the commitment to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees the right one? Graihagh Jackson, presenter of the BBC podcast ‘The Climate Question’ is with Amol, alongside guests Professor Saleemul Huq, Mikaela Loach, Emeritus Professor...
Published 01/02/23
Amol Rajan and his guests look for some answers on how to tackle the challenges thrown up by demographic change. From the pressure put on governments by burgeoning populations of young people, to the tactics best adopted by those of us planning to live to a hundred. GUESTS Camilla Cavendish, former Director of Policy for Prime Minister David Cameron, Financial Times columnist and author of 'Extra Time: 10 Lessons for an Ageing World' Professor Andrew Scott, Professor of Economics at London...
Published 01/07/22
Amol Rajan and his guests look at Japan where almost a third of the population is aged 65 or over. What does that mean for Japan's economy, and its future? And what can other ageing countries learn from its experiences so far? GUESTS Kathy Matsui, partner at venture capital fund MPower Celia Hatton, Asia-Pacific Editor for the BBC Bill Emmott, Chairman of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, former Editor of the Economist Noreena Hertz economist and author of 'The Lonely...
Published 01/06/22
In episode three of the series, Amol Rajan is joined by guests from Africa and the Middle East to look at the challenges and opportunities faced by countries with rapidly growing young populations. Will this mean demographic dividend or disaster for states like Nigeria? GUESTS Dr Wangui Kimari, Junior Research Fellow, Institute for Humanities in Africa at the University of Cape Town Cheta Nwanze, Lead Partner at SBM Intelligence Meray Maddah, Research Assistant, Stockholm...
Published 01/05/22
Amol Rajan and guests look at why British birth rates have declined so much. Can we - should we - try to reverse this and how will we pay for the health and care needs of our growing elderly population? GUESTS Prof Sarah Harper, Director and Clore Professor of Gerontology, Oxford Institute of Population Ageing Miatta Fahnbulleh, CEO, New Economics Foundation Robert Colvile, Director, Centre for Policy Studies David Runciman - Professor of Politics, University of Cambridge...
Published 01/04/22
In a new five-part Rethink series, Amol Rajan and guests challenge some of our long-held assumptions about population change. Are there really too many people in the world - or will some countries actually end up with too few? GUESTS Rt Hon. Lord David Willets, President of the Advisory Council and Intergenerational Centre of the Resolution Foundation Professor Anna Rotkirch, Director, Population Research Institute, Väestöliitto, Finland Professor Ian Goldin, Professor of...
Published 01/03/22
During the pandemic many schools and universities relied on virtual lessons using video software. In the final programme of this Rethink on Education, we look to the future and ask what is the role of technology in education? Will students be taught virtually or will online resources only be used to enhance the classroom experience? Amol Rajan and guests discuss. GUESTS: Alex Beard, Author, Natural Born Learners Matt Hood, Founder, Oak National Academy Dilshad Sheikh, Dean of the...
Published 07/09/21
Universities receive double the amount of funding that Further Education colleges get, despite the fact they have twice the number of students, most of whom are in vocational training. If the country is to meet the requirements of new technology jobs, and skills, should we be investing more money in higher education that provides the skills we will need for the future economic prosperity of the country rather than a course in English Literature? Amol Rajan and guests discuss. Presenter:...
Published 07/08/21
Should we change the current system of examinations for our 16 and 18 year olds? During the past two years both GCSEs and A level examinations have not gone ahead. So are they no longer needed? The current system was set up as a conduit for the now, 50 percent of students who go to university. But what about those who don't go on to higher education, are they being catered for? Is there a better way to assess what young people have learnt whilst at school that will help them get what they...
Published 07/07/21
Today's Rethink is looking at early years and primary education. With cuts in child services, are primary schools and early years providers becoming ersatz parents as well as educators? Providing everything from meals to setting boundaries in a space where children can be their very best? Amol Rajan and guests discuss whether educators can really make up for what's missing in the home? Presenter: Amol Rajan Producer: Julie Ball Editor: Kirsty Reid
Published 07/06/21
Rethinking education post-pandemic. In the first of five programmes discussing how or why we should make changes in education, Amol Rajan and guests ask 'What is education for?'
Published 07/05/21
Professor Jude Browne looks at how we tackle the concept of responsibility post-pandemic
Published 05/27/21
Author Graeber questions the purpose of our work.
Published 07/14/20
Activist Sinxoto reminds us that millions of people live in constant danger.
Published 07/08/20
Rt. Hon. Douglas Alexander, Senior Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, suggests a series of specific policies to address low pay.
Published 07/07/20
Musician Tunstall shares that convenience for consumers comes at a huge cost for artists
Published 07/07/20
Cookery writer Dimbleby reflects on how food is a marker of civilisation.
Published 07/06/20
Writer Bastani investigates the change in demographics and how it will affect us.
Published 07/06/20
Neurologist Ramachandran asks how the pandemic has changed how we think about ourselves.
Published 07/06/20
Journalist Lal argues for institutions to be re-engineered for the post-pandemic world
Published 07/03/20