Environment

How we can build more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable societies? Each episode dives into global challenges—from climate change and digital transformation to inequality and economic recovery—through conversations with leading experts, policymakers, and changemakers.

Hosted by the OECD, the series connects data, policies, and human stories to spotlight the innovations and ideas shaping a better future for people and the planet.

NOTE: The opinions expressed and arguments employed in the content displayed herein do not necessarily reflect the official views of the OECD, its Member countries, or any stakeholders who have contributed to or participated in any related work.

OECD Podcasts | A Better tomorrow

In this edition of OECD Podcasts, Shayne MacLachlan from the OECD Centre of Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities is joined by Jesse Shapins from Urban Partners. Together they discuss how Urban Partners’ involvement in projects on local, municipal and national levels can help to achieve climate action and social sustainability.

In their conversation, they cover the concept of green and thriving neighbourhoods and cities, emphasising the fact that “a great city is not just green buildings”. They also investigate examples of the repurposing of state land and efforts to improve the social landscape in less-advantaged areas. 
Finally, they explore how to bridge the investment gap in climate action to ensure that local development is inclusive, green and accessible to all local communities.

Guest: Jesse Shapins - Co-Head of Neighborhood Investments at Urban Partners.

For more on OECD Local Development https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/sub-issues/local-development.html

To learn more about the OECD, our global reach, and how to join us, go to www.oecd.org/en/about.html
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Shaping tomorrow’s cities with Urban Partners

Guest: Frida Grundhal, Project Co-ordinator, Yalla Trappan.
In this edition of OECD Podcasts, Katrina Baker and Shayne MacLachlan are Joined by Frida Grundahl from Yalla Trappen; a groundbreaking social enterprise dedicated to creating job opportunities and fostering financial independence for Sweden’s foreign-born women. Statistically, foreign-born women are said to be one of the most distant from the labour market and Yalla Trappen is working to empower these women by giving them an opportunity to break down their social isolation, and to help them stand on their own two feet financially.
In their conversation, Shayne and Frida discuss examples of Yalla Trappen’s work and strategies, the struggles of establishing a non-profit in a competitive environment and how Yalla Trappen has partnered with business and local government to crack policy challenges regarding foreign-born women and getting them meaningful employment.

For more on OECD Local Development https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/sub-issues/local-development.html

To learn more about the OECD, our global reach, and how to join us, go to www.oecd.org/en/about.html
To keep up with latest at the OECD, visit www.oecd.org/
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Breaking barriers to the labour market for women with Yalla Trappen

Volunteers are the beating heart of any event, from the Olympics to your local school sports day. But beyond the medals and podiums, what impact does volunteering have on individuals, communities, and the broader economy?

In this episode, we speak to Max Jablonowski and Betty Anne Bryce, who volunteered at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. They share their behind-the-scenes experiences, the personal and professional skills they gained, and why volunteering is a powerful force for social good. They also explain what policy makers can do to support and sustain this essential activity.

So, join us as we explore the people-powered force behind the Olympics and discuss how we can harness its full potential for communities everywhere.

Host: Shayne MacLachlan, Public Affairs and Communications Manager at the OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities

Guests:
- Max Jablonowski, Communications Manager for Business at OECD
- Betty-Ann Bryce, Senior Policy Analyst at the OECD (Centre for Entrepreneurship, Regions, and Cities in the Regional and Rural Unit)

To learn more about the report: https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/unleashing-the-potential-of-volunteering-for-local-development_deab71bd-en.html
Discover the OECD involvement: https://www.oecd.org/en/networks/oecd-local-development-forum.html

To learn more about the OECD, our global reach, and how to join us, go to https://www.oecd.org/en/about.html
To keep up with latest at the OECD, visit https://www.oecd.org/
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Winners without medals: The legacy of volunteers

What happens when First Nations take the lead in shaping the future of clean energy and infrastructure in Indigenous communities? In this episode, we hear from Mark Podlasly, CEO of the First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC) and member of the Nlaka’pamux Nation in British Columbia. He speaks with Sinead Teevan from the OECD about how the coalition is helping First Nations secure ownership in major energy and infrastructure projects. The FNMPC, now representing 175 communities across Canada, focuses on the economic, environmental, and public policy interests of its members.
 
Together, they explore the power of Indigenous consent, the importance of equitable partnerships, and why integrating Indigenous values into policy and investment decisions isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s essential for reaching climate goals and long-term prosperity. With real-world examples, from clean energy projects to revenue-sharing agreements, this conversation highlights how economic reconciliation is not only possible, but already underway in Canada.
 
Looking ahead, Mark shares a bold vision: Indigenous communities not only participating in, but leading, global investment through Indigenous-controlled capital. And the world is taking notice. Groups from Australia, New Zealand, the US, and Latin America are reaching out to learn how First Nations in Canada are achieving results. 

Host: Shayne MacLachlan, Public Affairs and Communications Manager at the OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities

Guests:
Sinead Teevan is currently working as a Policy Consultant at the OECD, working on regional, rural and urban development. She is Indigenous from Curve Lake First Nation in Ontario, and has gained valuable experience in various roles, including as a Policy Intern at the Ministry of Energy in Ontario. Additionally, she been an active member of the Indigenous Student Association at Western University.
 
Mark Podlasly, a member of the Nlaka’pamux Nation in British Columbia, is CEO of the First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC) in Canada. FNMPC is a national organization of 175+ Indigenous communities working to ensure environmental and economic values are reflected in major projects on traditional territories. He has global experience leading large-scale energy and infrastructure projects and has delivered strategy programs for companies like Unilever and Goldman Sachs. A frequent contributor on Indigenous-industry economic reconciliation, his work spans ESG, climate policy, and governance.

To learn more about policy area: https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/regional-rural-and-urban-development.html

To learn more about the OECD, our global reach, and how to join us, go to https://www.oecd.org/en/about.html
To keep up with latest at the OECD, visit https://www.oecd.org/
Get the latest OECD content delivered directly to your inbox! Subscribe to our newsletters: https://www.oecd.org/en/about/newsletters.html

Power Shift: When First Nations Lead the Future

What happens when we flip the urban planning script — putting people, not cars, at the heart of our cities and regions? In this 15-minute episode, Professor Carlos Moreno - creator of the “15-minute city” and now a leading voice behind the “30-minute region” - joins the OECD’s Soo-Jin Kim to explore how we can build more inclusive, connected and resilient places.

From the sidewalks of Paris to rural areas reimagining public services, Carlos shares a bold vision of proximity, empowerment, and local opportunity. Tune in to hear how the future of urban and regional development might be just around the corner — literally.

Host: Shayne MacLachlan, Public Affairs and Communications Manager at the OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities

Guests:
Carlos Moreno is a Franco-Colombian researcher and Professor at the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, internationally recognised for developing the 15-minute city concept. He is currently expanding his work through the “30-minute region,” a model designed to bring proximity and accessibility to entire territories beyond urban centres. Carlos serves as Scientific Director of the ETI Chair (“Entrepreneurship – Territory – Innovation”) and advises cities and international organisations on urban innovation and sustainable planning.

Soo-Jin Kim is Head of the Urban Policies and Reviews Unit at the OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities. Her work focuses on helping national and local governments shape more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities. She leads cross-country reviews, develops policy guidance, and brings international perspectives to urban development challenges.

To learn more about policy area: https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/urban-development.html

To learn more about the OECD, our global reach, and how to join us, go to https://www.oecd.org/en/about.html
To keep up with latest at the OECD, visit https://www.oecd.org/
Get the latest OECD content delivered directly to your inbox! Subscribe to our newsletters: https://www.oecd.org/en/about/newsletters.html

From the 15-minute city to the 30-minute region: Rethinking how we live and connect

Our oceans absorb 30% of the CO2 caused by greenhouse gas emissions. And they take in 90% of the heat that's caused by the same emissions. But our oceans are getting tired. UN Special Envoy for the Ocean, Peter Thomson, talks to us about ocean biodiversity, coral reefs and acidification. And the miracle of intertidal marshes, seagrass beds, lagoons, and mangrove forests. 

Host: Clara Young
Producer: Robin Allison Davis

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Sea change: a talk with UN Special Envoy for the Ocean, Peter Thomson

Millions of people around the world suffer—and many die prematurely—because of air pollution. The culprit: fossil fuel burning. It's poisoning the air we breathe and pushing up carbon emissions. Air pollution and climate change are two sides of the same coin: improve the quality of the air we breathe, and that will immediately make us healthier. It will also bring down the carbon and methane emissions that trap the sun’s heat, raising our planet’s temperature. Rich Fuller is the founder and president of the nonprofit Pure Earth, which is dedicated to solving pollution problems in low- and middle-income countries. Mr Fuller also co-chaired the landmark Lancet Commission on Pollution and Health.

Host: Clara Young
Producer: Robin Allison Davis

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The air we breathe : Rich Fuller of Pure Earth

Business-as-usual has become a largely unsustainable system. When economics and the financial industry are driven solely by quarterly earnings growth and GDP, the well-being of most people falls by the wayside. The health of our environment and trust between people are also casualties of growth-only economics. Economist Jeffrey Sachs is the director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University. He says our economic watchwords should be well-being. And do no harm. While this podcast was recorded in October 2019, Sachs’ insights remain more relevant than ever.

Host: Clara Young
Producer: Robin Allison Davis

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Do the right thing, says Jeffrey Sachs

According to the The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, we have 11 years to cut carbon emissions by half. And by 2050, carbon emissions must be eliminated. If not, humans will find themselves on an unliveable planet. David Wallace-Wells is the author of  the New York Times' Bestseller, "The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming”. He describes for us what the world will be like if we go past a 2°C temperature rise. And what we have to do to avoid it.

Host: Clara Young
Producer: Robin Allison Davis

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David Wallace-Wells sounds the climate alarm

Are cities our best hope for the planet? Ashok Sridharan, mayor of Bonn, Germany, thinks so. Part of the OECD’s Champion Mayors for Inclusive Growth Initiative, Bonn is pursuing sustainable development in things like energy, transport and housing, while addressing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. With half of the world’s population living in urban areas, which produce half of global waste, 80% of greenhouse gas emissions and over 70% of energy-related carbon emissions, what happens in cities is likely to determine our future.

For more information on the Champion Mayors program, go to: http://www.oecd-inclusive.com/champion-mayors/

Host: Clara Young
Producer: Robin Allison Davis

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Earth’s sustainability depends on cities: a talk with the mayor of Bonn

How can we all help shape better policies for better lives? OECD Podcasts bring you insightful interviews with experts and well-known personalities on such pressing challenges as inequality and inclusive growth, the economy, jobs, the digital transformation, climate change, the environment, education, healthcare, tax, trade, international co-operation, and more.


NOTE: The opinions expressed and arguments employed in the content displayed herein do not necessarily reflect the official views of the OECD, its Member countries, or any stakeholders who have contributed to or participated in any related work.