Rethink

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 Holland and Marianna Brain Sound design Graham Puddifoot Editor Lizzi Watson Production coordinators Sophie Hill, Helena Warwick-Cross and Siobhan Reed

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 Arbib, Aoife O’Leary and Dr Jan Rosenow.Producers Nick Holland and Marianna Brain Sound design Graham Puddifoot Editor Lizzi Watson Production coordinators Siobhan Reed, Helena Warwick-Cross and Sophie Hill

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 more enriching world. Graihagh Jackson, presenter of the BBC podcast ‘The Climate Question’ is with Amol Rajan alongside guests Professor Tim Jackson, Bernice Lee, Najma Mohamed and Dr Rhian-Mari Thomas Producers Nick Holland and Marianna Brain Sound design Graham Puddifoot Editor Lizzi Watson Production co-ordinators Siobhan Reed, Sophie Hill, Helena Warwick-Cross

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 with Amol Rajan alongside guests Tom Bailey, Meghan Kennedy-Woodard and George Marshall.Producers Nick Holland and Marianna Brain Sound design Graham Puddifoot Editor Lizzi Watson Production Coordinators Siobhan Reed, Sophie Hill, Helena Warwick-Cross

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 Bill McGuire and Sarah BellProducers Nick Holland & Marianna Brain Sound design Graham Puddifoot Editor Lizzi Watson Production Coordinators Siobhan Reed, Helena Warwick-Cross and Sophie Hill

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.GUESTSCamilla 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 Business School and author of 'The 100-Year Life - Living and Working in an Age of Longevity'Dr Eliza Filby writer and historianProfessor Ian Goldin, Professor of Globalisation and Development at the University of Oxford and author of 'Is the Planet Full?'Presenter: Amol Rajan Producer: Lucinda Borrell Editor: Kirsty Reid

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?GUESTSKathy Matsui, partner at venture capital fund MPowerCelia Hatton, Asia-Pacific Editor for the BBCBill Emmott, Chairman of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, former Editor of the EconomistNoreena Hertz economist and author of 'The Lonely Century'Presenter: Amol Rajan Producer: Lucinda Borrell Editor: Kirsty Reid

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 International Peace Research Institute Dr. Paul Morland, Author of ‘The Human Tide: How Population Shaped the Modern World’ Presenter: Amol Rajan Producer: Ayeisha Thomas-Smith Editor: Kirsty Reid

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 Presenter: Amol Rajan Producer: Rob Walker Editor: Kirsty Reid

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 Globalisation and Development at the University of Oxford Poonam Muttreja, Executive Director, Population Foundation of India Presenter: Amol Rajan Producer: Rob Walker Editor: Kirsty Reid

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 LearnersMatt Hood, Founder, Oak National AcademyDilshad Sheikh, Dean of the Business School, Arden UniversityDr. Elizabeth Gemmill, Department for Continuing Education, Oxford UniversityPresenter: Amol Rajan Producer: Julie Ball Editor: Kirsty Reid

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.GUESTS:Professor Dame Ann Dowling, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Cambridge University, Emeritus Professor of Mechanical Engineering David Goodhart, Author 'Head, Hand, Heart: The struggle for dignity and status in the 21st CenturyJude Kelly, Founder WoW FoundationProfessor Steven Spier, Vice-chancellor, Kingston UniversityPresenter: Amol Rajan Producer: Julie Ball Editor: Kirsty Reid

Should we change the current system of examinations for our 16 and 18 year olds? During the past two years pupils across the UK have missed out on official exams like GCSEs, A Levels and Highers. So are official exams 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 want out of life in the future? Amol Rajan and guests discuss. GUESTSLord Kenneth Baker, Baker Dearing Educational Trust, UTC'sLaura McInerney, Founder, TeacherTapp Dr. Kevin Stannard, Head of Innovation and Learning, Girls' Day Schools TrustAliyah Irabor-York, Student & Founder , Pupil PowerandKiran Gill, CEO and Founder, The Difference Presenter: Amol Rajan Producer: Julie Ball Editor: Kirsty Reid

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?GUESTSDr. Mary Bousted, Joint General-Secretary, National Education UnionNaomi Eisenstadt, Chair, Northamptonshire Integrated Care System and Honorary Fellow at the University of Oxford Dept of Education Zane Powles, MBE, Asst Deputy Headteacher, Western Primary School, Grimsby Shaddai Tembo, Lecturer, Early Years, University of Highlands and IslandsPresenter: Amol Rajan Producer: Julie Ball Editor: Kirsty Reid

Rethinking Education. In a new five part Rethink series, Amol Rajan and guests discuss how we can re-think the Education system post pandemic. GUESTSKikelomo Agunbiade, Head of Education, IPPR Claire-Marie Cuthbert - Chief Executive, Evolve TrustDavid Perks, Principal and Founder, East London Science SchoolProfessor David Runciman, Professor of Politics and History, Cambridge UniversityPresenter: Amol Rajan Producer: Julie Ball Editor: Kirsty Reid

Professor Jude Browne looks at how we tackle the concept of responsibility post-pandemic

Author Graeber questions the purpose of our work.

Activist Sinxoto reminds us that millions of people live in constant danger.

Rt. Hon. Douglas Alexander, Senior Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, suggests a series of specific policies to address low pay.

Musician Tunstall shares that convenience for consumers comes at a huge cost for artists

Cookery writer Dimbleby reflects on how food is a marker of civilisation.

Writer Bastani investigates the change in demographics and how it will affect us.

Neurologist Ramachandran asks how the pandemic has changed how we think about ourselves.

Journalist Lal argues for institutions to be re-engineered for the post-pandemic world

Senior Nurse Cooper makes an impassioned plea for justice.

Chef Katona asks us to consider what makes the restaurant experience precious.

Former United States National Security Advisor McMaster calls for consideration.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama has a checklist of priorities for the post-pandemic world.

Economist Mazzucato challenges the economic models that have dominated post-war policy

Philosopher O'Neill asks if tech giants have done irreversible damage to society/

Writer Sardar asks us what 'the new normal' is concealing.

Author Jones questions how our disconnection with nature is affecting our lives

Professor Griffin highlights the unpaid and emotional work that often goes unrecognised.

Journalist Wallace-Wells applies cautious optimism to our current moment.

Historian Riley questions the concept of university being a rite of passage for the young

Writer Townsend imagines a future that prioritises convenience

Writer Emina asks if we can experience the benefits and joy of travel without moving.

Lecturer Yao explains how masks are an expression of commitment to the collective good

Campaigner Rivett-Carnac asks us to examine the stories we tell about ourselves.

Author Gerrard asks us to remember the role, rights and needs of older people.

Author Skelton supports a reinvigorated focus on manufacturing and technical education.

CEO of AstraZeneca, Soriot praises the example shown by scientists working together.

Author Giridharadas asks if now is the moment to rethink everything.

Author Morah asks what we can do for each other, regardless of national boundaries.

American geographer and author Diamond asks if democracies are agile enough to do what's needed.

Journalist Faroohar analyses the growing power of Big Tech.

Philosopher Appiah reminds us that collective action is the sum of individual actions.

Author Sumption questions the freedoms we have given up during the pandemic.

Musician Eno investigates the kinds of leadership available to us.

Prince Charles argues that this country is uniquely well placed to champion an agri-"culture" that is the envy of the world.

Economist Krugman wants us to recognise our inescapable inter-dependence.

Minister of Health and Social Welfare of Kerala State, Shailaja discusses the power of science.

Former rower Grainger reminds us that the Olympics were created in a time of upheaval

Philanthropist and investor Soros puts forwards some radical economic proposals.

Civil rights activist McKesson passionately believes in a better America for young black men

Philosopher Pinker discusses the possibility of progress

Chair of the Wellcome Trust, Manningham-Buller details the shocking disparities in life expectancy.

Scientist Walker proposes a radical rediscovery of how, when and why we sleep.

President and CEO of NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), McCarthy is passionate about the potential for change.

Author Dabiri asks us to move beyond identity politics and build meaningful connections.

Former Olympic champion Adlington challenges us to take control of the things that matter

Sprinter and broadcaster Jackson argues for us to see our bodies as a luxury.

Tennis player Murray highlights the importance of treating athletes equally

Inventor of the world wide web, Berners-Lee argues that we need to start designing the digital habits we want.

Philosopher Chambers asks if our attitudes to our bodies have changed.

Poet Femi asks if students feel equipped to “survive in the wild that is adulthood”.

Scientist and author Russell asks us to consider the benefit of artificial intelligence

Physicist Rovelli campaigns for our species to choose compassion over brutality.

Netflix CEO Hastings argues for stories that bring people together and build unity.

South Korea's Foreign Minister discusses why trust is essential in times of crisis.

Samantha Power is the former US Ambassador to the United Nations, Professor of Practice at Harvard Law School and Harvard Kennedy School, and the author of recent memoir, The Education of an Idealist. She argues that open societies, with changes at home and abroad, can move towards revitalising global cooperation.

Author Westover argues that education, rather than wealth, is now the greatest divide.

Historian Ferguson asks how the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged progress

Historian MacMillan explains how our interdependence is essential to our condition.

Musician Cocker asks if the chirrup of the Hen Harrier will be enough to awake in us a new consciousness of our duty as stewards of the Earth

Brenda Hale asks what it means in the year 2020 to get a fair hearing.

The historian Peter Hennessy asks what we might learn from the experience of another hinge moment: 1945, when an exhausted but victorious Britain launched a new social contract.

Stirling Prize-winning architect Levete talks about reconciling technology with nature and a public architecture which prioritises wellbeing over efficiency.

Pope Francis explains why he sees Covid-19 as a potential turning point in history. Taken from a longer interview with Austen Ivereigh and read by Joseph Balderrama. Photo credit: Reuters.

Writer Hanif explores the role of intimacy in different human cultures.

How the world should change after the coronavirus pandemic. Leading thinkers from across the globe give us their route maps to a better tomorrow.