185. Welcome to 2023

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Happy New Year!</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview change-makers, and transform our anger into productive dialogue about building a sustainable future.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After a well-spent hiatus, the team returns with the first episode of what we hope to be an amazing year documenting climate progress! We know from previous years that many people discover the podcast over our break, so If you're a new listener, we're thrilled you’re here!</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In today’s episode, co-hosts Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac, and Paul Dickinson catch up on what’s been happening in climate over the last few weeksーand what’s to come in 2023.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">First up, the team chats about their break and the importance of taking time to reflect and cultivate equanimity, self-care, and inner strength. And speaking of inner strength, what about the brave decision of New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, to leave office after five remarkable years? Our co-hosts weigh in with some thought-provoking insights.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There’s talk of Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, the controversial pick to be the president of</span> <a href="https://sdg.iisd.org/events/2022-un-climate-change-conference-unfccc-cop-28/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">COP28</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">—this year’s UN climate conference, which is set to be held in Dubai. Al Jaber is the Minister for Industry and Advanced Technology and Managing Director and Group CEO of the</span> <a href="https://www.adnoc.ae/"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Check out</span> <a href= "https://www.newstatesman.com/spotlight/climate-energy-nature/2023/01/cop-28-un-climate-head-uae-p