187. THIS is the Rainy Day

<p dir="ltr">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.</p> <p dir="ltr">In this episode, co-hosts Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac, and Paul Dickinson discuss the monstrous profits made by Big Oil last year, how at least one fossil fuel firm plans to invest its gains, and what it all means for the climate agenda going forward. They also speak to <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/avinashpersaud1/">Avinash Persaud</a> (Avi), Special Envoy to the Prime Minister of Barbados on Investment and Financial Services and creator of the <a href= "https://www.foreign.gov.bb/the-2022-barbados-agenda/">2022 Bridgetown Initiative</a>, and we have music from gifted musician <a href= "https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2380657/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm">Scotty Grand</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">The team opens with the astounding report that <a href="https://www.bp.com/">BP</a>, <a href= "https://www.chevron.com/">Chevron</a>, <a href= "https://www.equinor.com/">Equinor</a>, <a href= "https://corporate.exxonmobil.com/">ExxonMobil</a>, <a href= "https://www.shell.com/">Shell</a>, and <a href= "https://totalenergies.com/">TotalEnergies</a> together made more than $200 billion in profits in 2022. What’s even more shocking? <a href= "https://www.forbes.com/sites/daneberhart/2023/02/12/not-so-fast-euro-major-bp-reconsiders-pace-of-energy-transition/?sh=31beefdd54a3"> BP followed with an announcement</a> that in the interests of “energy security,” it’s scaling back its 2030 emissions reductions targets from 40% to 25%. Let’s just say the trio doesn’t mince words in response. Outrage indeed!</p> <p dir="ltr">Next, Avi Persaud outlines his work on the 2022 Bridgetown Initiative with Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley. While climate change impacts us all, it does so unevenly. Those who suffer disproportionately have the narrowest access to capital support. Can our