Climate Cha(lle)nge

In this episode, we sit down with Chiara Vagnini, postdoctoral researcher at the University of Bologna, to dive into the hidden forces behind sustainability in business. We explore how companies respond to growing climate pressures—and why the real challenge isn’t just following policies, but navigating the human side of decision-making.  Chiara shares her research on cognitive biases in sustainab...

In this episode, we shift our focus solely to climate change policies—how they should be structured, their feasibility and effectiveness, and the extent to which they have been implemented in reality. We'll also explore the future of these policies and examine the influence of current global events, such as wars and advancements in AI, on their progress. To lead us, we have the perfect guest for t...

Did you know that climate change is displacing millions, reshaping communities, and challenging legal systems worldwide? Yet, climate migrants are still not recognized under international refugee law. In this episode, we speak with Elena Giacomelli, sociology professor at the University of Bologna, and Giulia Dal Ben, PhD researcher in European Law, to explore the intersection of climate, migratio...

Did you know that our brains struggle to grasp the urgency of climate change? Psychological biases make future risks feel distant, while policies like carbon taxation often face resistance. Dr. Ximeng Fang from the University of Oxford discusses how behavioral science can bridge this gap—using tools like virtual reality to make climate change tangible and shifting public opinion to support real so...

Did you know that individual choices can trigger large-scale environmental shifts? While technology and policy are crucial, behavioral change is a powerful force in the sustainability transition. Professor Alessandro Tavoni from the University of Bologna explains the science behind societal tipping points, how small actions create momentum, and why human behavior is key to systemic change.

Did you know that every AI-generated email has a carbon footprint? As AI use skyrockets, so does its energy demand—raising questions about its true role in fighting climate change. In this episode, Dr. Tamara Kneese from the Data & Society Research Institute explores the environmental costs of AI, the risks of technosolutionism, and how we can develop ethical, sustainable AI for real climate solut...

Did you know that improper waste management significantly contributes to climate change by releasing greenhouse gases like methane? As the waste crisis escalates, efficient recycling and waste collection systems become crucial tools for reducing our carbon footprint. But how can we make these systems truly effective? In this episode, we are joined by Anna Nafieva, eco-educator and co-founder of Ec...

Did you know that the climate crisis isn’t really about the climate? It’s a crisis caused by human societies—with uneven historical responsibilities—and one that affects people and ecosystems far more than the planet itself. In this episode, philosopher of science Telmo Pievani helps us unpack the concept of polycrisis and why tackling climate change means rethinking our entire social and economic...