Welcome to another week of Shaken Not Burned!

With political shifts creating serious headwinds for climate action, it’s imperative that we widen the conversation about climate change, and ensure that we have the right information at our fingertips. This week, Shaken Not Burned dives into the fundamentals of climate science with one of the world’s leading climate scientists Professor Mark Maslin, a professor in Earth System Science at University College London.

In this episode , we explore why climate science is so critical to tackling the climate crisis and, perhaps more importantly, discuss what 1.6°C rise in global temperature really means for our future. And, as ever, we look at how we can accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable world.

Professor Maslin breaks down the science behind our changing planet, the urgent need for policy reform, and the role that businesses, governments, and individuals must play in addressing climate change. From the power of renewable energy to the influence of climate misinformation, this conversation highlights the barriers to action—and the solutions we already have at our fingertips

Key takeaways and reading materials:

Levin et al (2012) Overcoming the Tragedy of Super Wicked Problems: Constraining Our Future Selves to Ameliorate Global Climate ChangeThe Politics of Climate

Does climate change knowledge really matter?

NASA on climate science consensus

The basics of climate change

In reality, climate change is no longer a scientific debate: it is an engineering and policy challenge. The solutions exist, the technology is ready, and businesses are already shifting, but the political and economic systems remain resistant to change. Governments need to treat climate action with the urgency that past leaders approached major infrastructure projects, such as the Victorian sewer system or the expansion of high-speed rail. Yet, political short-termism remains a major obstacle. 

Politicians are incentivised to respond to crises rather than prevent them, making proactive investment in climate resilience politically unappealing despite the long-term savings and benefits. Another major factor slowing progress is the political polarisation of climate action - what should be a universal priority seems to have instead become a partisan issue, particularly in countries where fossil fuel industries wield economic and political influence. Many governments, especially those reliant on oil and gas revenues, hesitate to fully transition because doing so threatens their immediate economic stability. As a result, while renewable energy is expanding rapidly, it is largely supplementing fossil fuels rather than replacing them at the pace necessary to meet international climate targets.

The messaging around climate action is another challenge that has to be tackled if we’re going to be effective in terms of changing economic models. Too often, the debate is framed around cost, sacrifice, and political ideology, rather than the clear benefits of a cleaner, more sustainable world. If leaders shifted the conversation to focus on energy security, job creation, public health, and economic stability, public support for aggressive climate policies could grow significantly.

The reality is that a fully renewable energy system would be more efficient, less expensive in the long run, and dramatically reduce air pollution, improving the quality of life for millions. However, these benefits are rarely emphasised in political discourse.

Climate policy is also deeply interconnected with global security and inequality. Rising temperatures will lead to more displacement, food insecurity, and geopolitical instability. Addressing climate change in isolation is not enough - leaders must recognise that solutions must be holistic, tackling poverty and security concerns alongside environmental action.

Public pressure remains one of the most powerful tools for change. Consumers, investors, and voters can all play a role in accelerating the transition by demanding sustainable policies, supporting ethical businesses, and moving their money away from industries that continue to fund environmental destruction. Protest movements, such as youth climate strikes, have already proven their ability to shift political conversations and force governments to act.

The transition is already happening, but the choices we make now will determine whether it unfolds in a way that is just, efficient, and beneficial for all, or whether it becomes a chaotic and destructive process that deepens inequality and global instability. The responsibility lies not only with politicians but with the public, who must demand and drive the momentum for change. Don’t ever forget that even small actions, when done at scale, can transform the world so take the power that you have and use it to transform the world.

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