It’s crunch time for the oceans and shipping sector, and tensions are high. Dr Simon Chin-Yee brings you this special episode of #UCLGenerationOne in the midst of critical negotiations at the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Simon speaks to colleagues who have travelled across the oceans to the IMO: the UN agency responsible for regulating the shipping sector. In April 2025, countries came together to negotiate the IMO Net-Zero Framework, including a set of ‘mid-term measures’ to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with 2023 targets.

In this episode, Fijian performing artist and climate advocate John Taukave (Pacific Coordinating Group) and Eldine Glees (Maritime Policy Consultant) discuss the importance of a just and equitable transition for small islands and developing countries.

And as the dust settles, Simon picks up with Opportunity Green’s Emma Fenton to break down what actually happened, and what it means for the future of green shipping.

The stakes are huge: will the IMO agree to decarbonise global shipping while ensuring no one is left behind? Find out in our podcast Talanoa!

Transcript: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/climate-change/podcasts-videos/ucl-generation-one-climate-podcast

Date of episode recording: 5 and 16 April 2025

Duration: 55:40

Language of episode: English 
Presenter: Professor Mark Maslin and Dr Simon Chin-Yee 
Guests:

John Taukave, Micronesian Center for Sustainable Transport

Eldine Chilembo Glees, Micronesian Center for Sustainable Transport

Emma Fenton, Senior Director, Climate Diplomacy at Opportunity Green

Producers:

Adam Batstone

Caitlin Mullin

In this special episode, we look back at the year through some of our favourite moments from Series 4.

Our hosts Mark Maslin and Simon Chin-Yee explored climate action in a multitude of forms: from groundbreaking climate science and AI, to innovative policy solutions and inspiring stories of individual activism. With fantastic guests spanning multiple disciplines and industries.

Reflect with us on what’s been done, and what there is still to do, with our Series 4 highlights.

Transcript link: www.ucl.ac.uk/climate-change/pod…ne-climate-podcast

Date of episode recording: 28th May 2024
Duration: 27.16 minutes
Language of episode: English
Presenter: Mark Maslin and Simon Chin-Yee
Guests:
Ian Townsend, ONS
Pierre Cannet, Client Earth
Sims Witherspoon, Google Deep Mind
Buffy Price, Carbon Re
Louise Harris, Just Stop Oil
Annabel Rice, Green Alliance
Versha Jones, The Climate Reality Project
Kris de Meyer, Department of Earth Sciences, UCL
Shirley Rodrigues, previous Deputy Mayor, Environment and Energy at Greater London Authority
Mark Watts, C40 Cities
Producers:
Adam Batstone
Caitlin Mullin
Jane Yelloly