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💥 Did you know your pension could be your biggest source of carbon emissions—up to 28 tons a year?

In this eye-opening episode of the Real Zero Pod, Professor Hugh Montgomery speaks with Nick Stoop, founder of Pangea, about how the pensions industry is unknowingly driving the climate crisis—and what you can do about it.

We explore:

• Why most workplace pensions are funding fossil fuels, deforestation, and tobacco
• How to find out where your pension is invested
• The surprisingly easy way to switch to an ethical provider
• Why your pension could be 21x more impactful than going vegan or giving up flying
• What “positive impact investing” really means—and how it performs financially

This is one of the most practical and powerful climate actions you can take today.

🎧 Listen and subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

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This week on the Real Zero Pod, Daniel Grant and Professor Hugh Montgomery sit down with Professor Cameron Hepburn, one of the world’s leading environmental economists from Oxford University.

We explore:

How close humanity really is to climate collapse

The staggering costs of inaction vs the cost of fixing the problem now

Why myths about “warming being good for the economy” persist in global finance

Whether the UK can truly reach “real zero” and how the world could follow

What each of us can do—not just as individuals, but as part of a collective system change

This is a no-nonsense conversation about time running out, money on the table, and the actions that can still change our future.

🎧 Watch or listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

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In this gripping solo episode of Real Zero, Professor Tim Lenton — one of the world’s leading Earth system scientists — joins Hugh Montgomery to unpack just how close we are to climate tipping points. From collapsing ice sheets to Gulf Stream shutdowns, Tim explains why even "small" temperature rises carry catastrophic consequences for civilisation. Together they discuss why we’re not prepared, why adaptation may be impossible, and how systemic risk is grossly underestimated. But there’s hope too: Tim outlines the idea of positive tipping points and how each of us can help push the system toward rapid, transformative change. A must-listen for anyone who thinks “just 3°C” doesn’t sound that bad.

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In this eye-opening Season 2 premiere of Real Zero, TV doctor and infectious diseases expert Dr. Chris van Tulleken joins Dan and Hugh for a searing conversation about climate change, corporate power, and the food system. Chris explains why climate collapse is already here, how the modern diet is harming both people and the planet, and why personal responsibility might be the wrong narrative. Expect furious truth-telling about processed food, meat, methane, and the fossil fuel playbook — and why real change demands more than individual action. Packed with insight, anger, and unexpected hope, this is a must-listen for anyone who eats food and cares about the future.

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In this special recap episode of Real Zero, hosts Professor Hugh Montgomery and Dr. Daniel Grant reflect on the highlights, lessons, and urgent themes from Season 1. They discuss the growing climate crisis, from the latest scientific findings to the stark realities of political and economic inaction. However, the episode is also filled with hope, focusing on the tangible actions individuals, businesses, and governments can take to drive real change.

Hugh and Dan revisit powerful insights from their guests, including the need to transition to renewable energy, divest from fossil fuels, and adopt sustainable lifestyles. They emphasize the importance of empowering others, sharing practical steps like switching banks, moving to green energy suppliers, and eating more plant-based foods.

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In this episode of Real Zero, hosts Professor Hugh Montgomery and Dr. Daniel Grant speak with Tom Parsons, Director at Good Energy, about the critical role of renewable energy in combating climate change. They explore how switching to genuine green energy suppliers, installing solar panels, and adopting heat pumps can significantly reduce household and business carbon emissions.

Tom explains the current state of the UK energy mix, highlighting that 50% of the grid is now powered by renewables, but much more needs to be done. The discussion also unpacks common misconceptions about green tariffs, the reality of energy pricing, and the challenges of balancing the grid with intermittent renewable sources.

The conversation dives into practical solutions, such as switching to a 100% renewable supplier, adopting energy-efficient technologies, and supporting policies that accelerate the transition to renewables. Listeners will walk away with actionable insights on how to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

If you want to find out more please go to:
https://www.goodenergy.co.uk/

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In this episode of Real Zero, hosts Professor Hugh Montgomery and Dr. Daniel Grant are joined by Paul Newnham — global climate expert and head of the SDG2 Advocacy Hub, Chef’s Manifesto, and host of the Future Fork podcast. Together, they dive into the critical intersection of climate change and global food systems, exploring how rising temperatures, unpredictable weather, and resource scarcity are putting farmers — especially in less developed regions — on the knife-edge of survival.

The conversation highlights the paradox of our current food system: we overproduce and waste staggering amounts of food while many still go hungry. The discussion focuses on sustainable solutions, including the need for more efficient and economic food production, adopting more plant-based diets (without necessarily going fully vegan), and the benefits of eating locally produced food.

Tune in for an engaging and eye-opening discussion on how we can rethink our relationship with food to secure a healthier planet and future for everyone.

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In this episode of Real Zero, hosts Professor Hugh Montgomery and Dr. Daniel Grant sit down with Tony Burdon, CEO of Make My Money Matter, to explore how your financial choices — from your bank account to your pension — can either drive or mitigate the climate crisis.

Tony shares insights into the systemic issues in the financial world, revealing how many banks and pension funds continue to heavily fund fossil fuel companies despite the catastrophic consequences. He explains the importance of aligning investments with 1.5°C climate targets and how small actions, like switching your bank or demanding greener pension options, can collectively drive systemic change.

They also discuss the power of collective action, the growing demand for sustainable financial products, and the practical steps individuals, organizations, and governments can take to shift investments toward renewable energy and sustainable industries.

Learn how to identify the banks and funds that align with your values, why switching is easier than you think, and how every financial decision you make can have a real impact on our planet’s future.