Going green with your headphones on: Our favorite podcasts on sustainability and environmentalism (2024 edition)

Over the past couple of decades, sustainability and environmentalism have become increasingly important topics, and there are now more resources than ever to help people learn about them. One of the most accessible and engaging ways to learn about sustainability is through podcasts.
Sustainability and environmentalism podcasts can cover a wide range of topics, including climate change, sustainable agriculture, clean energy, waste reduction, biodiversity conservation, circular economy, environmental justice, sustainable transportation, water resource management, and green business practices.
With so many great options out there, it can be hard to know where to start. That's why we've put together a list of our favorite sustainability podcasts. From interviews with leading experts to stories about innovative solutions, these podcasts offer a range of perspectives and insights into the complex world of sustainability.
So grab your headphones and get ready to go green with our top picks for sustainability podcasts (listed in no particular order).
Also check out our other curated podcast lists.
The Climate Pod
Hosted by environmentalists and journalists Brock Benefiel and Ty Benefiel, the podcast features interviews with experts, scientists, and activists who are working to address the most pressing environmental challenges of our time and explore the latest news and developments related to climate change, sustainability, and the environment. The show covers a wide range of topics related to climate change and sustainability, including renewable energy, green technology, environmental policy, climate science, and more. The hosts also examine the social and economic implications of climate change, and explore the role of individuals and communities in mitigating its impact. Overall, The Climate Pod aims to educate and inform listeners about the urgent need for action on climate change, and to inspire individuals to take positive steps towards a more sustainable future.
How to Save a Planet
A podcast about solutions to the climate crisis, hosted by journalist and author Alex Blumberg and marine biologist and policy expert Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson. They explore a range of topics related to climate change and environmental sustainability, and focuses on practical actions that individuals, communities, and governments can take to mitigate the impact of climate change. Each episode of the podcast features interviews with experts, scientists, and activists who are working on innovative solutions to environmental challenges, as well as discussions about current events related to climate change. The hosts also answer questions from listeners and offer actionable advice for people who want to reduce their carbon footprint and live a more sustainable lifestyle. Some of the topics covered on the podcast include renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, environmental justice, and the role of technology in mitigating climate change.
Sustainababble
Sustainababble, which ended at the end of 2022 after 274 episodes, is about environmental issues, sustainability, and the challenges of living a more sustainable lifestyle. The podcast is hosted by Dave Powell and Ol Bates, two UK-based environmentalists who bring a lighthearted and humorous approach to exploring the complexities of environmental issues. The show covers a wide range of topics related to sustainability and environmentalism, including renewable energy, climate change, green technology, and environmental policy. The hosts also discuss the social and cultural factors that influence how people think about sustainability and environmental issues. One of the unique aspects of Sustainababble is its irreverent and often comedic tone. The hosts use humor and satire to take a critical look at the language and rhetoric used in the sustainability movement, and to explore the contradictions and challenges of living a truly sustainable lifestyle in a world that is still heavily dependent on fossil fuels and other unsustainable practices.
The Sustainability Agenda
This podcast explores the complex and interconnected issues related to sustainability, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship. Hosted by Fergal Byrne, a sustainability expert and writer, the show features interviews with leading thinkers, experts, and practitioners from a variety of fields related to sustainability. The wide range of topics includes sustainable business practices, environmental policy, climate change, social justice, and more. One of the key features of The Sustainability Agenda is its focus on solutions-oriented conversations by highlighting examples of innovative and effective solutions that are being implemented around the world.
Living Planet
Living Planet is an award-winning, half-hour radio program and podcast produced by Deutsche Welle, Germany's international broadcaster. It focuses on environmental issues and sustainability around the world. Hosts Sam Baker and Charli Shield interview a variety of guests, from scientists and policymakers to activists and local communities. The podcast covers a wide range of environmental issues, including climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and sustainable development. Each episode explores a particular topic in depth, providing in-depth analysis and commentary on the latest news and developments. Living Planet also features on-the-ground reporting from around the world, with correspondents reporting on environmental stories from different regions and countries. The podcast also explores the intersection between environmental issues and social justice, highlighting the impact of environmental degradation on vulnerable communities.
A Regenerative Future
Hosted by Matt Powers, a permaculture educator, author, and speaker, the podcast explores topics such as regenerative soil management, food forestry, holistic land management, and regenerative business practices. Through interviews with experts in the fields of regenerative agriculture, permaculture, and sustainability, as well as his own insights and experiences, Powers aims to educate and inspire listeners to take action towards creating a regenerative future. The podcast also delves into the social, economic, and environmental benefits of regenerative practices, and the potential impact they could have on global issues such as climate change, food security, and biodiversity loss.
America Adapts
This podcast that focuses on climate adaptation and resilience in the United States. It is hosted by Doug Parsons, a climate adaptation expert and communications specialist, and features interviews with a wide range of experts, including scientists, policymakers, and practitioners. The podcast covers a wide range of topics related to climate adaptation, including infrastructure resilience, community preparedness, natural resource management, and social justice. America Adapts also explores the political and economic dimensions of climate adaptation, examining the ways in which public policy and private sector initiatives can support adaptation efforts. The podcast features stories of successful adaptation projects and partnerships, highlighting the potential for positive change and inspiring listeners to take action.
Bionic Planet
Bionic Planet focuses on the intersection of climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable development. The podcast is hosted by Steve Zwick, a veteran environmental journalist and communications specialist, and features interviews with experts, scientists, and policymakers who are working to address the environmental challenges facing the planet. The podcast covers a wide range of topics related to climate change and sustainable development, including carbon markets, ecosystem restoration, climate finance, and biodiversity conservation. The show also explores the economic and social dimensions of environmental issues, examining the ways in which sustainable development can benefit both people and the planet. The podcast features stories of innovative solutions and successful partnerships, highlighting the potential for positive change and inspiring listeners to take action.
Outrage and Optimism
Former UN climate chief Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac, and Paul Dickinson, the hosts are all leading figures in the climate change movement and played key roles in the development of the Paris Agreement. They focus on climate change and the urgent need for action to address it. The podcast covers a wide range of topics related to climate change, including the latest developments in climate science, international climate negotiations, and the role of the private sector in driving climate action. The hosts also offer their own perspectives and insights on these issues, drawing on their extensive experience and expertise in the field. Outrage and Optimism is unique in that it seeks to balance the urgent need for action on climate change with a message of hope and optimism. While acknowledging the severity of the climate crisis and the challenges that lie ahead, the podcast also highlights the many positive developments and innovations in climate action around the world. The podcast also explores the intersection between climate change and other social and political issues, such as social justice, public health, and economic development.
Think: Sustainability
Produced and presented by Sophie Ellis and Marlene Even, Think: Sustainability is about practical actions for a better planet. From waste to wealth, and grids to growth, the show digs into the impact of consumption across all areas of life – it tracks the movements, discoveries and technologies making way for a sustainable future. Each episode focuses on a different sustainability-related topic and features interviews with experts, policymakers, and community leaders. The podcast also explores the intersections between sustainability and other social and political issues, including health, gender, and economics. The podcast aims to provide listeners with a deeper understanding of the complex issues facing our world and to offer practical solutions and strategies for addressing these challenges.
Warm Regards
Warm Regards is hosted by Jacquelyn Gill, a paleoecologist and climate science communicator, and features regular contributions from Ramesh Laungani, a biologist and science communicator. The podcast covers a wide range of topics related to climate change, including the latest developments in climate science, the political and economic dimensions of climate change, and the ways in which climate change intersects with other social and environmental issues. The hosts offer their own perspectives and insights on these issues, drawing on their expertise and experience in the field. Warm Regards is unique in that it seeks to explore the emotional and psychological dimensions of climate change, and the ways in which it affects people and communities around the world. The podcast features stories of people and communities who are affected by climate change, and highlights the need for social justice and equity in the global response to the climate crisis.
The Green Dreamer
The Green Dreamer explores topics related to sustainability, environmentalism, and social justice. Each episode of the podcast features interviews with a diverse range of guests, including activists, scientists, entrepreneurs, and artists, who share their perspectives on sustainability and the environment. The podcast covers a wide range of topics, including climate change, biodiversity, sustainable fashion, zero waste living, and regenerative agriculture. The Green Dreamer is unique in that it seeks to inspire listeners to take action on environmental and social issues through storytelling and creative expression. The podcast features stories of people who are making a positive impact on the environment and their communities, and highlights the importance of creativity and imagination in shaping a more sustainable and just world.
Sustainability Defined
A podcast that seeks to provide listeners with a clear and concise understanding of sustainability and its various dimensions. The podcast is hosted by Scott Breen and Jay Siegel, sustainability professionals with extensive experience in the field. Each episode focuses on a different aspect of sustainability, ranging from environmental issues like climate change and biodiversity loss to social and economic issues like equity and corporate responsibility. The hosts offer their own insights and perspectives on these issues, drawing on their knowledge of sustainability best practices and their experience working with businesses, non-profits, and government agencies.
Climate Cast
Produced by Minnesota Public Radio, this show focuses on climate change and its impacts. The podcast is hosted by MPR Chief Meteorologist Paul Huttner, and features interviews with climate experts, scientists, and activists. Each episode of the podcast explores a different aspect of climate change, from extreme weather events and sea level rise to renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. The show also covers climate policy and the political landscape surrounding climate action. It offers practical solutions and ideas for addressing climate change, and provides listeners with resources for getting involved in climate activism and advocacy.
Drilled
The podcast investigates the fossil fuel industry's role in creating and perpetuating climate change denial and misinformation. The podcast is hosted by Amy Westervelt, an award-winning environmental journalist and author. Each season of Drilled focuses on a different aspect of the fossil fuel industry's influence on climate change, from the industry's early efforts to sow doubt about the scientific consensus on climate change to its ongoing lobbying and political efforts to block climate action. The podcast also explores the psychological and social factors that contribute to climate denial, and the impacts of climate change on communities and ecosystems. Drilled is unique in its investigative approach to uncovering the tactics and strategies used by the fossil fuel industry to block climate action and promote climate denial. The podcast offers a deep dive into the history of climate change and the role of the fossil fuel industry in creating and perpetuating climate misinformation, and provides insights into the challenges and opportunities facing climate activists and advocates today.
Climate One
Produced by the Commonwealth Club of California, this podcast explores the intersection of climate change, energy, and sustainability with economics, policy, and culture. The podcast is hosted by Greg Dalton, a journalist and sustainability expert. Each episode features in-depth interviews and discussions with thought leaders and experts in the field of climate change and sustainability. The show encourages diverse perspectives and viewpoints, and seeks to create a space for productive dialogue and engagement on the issue of climate change.
Sustainable(ish)
A podcast series that explores different ways to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Hosted by Jen Gale, an author and sustainability advocate, the show features conversations with experts, activists, and everyday people who are working to make the world a better place through sustainable living. The podcast covers a wide range of topics related to sustainability, such as reducing waste, ethical fashion, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and much more. Each episode offers practical advice and inspiration for listeners who want to make positive changes in their own lives and communities. The overall goal of the Sustainable(ish) Podcast is to empower listeners to make small, meaningful changes that can have a big impact on the planet and the future of humanity.
A Sustainable Mind
A Sustainable Mind focuses on sustainability and environmental issues. Hosted by Marjorie Alexander, a sustainability advocate, the podcast features interviews with people who are making a difference in the world by promoting sustainable practices and working to protect the environment. The podcast covers a wide range of topics related to sustainability, such as sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, green business, sustainable fashion, and much more. The overall goal of the show is to inspire listeners to take action towards creating a more sustainable world by sharing stories of people who are making a difference.
GreenBiz 350
This weekly podcast series covers news, insights, and interviews related to sustainable business practices and the intersection of sustainability and technology. Hosted by Heather Clancy, a sustainability and technology journalist, and Joel Makower, a sustainability thought leader and author, the podcast offers a deep dive into the latest developments in the world of sustainable business. The podcast covers a range of topics related to sustainability and business, such as renewable energy, circular economy, sustainable transportation, sustainable finance, and more. Each episode features interviews with experts and industry leaders who share their insights and experiences on how businesses can integrate sustainable practices into their operations. The overall goal of GreenBiz 350 is to provide actionable insights and inspiration for businesses looking to make a positive impact on the planet. By sharing stories of successful sustainable business practices, the podcast aims to encourage more companies to adopt sustainable practices and contribute to a more sustainable future.