Climate and sustainability conversations are evolving fast—from clean energy deployment and climate policy to corporate accountability and systems change. Podcasts have become one of the best ways to stay informed, inspired, and connected to the people shaping a more sustainable future.
Here are 10 sustainability podcasts we love—each offering a unique lens on climate action, clean energy, and the transition ahead.
1. Volts — David Roberts
Volts is a smart, deeply informed podcast focused on the nuts and bolts of decarbonization. Host David Roberts brings clarity to complex topics like grid modernization, electrification, clean energy policy, and utility regulation, often featuring policymakers, researchers, and practitioners working at the front lines of the energy transition. The conversations assume listeners are curious and capable—without ever feeling exclusionary.
Why we love it: It consistently delivers some of the clearest, most rigorous thinking on climate policy and the power sector anywhere.
2. Zero: The Climate Race — Bloomberg
Produced by Bloomberg Green, Zero explores the strategies, technologies, and political decisions shaping the global race to net zero. Episodes move fluidly between business, finance, policy, and innovation, offering a global perspective on what’s working, what’s stalling, and where momentum is building. It’s fast‑paced but thoughtful, making it especially relevant for professionals tracking climate action in real time.
Why we love it: It bridges climate ambition with market realities, making it highly relevant for business and policy audiences.
3. Outrage + Optimism
Hosted by Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett‑Carnac—key architects of the Paris Agreement—Outrage + Optimism blends urgency with hope. The show tackles global climate politics, leadership, and systems change, while never losing sight of the human emotions driving action. Episodes often connect breaking news to longer‑term climate trajectories and moral responsibility.
Why we love it: It keeps the big picture in focus while reminding listeners that progress is still possible—and worth fighting for.
4. The Energy Transition Show — Chris Nelder
This podcast offers some of the most in‑depth analysis available on global energy systems. Host Chris Nelder dives into markets, infrastructure, geopolitics, and technology, often through long‑form interviews with leading experts. It’s not light listening—but for those who want to truly understand how the energy transition works, it’s invaluable.
Why we love it: It treats the energy transition as the complex systems challenge it really is, without oversimplifying.
5. Climate One
Climate One brings together voices from across science, politics, culture, and business for thoughtful, civil conversations about the climate crisis. The show is known for its balance—presenting multiple perspectives while grounding discussions in evidence and real‑world impacts. It’s particularly strong at connecting climate issues to everyday life and democratic decision‑making.
Why we love it: It creates space for nuanced dialogue at a time when climate conversations are often polarized.
6. A Matter of Degrees
Hosted by Dr. Leah Stokes and Dr. Katharine Wilkinson, A Matter of Degrees explores how climate change intersects with democracy, justice, economics, and culture. Episodes combine storytelling with analysis, highlighting the people, power structures, and movements shaping climate outcomes. The tone is intellectually serious but emotionally grounded.
Why we love it: It excels at showing that climate change is not just an environmental issue, but a societal one.
You may also be interested in:
Need something to watch? Top Sustainability Films to Watch this Year
7. Drilled
Drilled is a true‑crime‑style investigative podcast about climate change. Hosted by journalist Amy Westervelt, the show uncovers how fossil fuel interests, political actors, and misinformation campaigns have delayed climate action for decades. Each season digs into a different thread of obstruction, offering historical context that explains today’s climate stalemates.
Why we love it: It helps listeners understand why progress has been so hard‑won—and why accountability matters.
Listen: Spotify | Apple | Show page
8. The Green Blueprint
Focused on climate implementation, The Green Blueprint profiles the founders, investors, engineers, and policymakers building the clean energy economy. Host Lara Pierpoint explores how climate solutions move from idea to scale, examining both technical challenges and business realities. The show is especially relevant for those working directly in climate and clean energy.
Why we love it: It spotlights the people actually building climate solutions—not just talking about them.
Sign Up for Savings Today
Join our community of over 10,000 community solar subscribers, enjoying clean energy savings and powering change within their local communities!
9. Sustainability Defined
This approachable podcast breaks down sustainability and ESG concepts one topic at a time. Each episode tackles a specific issue—like carbon markets, biodiversity, or sustainable finance—using plain language and real‑world examples. It’s designed to reduce confusion and make sustainability more accessible across sectors.
Why we love it: It demystifies sustainability without dumbing it down, making it great for mixed or non‑expert audiences.
Listen: Spotify | Apple | Website
10. Inevitable (formerly My Climate Journey)
Inevitable, produced by MCJ, features long‑form conversations with founders, investors, and operators building climate solutions across industries. The podcast focuses on what’s being built now—from energy and infrastructure to climate tech and adaptation—while also exploring career paths in climate.
Why we love it: It offers a clear window into the people and companies shaping the next phase of the climate economy.
Listen: Spotify | Apple | MCJ page
Quick Picks by Interest
Community solar & clean energy / grid / policy: Volts; The Energy Transition Show; Zero
Business & climate careers / climate tech: Inevitable (MCJ); The Green Blueprint; Sustainability Defined
Big-picture politics + public discourse: Outrage + Optimism; Climate One; A Matter of Degrees
Accountability / “why progress is hard”: Drilled
Have a favorite sustainability podcast we should add to the list? Let us know—we’re always listening.
Follow us on Social
Stay up to date with everything to do with community solar, renewable energy, and sustainability on your favorite platform.
