<p>The year has barely begun, and already the fault lines of global power are on full display.</p><br><p>Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac and Paul Dickinson take stock of a moment that feels both shocking and revealing. The US abduction of Venezuela’s president raises urgent questions about sovereignty, international law, and the enduring grip of fossil fuels on geopolitics - even as the energy transition accelerates. But what’s really driving events in Venezuela? And how can we tease apart the political theatre from the realities of oil markets, military power, and domestic US politics.</p><br><p>Later, we ask: what are the big themes, underlying trends and climate stories already shaping the new year? From the possible rise of left-wing populism, to the intensifying battle over who will become the next UN Secretary-General.</p><br><p>As 2026 begins, the question is not just what kind of year lies ahead for climate action, but what kind of global order will shape it.</p><br><p>Learn more:</p><p>🛢️ Deep dive into the stats from the <a href="https://www.eia.gov/international/analysis/country/ven/background" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">US Energy Information Administration</a> on Venezuelan oil production</p><p>🌐 Read more about the <a href="https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/appointment-secretary-general" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">appointment process</a> of the UN Secretary-General.</p><p>🎧 Listen back to our holiday episodes, <a href="https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/episodes/why-beauty-matters-in-the-climate-crisis?hsLang=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Why Beauty Matters in the Climate Crisis</a> and <a href="https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/episodes/beginning-the-year-with-ancestral-wisdom?hsLang=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Beginning the Year with Ancestral Wisdom</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>🎤 Leave us your voice notes and questions for upcoming episodes on <a href="https://www.speakpipe.com/OutrageandOptimism" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">SpeakPipe</a></p><br><p>Join the conversation:&nbsp;</p><br><p>Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/outrageoptimism/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@outrageoptimism</a> </p><p>LinkedIn <a href="https://uk.linkedin.com/company/outrageoptimism" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@outrageoptimism</a></p><br><p>Or get in touch with us <a href="https://www.globaloptimism.com/contact?hsLang=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">via this form</a>.</p><br><p>Producer: Ben Weaver-Hincks</p><p>Planning: Caitlin Hanrahan</p><p>Exec Producer: Ellie Clifford</p><br><p>This is a Persephonica production for Global Optimism and is part of the Acast Creator Network.</p><br><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>