Face the climate crisis head on, but understand that we have the power to solve this. From former UN Chief Christiana Figueres... more
This week, with Tom away, our hosts are joined by Dr. Sweta Chakraborty, Climate Behavioural Scientist & CEO of North... more
This week, Christiana, Tom and Paul are back together and, as we continue to experiment with a new format, they... more
This week, Tom and Christiana are in Seattle recording in the Amazon studio where they are joined by special guest... more
Can one vegan with no car really help the planet? Today, a special presentation of a podcast we think O+O... more
This week, our hosts each arrive with one specific issue they feel freshly outraged or optimistic about. Tom talks about... more
To mark Earth Day, Christiana shares her conversation with the incredible young climate justice activist, indigenous rights advocate and author... more
This week, the hosts discuss the much celebrated ruling last week at the European Court of Human Rights when over... more
The How To Academy Podcast is the biweekly show from London’s home of big thinking. Each episode they take a... more
In this week’s episode, Tom files an exclusive report live from London, where he's on the ground covering Simon Stiell's... more
In this week's special episode, while our team takes a well-deserved break, we're excited to present an exclusive, unedited conversation... more
This week, the hosts welcome Hannah Ritchie, Deputy Editor at Our World in Data and a Senior Researcher at the... more
This week, our hosts are rejoined by the incredible Isabel Cavelier Adarve. Tune in to hear them answer some of... more
This week, we bring you a US democracy special, discussing Joe Biden’s energetic State of the Union Address in which... more
Get ready to celebrate International Women's Day with Tom and Christiana on Outrage + Optimism! We're discussing the fallout from... more
This week, our hosts discuss the global farmers’ protests, what's behind them, how they are being co-opted by right leaning... more
1.5C degrees is back in the news again as the recent Copernicus report reported that the world had exceeded this... more
This week, Christiana Figueres and her guest co-host Isabel Cavelier Adarve introduce the third and final episode in their... more
This week, Christiana Figueres and her guest co-host Isabel Cavelier Adarve introduce the second episode in their mini-series, Our... more
This week, Christiana Figueres introduces a new mini-series, Our Story of Nature: From Rupture to Reconnection. Over three episodes,... more
Welcome back to Outrage + Optimism! Season 9 starts here… Our hosts - Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac and Paul Dickinson... more
For the final episode of the year, we asked you, our listeners, to submit any awkward, painful or difficult climate... more
This week on Outrage + Optimism we bring you a serving of sizzling Cuban black bean soup in the form... more
With Christiana away, Tom and Paul invite Jennifer Morgan, Germany’s Special Envoy for International Climate Action, to share her thoughts... more
With much of the world’s media focusing on the language of the final text at COP 28 to determine the... more
This week on Outrage + Optimism we bring you news that over 1000+ signatories from across business, finance, philanthropy, politics,... more
This week on Outrage + Optimism our hosts give a crucial update from Dubai’s COP28 opening days. With Tom and... more
This week on Outrage + Optimism our hosts discuss the leaked documents revealing how Adnoc, the Abu Dhabi National Oil... more
This week on O+O… our hosts discuss the US-China ‘Sunnylands statement’; China’s positive 2024 emissions news, and ask how we... more
On Being with Krista Tippett is a groundbreaking show, with an iconic host, about the big questions of meaning in... more
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview... more
This week, the team talk positive tipping points, grapple with the comms coming out of the pre-COP meets and send... more
This week it is over to you, our listeners as the hosts strive to answer all of your challenging and... more
Ahoy! With Christiana at the helm this week we’re raising our anchor and charting a course into the fascinating and... more
What happens when three wise women get together? Just an incredible series of new, mind-blowing conversations, that’s all. In this... more
This week on O+O, our hosts, Christiana, Tom and Paul delve into the latest International Energy Agency report which sounds... more
This week on O+O: UK Net Zero rollbacks, the rise of global populism and why we should all be hungry... more
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview... more
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview... more
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview... more
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview... more
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview... more
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview... more
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview... more
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview... more
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview... more
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis,... more
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview... more
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview... more
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview... more
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview... more
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview... more
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview... more
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis,... more
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview... more
Welcome to another bumper episode of Outrage + Optimism! This week we kick off with a rather triumphant Paul... more
Welcome back to an Outrage + Optimism Earth Day Special where we are super excited to share with you this... more
With Tom away this week, tune in to hear Christiana Figueres and Paul Dickinson discuss announcements from the World Bank,... more
Join Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac and Paul Dickinson this week on Outrage + Optimism as they discuss how best to... more
Welcome back to part two of the mini-series Momentum vs Perfection! This week Tom Rivett-Carnac and Fiona McRaith deepen their... more
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview... more
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate... more
Welcome listeners as as we start the week with a special bonus episode from the wonderful folks at Conscious Coliving... more
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview... more
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview... more
This week in a surprise move, the First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, announced her resignation. So in light of... more
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview... more
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview... more
Happy New Year! Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of... more
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview... more
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview... more
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview... more
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview... more
Today, a special TED Countdown conversation for you! In June 2022, TED’s climate initiative, Countdown, launched its Dilemma Series: events... more
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was... more
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview... more
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview... more
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism, where we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis, interview... more
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism! Co-hosts Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac, and Paul Dickinson catch up on the... more
Welcome to the fifth episode of the Hali Hewa Podcast. ‘Hali Hewa’ is a Swahili term for ‘climate ' and... more
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism! In this episode, co-host Christiana Figueres is joined by an all-female cast.... more
Many of us living through the climate emergency are asking, how do we support positive change in the world? How... more
This week, a bonus episode with something a little different than normal. Join us for a dinner conversation at Tom's house... more
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism! As always, we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis,... more
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism. As always, we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis,... more
Welcome to this week’s episode - It’s a packed agenda. Our hosts cover everything from nature breakdown in the UK,... more
In an event as rare as the triple Jovian eclipse on Jupiter, Christiana, Tom and Paul recorded this episode together!... more
Welcome back to a brand new season of Outrage + Optimism! We have missed you, friends! This summer break in... more
So here we are! 30 episodes later we have finally arrived at the end of Season 5 of the Outrage... more
Crippling heat, fire, and death in the U.K., Europe, and the U.S. are bringing the climate emergency to our literal... more
With the US Supreme Court's ruling on the EPA still sending shockwaves through some quarters of the climate community, we... more
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism. As always, we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis,... more
Welcome to another episode of Outrage + Optimism. As always, we examine issues at the forefront of the climate crisis,... more
This week, our hosts Tom Rivett-Carnac and Paul Dickinson sit down for an exclusive interview with Paul Simpson as he... more
ESG is in hot water - Is it just simmering or is it spoiling? When Elon Musk tweets “ESG is... more
Regenesis: Feeding the World without Devouring the Planet is the title of George Monbiot’s new book and an essential challenge... more
Scientists are reporting that there is now more carbon dioxide in the air than ever before, and with OPEC recently... more
Today, a special bonus episode in your feed from British model, actress, climate activist and podcaster, Lily Cole. In this... more
Reactions to the now infamous presentation of the suspended HSBC Head of Responsible Investing, Stuart Kirk, is still a source... more
Finally, some optimism for future generations! First, in Australia, the massive success of the so-called ‘teal’ female candidates, who are... more
In this episode, we talk about the impacts of living through a global energy crisis while living through a climate... more
Cities are where we will lose or win the climate change battle. Chapter 8 of the IPCC report on mitigation... more
Does Putin’s invasion mark the end of the Fossil Fuel Era? In this week’s episode we look at how the... more
What on Earth is happening in the US on climate policy? This week, a look at US federal climate policy... more
Australia is turning up the volume on environmentalism for the world to hear! If you turned on your favorite music... more
As many around the world turn inward this week, we bring you a special episode featuring Christiana Figueres from ‘The... more
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." - MLK (1963) This week, we reject our flawed, siloed thinking... more
The World’s scientists have come together on behalf of the web of life to deliver the most comprehensive review of... more
What do you get when you swap the office for a classroom and our hosts for school pupils? An incredibly... more
For years in the Global North, our dialogue around climate change has been focused on the idea that it is... more
As the news from Ukraine unfolds quickly, detailing the tragedy Ukrainian citizens are living through, our hosts Christiana Figueres, Tom... more
Welcome back to our series on the Future of Food! In this episode, we’ll explore the significance of adaptive transformation... more
All eyes are on Ukraine as we watch the horrific events unfold as a result of Russian aggression. Are we... more
The latest IPCC Report from Working Group II on Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability comes at an unprecedented moment in human... more
“It doesn’t matter what your economy is. It’s just a matter of deciding of protecting your areas and committing to... more
It took 40-50% of GDP to win WWII, 15% to manage COVID in 2020, so what can 2% do? Historian,... more
Today, an earth-shattering comet of an episode as Christiana, Tom and Paul talk to the phenomenally talented Adam McKay about... more
How do we know what we’re doing is really helping? What should we do now that the world is changing?... more
*This episode is best enjoyed on a pair of headphones or quality speaker system Welcome to Season 5! We... more
There’s no pathway to capping our global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius without protecting and restoring nature. That’s the... more
In this week’s episode we continue our series debriefing COP26 and take a look at the climate movement for their... more
COP26 saw announcement after announcement from the financial sector, but we have questions. First off, why the sudden wake-up? What... more
Countries have stepped up. Projected emission trajectories have come down. But let’s be real for a moment- We are still... more
¡Feliz Día de la Abolición del Ejército en Costa Rica! Happy Military Abolition Day in Costa Rica! Every year on... more
With the ink still drying on The Glasgow Pact, we’re already hearing the results from Glasgow being labeled in binary... more
Yesterday, nearly 200 countries agreed to adopt The Glasgow Climate Pact after a roller coaster of a COP26...and this is... more
It's the halfway point of the COP26 climate discussions in Glasgow, UK! Pledges over the past week from world leaders... more
Coming to you LIVE from Energy Day at COP26! So, energy and climate change. Where should we start? With both... more
The World Leaders Summit at COP26 has happened...So what happened, exactly? A LOT. This week, we cover it all in... more
The way to Net Zero is through the bank. One of the major questions at COP26 is, “How are we... more
China. On one hand, the country is the world’s largest source of carbon emissions, an economic and political powerhouse resting... more
If you haven’t heard, COP26 is about to happen. This week we embrace the complexity that is a COP (Conference... more
Tom Hale is BACK and here to announce the official Launch of the Net Zero Tracker! So yes - this... more
*inhales deeply* Fresh off the TED Countdown Stage and moments after the ‘Green Carpet’ at The Earthshot Prize Awards 2021... more
For the first time ever, we are all in-person bringing you this episode from the TED Countdown Summit in Edinburgh!... more
With only 99 months left until 2030, and COP26 in less than 1, time is ticking on 1.5. And young... more
You probably heard last week was Climate Week and UNGA. But, what actually happened? To cover it all, we get... more
Following the success of UN Food Systems Summit, or as it’s also known- “The People’s Summit” we get a chance... more
Welcome to the first episode in a brand new series on The Future of Food! Today, this episode coincides... more
Our struggle with the Climate Crisis begins with naming it, facing it, and engaging it. Last week, the latest NDC... more
Today, only 15 percent of land and 7 percent of our ocean are protected. Nature needs more. The science is... more
Season 4 is here! The past few months have been astonishing. It’s no news to anyone that climate change is... more
We’re back in your ears for a quick bonus episode on the latest IPCC Report. The heavily anticipated and undeniably... more
This week, we take an unflinching look at the impacts of the recent extreme global weather events as they provide... more
This week, The Circular Economy! Currently our economy operates in a linear way. Take, Make, Dispose. It’s based on the... more
In a week that has seen record temperatures occurring throughout the Pacific Northwest of the United States and Canada, a... more
The Race to Resilience is on! This week has seen another extremely harsh wildfire season and searing temperatures in the... more
This week, something different. An exclusive interview with Shell CEO, Ben van Beurden. In May 2021, the District Court in... more
Welcome to Volume 3 of The Stubborn Optimist’s Playlist! Every week on the podcast we feature a musical artist... more
This week, a live recording of our event “Breaking Boundaries, Post Growth & The Future We Choose” with special guests... more
This week, we take a look at the latest pledges to arise from the G7 heads of government, who met... more
With the G7 Summit happening in just a few days, things are looking good for it being a big moment... more
This week, a bonus! Our own Christiana Figueres spoke at the Net Zero Pensions Summit, hosted by Richard Curtis, the... more
This week, we talk about the absolute shake up of a week Big Oil had, and a Music Climate Revolution... more
On the back of the IEA report last week that shook the oil and gas industry, the G7 this week... more
This week on the show we discuss the latest IEA Report, “Net Zero by 2050” which charts a path for... more
This week, the Nature Agenda. A forest the size of France has regrown since 2000 and The Biden administration... more
Outrage + Optimism is celebrating 100 episodes! In this episode, we reminisce about our humble beginnings as a podcast... more
Welcome to the third episode of our Race To Zero series! In this episode, we show you the money.... more
With the Biden U.S. Climate Summit barely in the rearview mirror, our hosts Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac, and Paul Dickinson... more
Happy 51st Earth Day, everyone! Today marks the first U.S. Earth Day Summit convened by President Joe Biden with... more
With France banning short haul flights, John Kerry on his way to China and South Korea to talk climate just... more
This week, the climate solutions are here, and they’re neatly labeled. You may have heard of Bertrand Piccard, the... more
Welcome to Volume 2 of The Stubborn Optimist’s Playlist! Every week on the podcast we feature a musical artist... more
Welcome to the very first Volume of The Stubborn Optimist’s Playlist! Every week on the podcast we feature an... more
With CO2 in the atmosphere now reaching levels 50% higher than when humanity began large-scale burning of fossil fuels during... more
A bonus episode for you this week! With science demanding that in order to stay below 1.5C we must reach... more
This is the second episode in our Race To Zero series! All evidence points to the tipping point for electrification... more
This week we get into Republicans and climate change, faith and climate change, and some exciting news in climate philanthropy!... more
Welcome to the first episode of our new Race To Zero series! With COP26 as the vital milestone for climate... more
With a deep freeze in Texas leaving a wake of devastation, a UN Security Council Meeting weakly addressing climate change... more
On Friday, The United States will officially be back in the Paris Climate Agreement! *cue appropriate volume of fanfare* And while... more
According to new research by a team of U.S. and U.K. scientists published in Environmental Research, Fossil fuels alone... more
This is our fourth and final episode of an Outrage + Optimism investigative series on The Future of Transport. In... more
Welcome to Season 3! With a renewed sense of optimism felt around the world with the inauguration of President Joe... more
Today we witness history, the 59th United States Presidential Inauguration. And a long time coming, right? It’s been 4 years... more
This is our third episode of an Outrage + Optimism investigative series on The Future of Transport. With 2020 barely... more
A special bonus episode for a little inspiration as 2021 begins! Christiana Figueres and the Outrage + Optimism gang chat... more
With the first year in the most decisive decade in history coming to a close, we wrap up Season 2... more
The Climate Ambition Summit this week announced some of the most ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions we have seen to date.... more
Show notes: The Paris Effect On December 12th, 2015 the landmark Paris Agreement was adopted by 195 countries as... more
Around the world In 2020, we saw an unprecedented rise in activism surrounding Black Lives Matter and the call for... more
This is our second episode of an Outrage + Optimism investigative series on The Future of Transport. There’s no denying... more
After 4 intolerable years of you-know-who in the US, this week there seems to be a brief moment of calm.... more
With young voter turnout in the US election the highest it has been in 40 years, President-Elect Joe Biden is... more
The US election winner has all but been formally declared, with Joe Biden on the cusp of electoral victory. But... more
Election Day is next Tuesday, November 3rd. It cannot be ignored - How the US will vote next week will... more
This week on Outrage + Optimism, Prince William is here! With just under 10 years to cut global emissions... more
This is the first of an Outrage + Optimism investigative series on The Future of Transport. Today our cars, planes,... more
On the eve of TED Countdown, Christiana and Tom sit down for an in-depth conversation with TED's Chris Anderson and... more
Plenty of outrage this week after the first U.S. Presidential Debate and disappointing news about the biodiversity pledge. But a... more
New York Climate Week is where leaders from finance, business, cities and regional government gather to galvanise climate action alongside... more
As the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, Achim Steiner has a relentless collaborative spirit. The conversation covers the... more
This week we sit down with the CEO of BP, Bernard Looney. Following BP's announcement to be net-zero by 2050... more
It all started one cold night in Paris in December 2008. Two American friends visiting the city couldn’t get a... more
With over 80% of people on Earth claiming a religious affiliation, it's impossible to imagine solving the climate crisis without... more
Ahead of the massive climate demonstrations planned by Extinction Rebellion the first 2 weeks of September, Tom has an insightful... more
"If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and... more
With the US election less than 75 days away, the entire world is watching because the future of the planet... more
This week! 2 Authors, 1 Crisis. Do we have a "Hope In Hell" to survive the climate crisis, or do... more
When a new CEO steps in to their new role at their new company, more often than not they take... more
What role does fear play in awakening humanity to avoiding it's own demise? Can fear sustain long-term action and help... more
Since the adoption of the Paris Agreement, legal systems around the world are beginning to witness the power of citizens,... more
In a world where culture leads politics, what is the role of the artist in political activism? This week, we... more
This week, Outrage! and Optimism goes galactic to talk about the relationship between policy and science. In a world riddled... more
This week, a LIVEstream episode! We were joined by activist and filmmaker, Richard Curtis, for his second time on the... more
Christiana is BACK! We discuss to rise of "stakeholder capitalism" and how it could be a turning point for... more
This week on the podcast, we talk about the second most polluting industry in the world, fashion. We talk with... more
This week, something a little different! For our conversation, we are joined by South African Environmental and Human Rights Activist,... more
It's World Environment Day, and what better way to celebrate than with Executive Director of The United Nations World Environment... more
To save the world we need to change the story. Nature and the climate are in crisis. To survive we... more
A landmark draft law brought forward in Spain would ban all new coal, gas, and oil projects and bring Spain's... more
It's International Biodiversity Day and we're celebrating in style! We talk with Prof. Dr. Tom Crowther of Crowther Lab, ETH... more
This week on the podcast we get outraged at the logical fallacies that comprise Michael Moore's new film, "Planet of... more
Outrage and Optimism turns 1! YAY! In true Outrage and Optimism fashion, we give you a different kind of episode.... more
HAPPY 1 YEAR!!! To mark the 1 year anniversary of Outrage + Optimism being a podcast, we have on... more
HAPPY 50TH EARTH DAY!!! This week we celebrate Earth Day with a return cameo from High Level Climate Action Champion,... more
There's a leadership vacuum in the world, and Ian Bremmer, creator of the term "GZERO" has been telling us for... more
Tom, Christiana, and Paul are back together (in their separate homes) and we continue our series, searching for how to... more
Week 2 of our series on emerging stronger and better equipped from the coronavirus is here! As many if not... more
We're doing something new! This is the first episode on a multiple week journey to discover how we can come... more
As the news rolls in everyday from COVID-19, we take a pause to reflect on this past week. The sudden... more
With everyone grounded because of COVID-19, Tom and Paul dial each other from their homes in the UK to discuss... more
Christiana skips over to Paris Fashion Week to meet up with Stella McCartney, sustainable fashion designer. Stella's luxury fashion brand... more
This week we're LIVE for a #TheFutureWeChoose conversation with NYT columnist and 3 time Pulitzer Prize winner, Tom Friedman. The... more
The most consequential event this year in climate is the 2020 U.S. Election. Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry... more
This week we deviate from the normal episode with 3 of our friends! First, we meet up with Rainn Wilson... more
This week a special guest drops in to chat with the gang! Hint: He's a "High Level Climate Action Champion"... more
At just 23 years of age, Luisa Neubauer is fighting for our future in ways that will shape the future... more
It's 2020! We're back! It's the "super year" for climate and the most consequential decade in human history! This week... more
Tom and Christiana interview producer Richard Curtis. Richard is the creator of Bridget Jones Diary, Four Weddings and a Funeral,... more
Tom has a in-depth conversation with Chris Anderson of TED and host of the TED Interview podcast. They speak on... more
This week we have an inspiring conversation with Wanjira Mathai as she talks about The Green Belt Movement, the interconnection... more
After a devastating UNEP Emissions Gap report details how governments are not doing enough to meet the 1.5C Paris Agreement... more
As the US approaches Thanksgiving week, we quiet ourselves for an intimate interview with environmental activist, Buddhist scholar, and deep... more
This week we drop in to talk money with the Governor of The Bank of England, Mark Carney. Mark is... more
Back in January, Christiana set sail to Antarctica with Homeward Bound, A Global Leadership Initiative for Women with a STEMM... more
Tom and Christiana are in Costa Rica this week! They reminisce over their time at the UN and discuss how... more
In our new format, this week Tom, Christiana, and Paul bring in what they're optimistic for or outraged by to... more
With a little too much going on in the world of climate change, we try something new this week with... more
You've probably been seeing Beyond Meat showing up in your local grocery, your favorite restaurants, and major fast-food chains. But... more
Back in January, Christiana set sail to Antarctica with Homeward Bound, A Global Leadership Initiative for Women with a STEMM background. This... more