The Climate Carrot
This is a podcast of the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre. Every month we are exploring a topic, a new approach or an interesting question around a certain climate related topic. With Climate Change becoming an ever more pressing challenge for humanity, this podcast aims to share stories of inspiration and a positive way forward. More carrot, less stick. This podcast is hosted by Eddie Jjemba, Mary Anne Zeilstra and Bettina Koelle.
Episodes

Jul 23, 2026
Jul 23, 2026
14 min
The Climate Carrot, a podcast from the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, is hosted by Bettina Koelle, Eddie Jjemba, and Mary Anne Zeilstra. This podcast explores the challenges of climate change and the inspiring actions we can take to adapt, respond, and transform the way we live. Each episode dives into the people, partnerships, and projects driving climate solutions around the world, providing more carrot and less stick.
In today’s episode, “Bridging the forecast gap to save lives,” we explore the ACACIA Project and how new sub‑seasonal forecasts, local forecasters and community planning (EVCA) come together to reduce the impacts of cyclones and floods in Madagascar.
Researchers, humanitarian responders and local meteorological services explain co‑production testbeds, preparedness actions and how early warnings are turned into practical measures on the ground. The episode also includes a short weather report on a possible strong El Niño and what it could mean for the region.
Guests:
Eric Kolstad, Research Professor and principal investigator for ACACIA, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre (coordinator; Norway)
Miyo Rabaritsimba, Head of Disaster Risk Management Department, Croix-Rouge Malagasy (Madagascar)
Herilaza Thierry Andrianalison, Regional Coordinator of the Malagasy Red Cross in Sofia.
Jon Einar Flatnes, Senior Researcher, Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI; Norway)
Rakotomavo zo Andrianina Patrick, Director of Research, Météo Madagascar (Madagascar)
Joshua Talib, Climate Scientist, European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF; International)
Linda Hirons, Fellow of National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS).
Whether you’re a professional in the field or simply passionate about climate action, The Climate Carrot offers insights, inspiration, and practical stories about turning challenges into solutions. For more information, visit the Climate Centre at www.climatecentre.org and the ACACIA consortium at https://acacia-climate.net.
Credits for this Episode:
Host: Bettina Koelle
Guide Questions: Guigma Kiswendsida & Cheikh Kane
Interviews: Guigma Kiswendsida
Editorial: Cheikh Kane
Sound Editing: Bettina Koelle
Music: Epidemic Sound

Apr 1, 2026
Apr 1, 2026
26 min
The Climate Carrot, a podcast from the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, is hosted by Bettina Koelle, Eddie Jjemba, and Mary Anne Zeilstra. This podcast explores the challenges of climate change and the inspiring actions we can take to adapt, respond, and transform the way we live. Each episode dives into the people, partnerships, and projects driving climate solutions around the world.
In today’s episode, “Many Cooks in the Kitchen,” we explore how cross-sector collaboration is key to building climate and water resilience. Join Mary Anne as she speaks with leaders from the Water @ the Heart of Climate Action initiative, uncovering successes, challenges, and the real-world impact of coordinated efforts across governments, local communities, and humanitarian organizations. From early warning systems to community-level action, this episode highlights how collective effort can create meaningful change, even in the face of complex climate risks and ongoing conflicts.
Guests:
Elise Tunier, Programme Coordinator, Water at the Heart of Climate Action
Stefania Giodini, Manager, Water, Climate & Nature, Netherlands Red Cross
Ramesh Tripathi, Project Manager, World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
Phoebe Shikuku, Early Warning System Expert, UNDRR
Grace Kiyagaba, Project Manager, Uganda Red Cross
Paul Rotebuga, Project Manager, Rwanda Red Cross
Abdel Raman Sakayron, Director General, Nile Water, Ministry of Water Resources, Sudan
Whether you’re a professional in the field or simply passionate about climate action, The Climate Carrot offers insights, inspiration, and practical stories about turning challenges into solutions. For more information, visit the Climate Centre at www.climatecentre.org and Water at the Heart of Climate Action at www.waterattheheartofclimateaction.org.
Credits for this Episode:
Host: Mary Anne Zeilstra
Guide Questions: Cheikh Kane
Interviews: Cheikh Kane and Mary Anne Zeilstra
Sound Editing: Mary Anne Zeilstra

Feb 21, 2026
Feb 21, 2026
2 min
The Climate Carrot, a podcast from the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, is hosted by Bettina Koelle, Eddie Jjemba, and Mary Anne Zeilstra. This podcast explores the challenges of climate change and the inspiring actions we can take to adapt, respond, and transform the way we live. Each episode dives into the people, partnerships, and projects driving climate solutions around the world.




