WHAT ABOUT ACTIVISM? A force for change or fuel for resistance? | Ft. Clover Hogan

Activism is often defined as the act of using vigorous campaigning to bring about political or social change. But in practice, it takes many forms and means different things to different people. For many – especially younger generations – activism isn’t just a choice; it’s a necessity, driven by frustration that conventional approaches have failed. Yet, the effectiveness of more disruptive tactics remains hotly debated.

In this episode, James and Daisy sit down with Clover Hogan – a young climate activist who has worked alongside the world’s leading authorities on sustainability, consulted within the boardrooms of Fortune 50 companies, and counselled heads of state. Together, they explore what activism really means today. What misconceptions surround activists? Whose power do you need to create real change? And should everyone be a climate activist?

SOME RECOMMENDATIONS:
Force of Nature – A youth non-profit founded in 2019 by Clover Hogan at age 19, focused on mobilising mindsets for climate action.
TEDx (2021) – Clover Hogan’s talk, “What to do when climate change feels unstoppable” has almost 2 million views. Change Starts Now: 100 Lessons from a Full-time Changemaker (2025) – A new book by Melati Wijsen, who began campaigning at age 12 to ban plastic bags in Bali.

OTHER ADVOCATES, FACTS, AND RESOURCES:
The Conduit (2025) – Melati Wijsen led a panel of young climate activists to launch her new book.
Greenpeace (2022) – Volunteers reflect on what activism means to them. An Inconvenient Truth (2006) – A documentary about former vice president of the United States Al Gore's campaign to educate people on global warming.
The Cove (2009) – A documentary that analyses and questions dolphin hunting in Japan.
Smart Surfaces Coalition – Committed to the adoption of smart surfaces to enable cities to decrease urban heat, save money, reduce flooding risk, and strengthen urban liveability, resilience, and equity.
Doughnut Economics (2017) – Kate Raworth describes a cutting-edge economic model fit for the 21st century and the establishment of DEAL (Doughnut Economics Action Lab).
Future Generations Commissioner for Wales – A pioneering role advocating for the rights of future generations in policymaking.
ClientEarth – A non-profit using the power of law to bring about systemic change that protects the Earth.
Youth Demand – A youth-led nonviolent civil resistance campaign demanding the UK stops arming Israel and cancels all new oil and gas granted since 2021.
Just Stop Oil (JSO) – A UK-based nonviolent civil resistance group that halted its street campaigns in 2025 after achieving its major goals.
Rights of Nature – In 2008, Ecuador became the first country to change its constitution to state that nature has the same rights as people.
Impossible Foods – A leader in plant-based meat innovation, founded by Pat Brown.
John Elkington – A world authority on corporate responsibility and sustainable capitalism, a bestselling author and serial entrepreneur. Currently, he is Chief Pollinator at Volans.
We Don’t Have Time - The largest media platform for climate action, founded by Ingmar Rentzhog.

And here is the viral meme created by Elon Musk featuring Clover – discussed in the episode.

To learn more about different perspectives on climate activism and how it’s portrayed in the media:
Carbon Brief (2024) – Shows that 2023 saw a record number of UK newspapers opposing climate action, almost exclusively from right-leaning titles.
Green European Journal (2023) – Explores how the media portray climate activists as “enemies of society”.

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Music: “Just Because Some Bad Wind Blows” by Nick Nuttall, Reptiphon Records. Available at https://nicknuttallmusic.bandcamp.com/album/just-because-some-bad-wind-blows-3

Producer: Podshop Studios

Huge thanks to Siobhán Foster, a vital member of the team offering design advice, critical review and organisation that we depend upon.

Stay tuned for more insightful discussions on navigating the transition away from fossil fuels to a sustainable future.