The Power of Microbes

Repairing the Environment: Climate Special Part 2

With disappearing species, plastic-filled oceans, and environmental commitments lagging behind global targets, it's easy to feel like humanity's fate is already sealed. But can we 'science' our way out of it?

In this episode, Dr. Kaylee Byers meets up with Dr. Aria Hahn to discuss what she believes could be a handy tool to repair some of the damage that's already been done to the planet. While becoming a scientist, she spotted the incredible potential of microbes, tiny organisms responsible for the foundations of life on earth. These tiny microbes have a large role to play in helping us create renewable resources and repair the areas devastated by our climate crisis. Second, we join microbiologist Dr. Christian Rinke whose relaxing sailboat getaway lead him to discover a wriggly solution to the world's plastic pollution problem.

From insect guts to cold hydrothermal vents, the odd places on our planet hold critical answers, and may even shape our future on this spinning rock we call home.

Special thanks to the University of British Columbia students who shared their voices on this episode and scientist and diver Dale Anderson for sharing recordings from his adventures to Antarctica.

Resources:
1. What Microbes Can Teach Us About Adapting to Climate Change | American Society for Microbiology
2. Scientists’ warning to humanity: microorganisms and climate change | Nature
3. Nutrient Acquisition and the Metabolic Potential of Photoferrotrophic Chlorobi | University of British Columbia
4. BC's giant landslide serves as warning for other parts of the world | Global News
5. Soapy the Germ Fighter | Avis Films
6. Here’s how the mining industry can respond to climate change | McKinsey Sustainability
7. 'Superworms' survive solely on polystyrene, as researchers look to create plastic recycling technology | ABC News
8. Superworms: how plastic-eating larvae sparked a scientific breakthrough | The University of Queensland
9. Wax worm saliva rapidly breaks down plastic bags, scientists discover | The Guardian
10. Climate change and the microbiology of the Antarctic Peninsula region | British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council
11. Survival strategies of an anoxic microbial ecosystem in Lake Untersee, a potential analog for Enceladus | Nature Portfolio

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.