Short Wave Eunice Foote: The Hidden Grandmother Of Climate Science
Mar 31, 2023
Discover the remarkable story of Eunice Foote, a forgotten pioneer of climate science. Her groundbreaking glass tube experiments revealed how carbon dioxide traps heat, predating contributions from her male contemporaries. The podcast highlights her struggles against historical neglect and emphasizes the need to recognize women's pivotal roles in science. It also connects her legacy to broader themes of social justice and climate advocacy, calling for an inclusive dialogue in today's climate discussions.
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Regina Barber's Role Models
- Regina Barber mentions her role models, including Dr. Mae Jemison and Dr. Chien-Shiung Wu.
- She recently learned about Eunice Newton Foote, a pioneering woman in climate science.
Foote's Obscurity vs. Tyndall's Fame
- Katherine Wilkinson, a climate scientist, learned about Eunice Foote in 2018.
- She contrasts Foote's obscurity with the fame of John Tyndall, a prominent figure in climate science.
Foote's Early Climate Science Work
- Eunice Foote conducted experiments at home and discovered that certain gases, like CO2, retain heat longer.
- Her work predates John Tyndall's and linked CO2 to a warming planet.
