483. Why Physics May Hold the Key to Global Warming with Richard A. Muller

As the world searches for impactful solutions to global warming and energy independence, how important is it for policymakers to understand some level of physics? For today’s guest – it’s important enough to write a whole book on it. 

Richard Muller is a professor of physics at UC Berkeley and the author of numerous books including, Now: The Physics of Time and Physics for Future Presidents: The Science Behind the Headlines. Through his books aimed at general audiences, Richard is bringing physics to the masses and illustrates the field’s relevance to everyday life. 

Richard and Greg discuss the critical role of physics in solving current global issues like global warming and energy independence, the broader significance of scientific literacy and objectivity, and major misconceptions about nuclear power. 

*unSILOed Podcast is produced by University FM.*

Show Links:

Recommended Resources:

• C.P. Snow
• Al Gore
• Union of Concerned Scientists
• ADVANCE Act 
• Enrico Fermi
• Hans Bethe

Guest Profile:

• Faculty Profile at UC Berkeley
• Professional Website
• Berkeley Earth Website

His Work:

• Now: The Physics of Time
• Physics for Future Presidents: The Science Behind the Headlines
• Energy for Future Presidents: The Science Behind the Headlines
• The Instant Physicist: An Illustrated Guide

Episode Quotes:

Are we truly tackling climate change the right way?

16:30: Global warming is happening. It is real. Temperature has risen in the last 150 years by 1.5 degrees Celsius—1.5 degrees Celsius. It's real, and it's caused by humans. And I believe—and this isn't science anymore—I believe it's a threat. [16:59] I also know from careful analysis that no major suggestions being made by Republicans, Democrats, or anybody will work, even if implemented; that's the biggest problem. People are suggesting, 'Oh, we should have a carbon tax,' as if that will solve the problem. I can argue effectively why it will not solve the problem. Electric cars certainly won't solve the problem. I don't believe solar and wind have a chance of solving the problem. So the two things we have that can solve the problem are higher efficiency, and that is working well around the world. The efficiency is improving enormously. And the other is nuclear power, which we have to make cheaper than coal.

What do scientists need to do to maintain their reputation?

14:58: Science has lost its credibility largely due to two very important stories. The first one is global warming, where so many scientists lost objectivity. And the other was in the whole COVID story. Because these things are so important, scientists said, "I can't be objective." They didn't say this out loud. They said, "It's important for me to tell people what they should believe." [16:06] So I think scientists need to maintain their reputation, or get it back, as one of the few disciplines from which you can get objective information.

Science is driven by adventure, not curiosity

49:05: Now, scientists are not driven by curiosity. Now, if you're driven by curiosity, you spend your entire day in the library, reading books. Okay, that's curiosity. Scientists—it's more of a challenge, of an adventure. It's what drove the early explorers in the 1600s to go and find a new world, maybe with gold in them. The whole idea of having an adventure is why you go into science, not out of curiosity.