Your questions answered: Geo-engineering; keeping houses cool; the climate powers of sharks
Aug 19, 2024
auto_awesome
Join BBC Climate Editor Justin Rowlatt, Prof Tamsin Edwards from King's College London, and Bloomberg's Dr. Akshat Rathi as they tackle listener questions on geo-engineering and climate solutions. They discuss innovative methods for cooling homes, including the quirky idea of using yogurt as a reflective window coating. The trio also dives into the roles of sharks in carbon storage and the impacts of shipping on climate change, shedding light on the intersection of nature and technology in our fight against global warming.
Using yogurt as a reflective coating on windows can effectively reduce indoor heat and save energy during summer months.
The 'polluter pays' principle advocates for carbon pricing to hold industries accountable for environmental damage, yet faces implementation challenges.
Deep dives
Innovative Solutions for Home Cooling
Applying a thin layer of yogurt on windows can significantly reduce indoor heat during summer months. This method acts as a reflective coating, ensuring that less sunlight penetrates the glass and warms the interior. Such an approach allows homeowners to keep their spaces cooler without resorting to traditional air conditioning methods, which can be costly and energy-intensive. This practical tip highlights simple yet effective ways to manage home temperatures while being mindful of energy consumption.
Polluter Pays Principle and Carbon Pricing
The principle of 'polluter pays' emphasizes that industries should bear the cost of environmental damage they cause, ideally by implementing a carbon pricing system. Such pricing would disincentivize carbon emissions by imposing a fee proportional to the damage incurred, aligning economic incentives with environmental responsibility. However, the challenge lies in global implementation and public acceptance, as many perceive it as an additional tax rather than a necessary reform. Discussion surrounds the complexities of transitioning to this system while ensuring it does not disproportionately affect lower-income individuals.
The Role of Sharks in Carbon Storage
Sharks contribute to the health of seagrass meadows, which play an essential role in stalling carbon emissions by absorbing carbon dioxide. By preying on sea turtles, which would otherwise overconsume seagrass, sharks help ensure these underwater ecosystems remain intact and effective at carbon storage. Protecting such species can lead to an increase in carbon sequestration, showcasing the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems. Restoration of various keystone species could dramatically enhance global efforts to reduce atmospheric carbon levels.
Presenter Graihagh Jackson and her regular panel take Climate Questions from listeners. BBC Climate Editor Justin Rowlatt, Prof Tamsin Edwards of King's College London, and Dr Akshat Rathi, senior climate reporter for Bloomberg News, discuss ideas for geo-engineering the atmosphere, the links between climate change and shipping, and which animals do the best job of helping us store carbon.
Plus, Graihagh visits a Climate Question listener to investigate his idea of using yoghurt to keep our homes cool in heatwaves!
If you've got a head-scratcher, email us at theclimatequestion@bbc.com or leave a Whatsapp message on +44 8000 321 721
Producer: Osman Iqbal
Sound Engineers: Andy Fell and Tom Brignell
Editor: Simon Watts
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode