Not the End of the World - Ep147: Dr Hannah Ritchie
Dec 13, 2023
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Dr Hannah Ritchie, a data scientist and science communicator, discusses positive trends in climate change, renewable energy, environmental issues in farming, and the societal process of making choices in addressing environmental problems. She emphasizes the need for hope and practical solutions to combat the climate crisis.
The organization Our World in Data aims to challenge pessimism by providing data-driven insights on positive trends in human well-being and environmental sustainability.
Dr. Hannah Ritchie's book 'Not the End of the World' explores environmental problems and potential solutions, emphasizing the importance of achieving both environmental goals and human well-being.
Advancements in renewable energy technologies have the potential to address the climate crisis by providing cost-competitive alternatives to fossil fuels and promoting energy efficiency.
Deep dives
The World in Data's Role in Communicating Data and Research
Dr. Hannah Ritchie, head of research at Our World in Data, discusses her work in using data and research to show how the world is changing. The organization aims to present data in a neutral way, allowing for discussions and different narratives to emerge. They cover various topics, including environmental issues, human development, and long-term trends. The goal is to provide a grounded understanding of global challenges and explore potential solutions.
Challenging Pessimism and Offering a Balanced Perspective
Dr. Hannah Ritchie explains how Our World in Data seeks to challenge pessimism and show that the world is not as bad as it may seem. They provide data-driven insights on positive long-term trends in human well-being, such as child mortality, extreme poverty, and maternal mortality, which have all seen significant improvements over the past few centuries. By highlighting these positive trends, they aim to combat anxiety and inspire a sense of agency in addressing ongoing challenges.
The Path to Building a Sustainable Planet
Dr. Hannah Ritchie shares her thesis from her upcoming book, 'Not the End of the World.' The book takes a data-driven approach to explore environmental problems and potential solutions. It argues that sustainability should encompass both environmental preservation and improving quality of life for current populations. By examining issues such as air pollution, climate change, deforestation, food production, biodiversity, plastics, water, and overfishing, the book outlines how we can build a sustainable planet by regrowing forests, adopting sustainable agricultural practices, promoting dietary changes, and utilizing technological innovations. The focus is on finding ways to achieve both environmental goals and human well-being.
The Potential of Renewable Energy
Renewable energy sources have the potential to solve the climate crisis. Historically, energy production has relied on burning fossil fuels, which produces CO2 emissions and air pollution. However, advancements in renewable energy technologies, such as wind and solar power, have made them competitive with fossil fuels in terms of cost. Despite the current share of renewables in the global energy mix being relatively small, there is great potential for growth. With the declining costs of renewables and the improvements in energy efficiency, it is possible to increase energy services without significantly increasing overall energy demand.
Addressing Plastic Pollution
Plastic pollution is a significant environmental issue that requires targeted solutions. It is important to distinguish between plastic use and plastic waste management. A major source of plastic pollution in the oceans comes from lower middle-income countries that have experienced rapid development without adequate waste management infrastructure. By investing in waste management systems, the problem of plastic pollution can be effectively addressed. It is also crucial to consider the alternatives and potential trade-offs when discussing the reduction of plastic use. While concerns about microplastics and their potential impacts on human health exist, the evidence is currently limited. Solving the issue of plastic pollution requires a balanced approach that recognizes the benefits and drawbacks of plastic use while focusing on effective waste management practices.
Dr Hannah Ritchie is a data scientist and science communicator. Her focus is on the largest problems that shape our world, and how to solve them. Most of her work focuses on environmental sustainability, including climate change, energy, food and agriculture, biodiversity, air pollution and deforestation. She is Deputy Editor and Lead Researcher at Our World in Data, where, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she built the Our World in Data COVID-19 information dashboard. She is also a researcher at the Oxford Martin Programme in Global Development.
Her new book, Not the End of the World, is out in January 2024.
Links
Hannah’s TED talk – “Are We the Last Generation — or the First Sustainable One?”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kl3VVrggKz4
Hannah’s WIRED piece – “Stop Telling Kids They’ll Die From Climate Change”: https://www.wired.co.uk/article/climate-crisis-doom
Rupert Read - How I talk with children about climate breakdown: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Lt0jCDtYSY
Roger Hallam - Advice to Young People as they face Annihilation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=au33QX9I-Mg
Roger Hallam at the Oxford Union: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQgBMSefgkM
Hannah’s new book – Not the End of the World: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/453652/not-the-end-of-the-world-by-ritchie-hannah/9781784745004
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