Revisited: Weight of the world, the climate scientists who hold out hope
Jan 4, 2024
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Australian climate scientists Lesley Hughes, Ove Høegh-Guldberg, and Graeme Pearman reflect on their life's work and the burden of knowing about the climate crisis. They discuss the urgent need for action on climate change, the impact on coral reefs, frustrations with politicians' insufficient actions, and the concept of assisted colonization to save species. They also highlight the fear of runaway climate change and the power of renewable energy.
Urgent and decisive action is required to address climate change and mitigate its effects.
Maintaining hope, finding solutions, and taking individual actions can make a difference in addressing climate change.
Deep dives
Urgent action is needed to address climate change
The podcast discusses the urgent need for action to address climate change. Climate change scientists have been warning about the consequences of inaction for decades. They predicted the death of reefs, species extinction, and rising temperatures. The scientists emphasize that there is no time for endless debates about the existence of climate change. Urgent and decisive action is required to mitigate its effects.
Societal and political barriers hinder progress
The podcast highlights the social and political barriers that hinder progress in addressing climate change. The narrow focus on wealth generation and conflicts within organizations like CSIRO pose challenges for moving forward. The podcast mentions missed emission reduction targets and the need for stronger leadership. The influence of the fossil fuel industry is also discussed, with calls to reduce its social license to operate.
Hope, solutions, and the role of individuals
The podcast emphasizes the importance of maintaining hope, taking action, and finding solutions to address climate change. Despite the grim outlook, there are still possibilities for preserving coral reefs and implementing renewable energy solutions. It is noted that individual actions, such as transitioning to renewable energy or supporting climate-friendly policies, can make a difference. The podcast encourages people to focus on what they can do to contribute and highlights the need for immediate responses.
Science Weekly revisits episode three of this 2023 mini-series from Full Story. In the final part of this three-part series, the Australian climate scientists Lesley Hughes, Ove Høegh-Guldberg and Graeme Pearman take stock as they look back on their life’s work. How does it feel for them to carry this burden of knowledge? Could they have done more? And what hope do they hold for the future?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod
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