9 ways to feel about our changing planet 🌎, with Dr. Kate Marvel

Jun 17, 2025

Dr. Kate Marvel, a climate scientist and writer from NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, discusses her new book, 'Human Nature,' exploring the emotional aspects of climate change. She shares her journey from astrophysics to climate science, emphasizing the urgent need for public engagement in climate advocacy. The conversation touches on the challenges scientists face amid political resistance, the significance of understanding climate impacts, and the power of personal narratives in fostering connections with our changing planet.

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ANECDOTE

Kate's Path to Climate Science

Kate Marvel transitioned from theoretical astrophysics to climate science, seeking work that directly helps people.
She actively reached out to climate researchers until she found a role, then devoted herself to climate modeling.

ANECDOTE

Science Live Stream Protest

Climate scientists organized a 100-hour live stream to share their research amidst political attacks.
The event engaged thousands online, with support from students, postdocs, and the public.

INSIGHT

Earth’s Greenhouse Blanket

The Earth's natural greenhouse gases keep the planet about 60 degrees Fahrenheit warmer, enabling life.
Increasing greenhouse gas concentrations by 50% over a century is dramatic and deeply concerning.

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Today is publication day for our favorite climate scientist. Dr. Kate Marvel wrote a book called Human Nature: Nine Ways to Feel About Our Changing Planet. Kate is a researcher at the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies (one of the world’s leading research centers), where she specializes in climate modeling. Although, given the various infuriating, retrograde, anti-climate science shenanigans of the Trump administration 😤, who knows how much longer that will remain the case...

I wrote a blurb for the back cover of Human Nature: “This is the best climate book I’ve ever read. It’s magnificent—both planetary and personal, saturated with electric metaphors, incisive vignettes, legitimately funny jokes, and an unflappable, knowing love for Earth, our home.”

Which is to say, buy this book and enjoy this conversation with Dr. Marvel: her science origin story, what her book is all about, how climate science is under attack by the Trump administration — and what that means for Kate’s work, and all of us.

Kate’s CALLS TO ACTION

* Stand up for our ability to understand the Earth, aka climate research. Call your representatives and senators. Call your mom and tell her to call her reps and senators.

* Learn a bit more about climate science.

Mentioned in this episode

* Alarmed by Trump Cuts, Scientists Are Talking Science. For 100 Hours. covered by New York Times

* Goddard Institute for Space Studies

* Why Is NASA Shuttering This Iconic Institute in New York City?

* Kate’s book: Human Nature: Nine Ways to Feel About Our Changing Planet

* Dance Your Ph.D. contest

Credits: This episode was made possible with the support of Future Being, a grantmaking and special projects studio which supports the healing of our planet and the safeguarding of biological and cultural diversity. This show is produced and edited by Matthew Nelson/Stramash Media and me (Ayana), with help from Jenisha Shrestha. And many thanks to our guest Dr. Kate Marvel.

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