

#1776 - Steven E. Koonin
Feb 11, 2022
Steven E. Koonin, a theoretical physicist and former Chief Scientist for BP, dives into the contentious world of climate science. He challenges alarmist narratives by analyzing historical climate data and advocating for open discourse in scientific communities. Koonin critiques media portrayals of climate change, emphasizing the complexity of sea level trends and greenhouse gas emissions. He discusses the economic implications of transitioning energy systems and highlights the importance of credible data in reshaping public perceptions amidst ongoing debates.
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Book Sales and Media Coverage
- Steven Koonin's book "Unsettled" sold over 120,000 copies in 10 months.
- Mainstream media outlets like the New York Times and CNN provided little to no coverage.
Koonin's Academic Achievements
- Koonin graduated high school at 16, attended Caltech and MIT, and earned a PhD in theoretical physics in three years.
- He became a faculty member at Caltech at age 23.
Koonin's Role at BP
- Koonin worked as chief scientist for BP, focusing on renewable energy strategies.
- He aimed to define "Beyond Petroleum" and develop alternatives to oil and gas.