In this discussion, Stephen Mazey, a Supreme Court expert from The Economist, shares insights on the court's ruling granting Donald Trump immunity for actions taken during his presidency. This pivotal decision raises concerns about presidential power and accountability, especially for future elections. Katrine Braik, the environment editor, highlights geoengineering proposals aimed at combating rising sea levels and the ethical dilemmas they present. The conversation also humorously touches on the cultural significance and recent disappearance of a beloved hot sauce.
US Supreme Court grants immunity to Trump, setting a precedent for presidential powers and legal accountability.
Polar geoengineering proposed to mitigate rising sea levels, sparking debate on risks and benefits of large-scale interventions.
Deep dives
Supreme Court Ruling on Trump's Immunity
The US Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling granting former President Donald Trump partial immunity from criminal prosecution for actions taken during his presidency. This decision affects not only Trump but also all former and future presidents, as it expands presidential powers while constraining legal accountability. The ruling shields Trump from prosecution for certain alleged misconduct related to overturning the 2020 election and the Capitol riots, setting a precedent that emphasizes presidential immunity over legal constraints.
Geoengineering to Combat Rising Sea Levels
Geoengineering is suggested as a radical solution to mitigate rising sea levels threatening coastal communities worldwide. Recent attention has turned towards polar geoengineering aimed at slowing the melting of ice sheets to reduce the impact of sea level rise. Proposed methods include using vast underwater curtains to protect outlet glaciers like Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica, which are accelerating ice loss due to warm water intrusion. Despite the outlandish nature of these ideas, the urgency of addressing rising sea levels prompts a debate on the risks and benefits of implementing geoengineering strategies.
Challenges and Controversies Surrounding Polar Geoengineering
The division within the scientific community regarding polar geoengineering arises from concerns over the high stakes and unintended consequences of manipulating natural processes on a massive scale. Critics argue that such large-scale engineering projects may create unforeseen problems, detract from emissions reduction efforts, and set a dangerous precedent for future environmental interventions. The ethical dilemma of pursuing extreme geoengineering solutions versus exercising caution and focusing on emissions mitigation remains a central point of contention among experts and policymakers.
The US Supreme Court has granted the former President immunity from prosecution for official acts committed while in office. We ask what that means for future Presidents and the 2024 American election. Humanity is standing by while sea levels rise. Now scientists want to geo-engineer polar ice to stem the flow (10:45). And why a hot sauce beloved by many suddenly disappeared from our shelves (19:45).