The Climate Question How does carbon dioxide shape our world?
Nov 16, 2025
Peter Brannen, a science journalist and author, joins Esme Stallard, a BBC climate reporter with a geology background, to discuss the pivotal role of carbon dioxide in shaping Earth’s climate history. They unravel how CO2 drives photosynthesis and influences ice ages. The conversation dives into how increased fossil fuel usage has led to alarming atmospheric CO2 levels. They explore the potential consequences of our current trajectory and emphasize human agency in altering climate change outcomes. A fascinating look at the ancient and present impact of this crucial molecule!
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Small Gas, Huge Influence
- Carbon dioxide is a tiny fraction of the atmosphere but controls global temperature and life.
- Small shifts in CO2 drive massive climate and ecological changes over geologic time.
Fieldwork Sparked The Book
- Peter described touring a coal mine and visiting Death Valley to study Snowball Earth evidence.
- Those field visits shaped his view that CO2 links deep geologic events to modern climate.
CO2 Keeps Earth Alive
- Removing atmospheric CO2 would cool Earth by ~60°F within decades and halt photosynthesis.
- That would collapse food webs because life depends on CO2-derived carbon for growth.
