

323. Unsettled: Climate and Science | Dr. Steven Koonin
87 snips Jan 16, 2023
Dr. Steven Koonin, a University Professor at NYU and former Under Secretary for Science, explores the complexities of climate science and energy solutions. He critiques how policymakers misinterpret IPCC reports to endorse their green agendas. Koonin discusses the dual role of carbon dioxide in agriculture and climate, as well as the potential of nuclear power in reducing emissions. He emphasizes the need for balanced approaches and informed public dialogue amid the hysteria surrounding climate change while highlighting the interconnectedness of economic growth and environmental awareness.
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BP's Beyond Petroleum Initiative
- Steven Koonin became chief scientist at BP to explore alternative energy sources.
- His role involved assessing viable technologies and business strategies beyond petroleum.
Scale Matters for Energy
- Energy solutions must operate at scale to significantly impact global energy systems.
- Koonin illustrates this with an example of recycling tire carbon, which is too small-scale to matter.
Challenges of Alternative Fuels
- Chemical fuels remain crucial for transportation due to their high energy density.
- Biofuels, though promising, are currently too costly compared to gasoline.