Mark Maslin

Joanna Depledge, an expert in international climate negotiations, joins climate change professor Mark Maslin and energy policy professor Jim Watson to tackle the effectiveness of climate summits. They assess the current urgency around COP29 and discuss the challenges of achieving meaningful outcomes. The trio dives into the historical context of major agreements like Kyoto and Paris, and the impacts of political shifts, highlighting the crucial role of climate finance. They also explore the unique dynamics of negotiations, including how even food and ambiance can influence discussions at these critical meetings.

Mark Maslin, a climate scientist from University College London, dives into the alarming collapse of Earth's natural carbon sinks, crucial for absorbing half of our pollution. He discusses the dire need for reforestation and enhancing these ecosystems amidst a climate crisis fueled by greenhouse gas emissions. Alongside this, the podcast touches on a controversial Nobel Prize in Physics awarded to AI researchers and explores the fascinating impact of gaming on cognitive skills versus traditional exercise.

Join Catherine Heymans, Astronomer Royal for Scotland, Mark Maslin, climate expert, and Penny Sarchet, Managing Editor at New Scientist, as they tackle burning science questions. Discover why planets are round and how geese communicate in flight. They also delve into climate change tipping points, emphasizing the urgency of international action to prevent catastrophic shifts, and unravel the mystery of why garden snails ascend buildings. Plus, find out why your laundry gets trapped in duvet covers, blending humor with science!