Shocked

Katharine Hayhoe, a leading climate scientist and professor, discusses the uncertain future of climate change driven by human choices. She explores how our decisions shape projections and policy outcomes, emphasizing the importance of remaining vigilant despite recent progress. Katharine highlights the complexity of climate narratives and calls for personal engagement to connect climate action with hope. She also shares insights on the energy transition and the political challenges that could impede progress, underscoring the global inequality of climate impacts.

Bob Inglis, a former Republican congressman and conservative climate advocate, reflects on his journey of promoting climate action within his party, despite the political backlash he faced. John Cook, a researcher on climate misinformation, reveals how fossil fuel companies have intentionally spread doubt about climate science. They discuss the psychological and political barriers to climate policy, dissecting disinformation tactics that undermine public consensus. The conversation highlights the urgent need for framing climate solutions in ways that resonate with conservative values.

Oil transformed Guyana from one of the world’s poorest countries into one of its fastest-growing economies—practically overnight. In this episode, we explore how oil wealth is reshaping life in Guyana, from new infrastructure to rising inequality, and ask what this moment reveals about the global tradeoffs between development and decarbonization. When the fastest route to a better life is funded by fossil fuels, what choices do countries really have—and who gets to make them?  Shocked is part of the University of Chicago Podcast Network and produced by Magnificent Noise for the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth, which combines a 360-degree approach to education with frontier research having an impact in front-line communities globally. The Institute’s efforts are driven by the need to balance climate risks with societal growth. To follow or support their work, see our show notes or visit climate.uchicago.eduAmy Harder is the host, along with co-host, Michael Greenstone, a professor at the University of Chicago and director of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth. Our executive producers are Eric Nuzum, Michael Greenstone, and Sam Ori. Our production staff includes Christine Driscoll, Amy Pedulla, Sophie Bridges, Jamie York, and Samantha Henig. Our sound designer is Kristen Mueller.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does pragmatic climate policy look like today? In this special episode, our Michael Greenstone sits down with Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and former Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-North Dakota) for a frank conversation about regulation, the energy transition, and the politics of bipartisan climate action. The two senators don’t always agree—but they share a belief that durable change starts with listening. Shocked is part of the University of Chicago Podcast Network and produced by Magnificent Noise for the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth, which combines a 360-degree approach to education with frontier research having an impact in front-line communities globally. The Institute’s efforts are driven by the need to balance climate risks with societal growth. To follow or support their work, see our show notes or visit climate.uchicago.eduAmy Harder is the host, along with co-host, Michael Greenstone, a professor at the University of Chicago and director of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth. Our executive producers are Eric Nuzum, Michael Greenstone, and Sam Ori. Our production staff includes Christine Driscoll, Amy Pedulla, Sophie Bridges, Jamie York, and Samantha Henig. Our sound designer is Kristen Mueller.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Renee Collini, Director of the Community Resilience Center, and Jeremy Porter, Chief Economist at First Street, delve into the intricate issues surrounding sea level rise. They discuss how local communities must lead decisions on adaptation and resilience. Collini emphasizes the importance of understanding localized flood risks beyond outdated FEMA maps. Porter highlights how market data on flooding influences homebuyer decisions and predicts that wealthier areas will invest in protective measures, while many vulnerable regions may face abandonment.

Join Shirley Meng, a Pritzker School professor and battery scientist, alongside Spencer Gore, co-founder of Bedrock Materials, as they dive into the fascinating world of battery innovation. They discuss the potential of solid-state sodium-ion batteries as a game-changer in energy storage. Spencer shares insights into his startup's challenges and the difficult decision to close, while Shirley highlights the urgency for the U.S. to advance sodium technology amidst growing competition from China. Can the next generation of batteries rise to the occasion?

In this discussion, Pedram Hassanzadeh, a researcher at the University of Chicago, dives into how AI is revolutionizing weather forecasts for smallholder farmers in vulnerable regions. He explains the limitations of traditional physics-based models and how pattern-matching AI can provide tailored, actionable predictions. The conversation also covers the democratization of weather science and the importance of feedback from farmers to improve these models. Ultimately, they explore how accurate forecasts not only enhance agricultural decisions but could also save lives.

Jeff Homestead, a former White House regulatory lawyer, discusses the complexities of emissions markets and their role in tackling climate change. He shares insights on the innovative cap-and-trade program designed to combat acid rain and its impact on reducing pollution. The conversation shifts to adapting these markets for India, highlighting successful trials and regulatory challenges. Homestead also reflects on the political landscape, the potential for carbon markets, and the need for pragmatic leaders to drive effective solutions.

Cynthia Giles, former head of the EPA's Office of Enforcement, shares her insights on revolutionizing environmental inspections through AI. She discusses the challenges posed by limited resources and how AI-driven models can target the worst polluters more effectively. The innovative approach not only improves detection rates but also builds trust among inspectors. They also explore potential expansions of this model to tackle other climate issues like methane emissions. Learn how data and collaboration are reshaping environmental enforcement for a better future!

Anat Surishan, an economist and visiting scholar with a childhood fascination for vultures, dives deep into their puzzling decline in India during the 1990s. The conversation unveils how a veterinary painkiller triggered a cascade of ecological disasters, including rabid dog outbreaks and polluted waterways, leading to over 100,000 human deaths annually. With estimates of the economic fallout reaching $69.4 billion, Anat illustrates why vultures are vital cleanup agents in ecosystems, emphasizing the intricate connections between species extinctions and human health.