Best of: How to fight climate change

Today, we’re bringing you a best-of from our archive of over 250 episodes. We’re all aware that the consequences of climate change range from rising sea levels, to drought, wildfires, economic disruption and the displacement of populations. We’re seeing and living through many of these effects, but is there hope for managing additional risk? A couple years ago we sat down with environmental scientist Chris Field to ask this question. He shared that it’s still possible to pave the way to a sustainable future. Take another listen to this episode to hear more about how he thinks we can do this together.

Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your quest. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.

Episode Reference Links:

• Stanford Profile: Chris Field
• Original Episode: How to fight climate change | Stanford University School of Engineering

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Russ Altman introduces guest Chris Field, a professor of earth systems science and biology at Stanford.

(00:01:59) The Status of Climate Change

The current status of global warming and the need for ongoing emissions reductions.

(00:03:17) Understanding CO2 and Temperature

The linear relationship between CO2 emissions and global warming.

(00:05:00) Is Zero Emissions Feasible?

The UN's climate goals and why both mitigation and adaptation are crucial.

(00:06:04) Global Collaboration for Climate Action

The role of both private sector innovations and global political collaboration in climate action.

(00:08:22) Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies

Progress made in strategies for mitigating climate change and adapting to its effects.

(00:11:25) Climate Impact on Disasters

How rising temperatures exacerbate coastal flooding and wildfire risks.

(00:14:07) Adaptation to Coastal Flooding

Insights into strategies such as improving infrastructure and planned relocation.

(00:16:47) Adaptation to Wildfires

Assessment of fire management policies and the challenges of wildfire risk in high-risk regions.

(00:19:03) Technological Innovations in Climate Change

The potential for future technological innovations to solve climate change.

(00:20:54) Ukraine Conflict and Climate Change

The surprising connection between the Ukraine conflict and global climate change.

(00:23:41) Individual Impact on Climate Change

How individuals can make contributions to combating climate change in their everyday lives.

(00:25:57) The Role of Young People in Climate Change

The role young people play in the fight against climate change.

(00:27:12) Conclusion

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