Get your science on with the new podcast from the Union of Concerned Scientists. Our hosts take on technology, attacks on science, climate change, and more, as they channel the power of science to make the world a better place.
Move It, Move It
Everyone needs to get from point A to point B, and Jess talks with urban planner and UCS Director of Clean Transportation Steven Higashide about the latest and greenest in what moves us.
10/15/2024 • 29 minutes
Re-release: Wet, Hot American Summer
Hurricanes pounding the southeast, heatwaves and smoke from fires across the country, and temperature records falling left and right…Jess talks with UCLA climate scientist and Weather West blogger Dr. Daniel Swain about this summer of extremes.
10/1/2024 • 29 minutes
Mosses and Matriculation
Jess talks with California State University, Los Angeles Biology Department Chair Dr. Kirsten Fisher about desert mosses, climate change, and the changing state of science in higher education.
9/17/2024 • 29 minutes
A Democracy, If You Can Keep It
A new report using voting precinct-level data uncovers key information about who is actually voting in our elections, and who our current democratic process is leaving behind. Jess talks with UCS scientist and report author Dr. Liza Gordon-Rogers about what this means for the 2024 elections.
9/3/2024 • 29 minutes
The Danger Season Squad
This special episode takes listeners on a film noir-style journey to explore the fossil fuel crime wave that's sweeping the nation. UCS scientists Dr. Carly Phillips and Dr. Juan Declet-Barreto become part of the elite Danger Season Squad, using science to solve crimes against humanity and break the news to the unsuspecting public along with Danger Season beat reporter Jess Phoenix. Visit sciencewithjess.org to see the special graphic novel version of the show!
8/20/2024 • 13 minutes, 20 seconds
Getting (Lead) Down To Earth
Jess visits the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County to unearth efforts by Dr. Aaron Celestian and his team to use a groundbreaking new mineral-based method to clean up lead contamination in L.A. backyards.
8/7/2024 • 29 minutes
The Science of Violence
After the recent assassination attempt on former President Trump, Jess talks with Dr. Garen Wintemute, Director of the Violence Prevention Research Program at the University of California - Davis, about the science of political violence and what we can do to stop it. This episode discusses difficult topics like gun violence and mentions suicide, so please take note.
7/23/2024 • 29 minutes
Water, Water Every Where
A groundbreaking new report reveals the looming threats facing United States coastlines from now through 2100. Experts Dr. Juan Declet-Barreto and Shana Udvardy cover what you need to know.
7/9/2024 • 29 minutes
Strange New Worlds
Jess talks with NASA OSIRIS-REx mission lead planetary scientist and cosmochemist Dr. Dante Lauretta about collecting samples from the asteroid Bennu that are now helping us understand the very origins of the universe.
6/25/2024 • 29 minutes
Food Fight
Food justice activist and writer Rae Gomes joins Jess to talk about what we get wrong about food in the United States, and what we can do to make things right.
6/11/2024 • 29 minutes
This Is Science Season 2: Science Boogaloo
Jess has the details on some recent UCS victories in the real world, and gives a preview of what you can expect for the second season of This Is Science.
5/29/2024 • 13 minutes, 30 seconds
Season 2 Is Coming!
Thank you to all of our listeners for a fantastic first season of This Is Science with Jess Phoenix! We are grateful for your support, and stay tuned for the start of Season 2 in just a few weeks.
5/15/2024 • 32 seconds
War Of The Words
Dr. Jo Lukito of the University of Texas, Austin has made using science to understand political language her life’s work. She joins Jess for the third episode in our ongoing series about the science of democracy in the 2024 election cycle.
5/1/2024 • 29 minutes
Earth Day Two Ways
Jess hosts a conversation between climate scientist Dr. Brenda Ekwurzel and environmentalist and actor Eric Balfour about climate solutions and the future of humanity and our planet.
4/16/2024 • 29 minutes
Feet To The Fire
Jess talks with California's Attorney General Rob Bonta about a historic lawsuit he filed against Big Oil to hold them accountable for the devastating effects of climate change caused by their fossil fuel products.
4/3/2024 • 29 minutes
What We Need to Make Democracy Work
Longtime Washington journalist Jesse J. Holland talks with Jess about changes in journalism and communicating science in the age of social media and “alternative facts,” and what we can expect as the 2024 US election cycle swings into gear. This is the second episode in UCS’ ongoing 2024 election cycle coverage.
3/19/2024 • 29 minutes
The Expanse
Jess talks about space, science, and the future of humans in our universe with Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck, the award-winning authors behind the hit books and critically-acclaimed TV series The Expanse.
3/5/2024 • 29 minutes
Near The Water
Hydrologist Dr. Karletta Chief of the Navajo Nation talks with Jess about the unique scientific problems facing indigenous communities in the United States and what role science has in finding the solutions.
2/21/2024 • 29 minutes
The State of the Science
Dr. Mindy Romero, founder of the Center for Inclusive Democracy at the University of Southern California, talks with Jess about current election science and what we can expect to see during the 2024 election cycle.
2/6/2024 • 29 minutes
Look For The Helpers - Part 2
In the second part of this special Clean Transportation mini-series Jess visits the West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project to talk with co-founder and co-director Ms. Margaret Gordon about local health and environmental impacts of - and solutions to - living next to one of the nation's busiest shipping ports.
1/23/2024 • 29 minutes, 1 second
Look For The Helpers - Part 1
In the first part of this special Clean Transportation mini-series Jess talks with Adam Browning of Forum Mobility about the future of heavy-duty electric trucks.
1/10/2024 • 29 minutes
Happy Holidays, Science Friends!
Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year from all of us at the Union of Concerned Scientists!
12/26/2023 • 1 minute, 20 seconds
The Highest Stakes
With the backdrop of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), Jess catches up with lawyer and climate negotiator Hafij Khan about the critical Loss and Damage fund and this year's conference.
12/13/2023 • 29 minutes
Special Episode - This Is Science Thanks
Need some pumpkin pi to go with that leftover turkey? Jess highlights her favorite reasons to be thankful for science in this season of gratitude.
11/29/2023 • 18 minutes
What's Science Fiction is Prologue
Some science fiction authors have an almost uncanny ability to see what’s coming down the road. Jess talks with Chuck Wendig, whose writing is both wildly creative and oftentimes extraordinarily prescient.
11/14/2023 • 29 minutes
Ep014 SkinDeep Final
Happy Halloween! Jess talks with UCLA librarian Megan Rosenbloom about the spooky science of uncovering what makes some old books extra rare.
10/31/2023 • 29 minutes
Dust To Eat
Jess digs into the science of soils and farming in the century of climate change with Dr. Rick Cruse of the University of Iowa.
10/17/2023 • 28 minutes, 49 seconds
Science Fiction
Science fictions are widely held dangerous beliefs that are not supported by science. Jess explores a few of these in anticipation of the continued propagation of science myths during the next US election cycle.
10/3/2023 • 29 minutes
Ungulates, Overlords, and Uprisings: Artificial Intelligence Unleashed
Jess talks with artificial intelligence experts Chris Mattmann of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Meriem Bekka of vmWare about the technological, social, and environmental aspects of our A.I. future.
9/19/2023 • 58 minutes
Wet Hot American Summer
Hurricanes pounding both coasts, heatwaves and smoke from fires across the country, and temperature records falling left and right…Jess talks with UCLA climate scientist and Weather West blogger Dr. Daniel Swain about this summer of extremes.
9/5/2023 • 29 minutes
Bad Neighbors
Jess tells the stories of three invisible threats harming residents of major US cities with help from Julie McNamara and Darya Minovi of the Union of Concerned Scientists.
8/22/2023 • 29 minutes, 1 second
The New Dark Ages
Jess speaks with Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse about the influence of fossil fuel dark money in politics today.
8/8/2023 • 29 minutes
Destroyer of Worlds
Jess speaks with Oppenheimer biographer Kai Bird about one of Earth's most influential humans and his scientific and political legacies.
7/25/2023 • 29 minutes
Special Episode - Under Pressure
Jess speaks from her experience conducting deep ocean research to answer questions raised by UCS scientists and staff about the recent disasters of the migrant ship sunk in Greek waters and the implosion of the Titan submersible.
6/30/2023 • 19 minutes
Fear in a Handful of Dust
Exciting new research allows UCS scientists to gain insight into North Korea’s shadowy nuclear weapons program. Jess talks with UCS researchers Dr. Sulgi Park and Dr. Laura Grego about this work, and the current state of worldwide nuclear affairs.
6/20/2023 • 29 minutes
Going Green? Better Call Ed!
Jess visits actor and environmental champion Ed Begley, Jr. at his LEED Platinum-certified home to talk all things green.
6/6/2023 • 29 minutes
We Didn't Start The Fire (But We Know Who Did)
UCS scientists have linked fossil fuel companies to the explosion of wildfires in the west. Jess talks with lead study author Kristy Dahl and climate law attorney Jessica Wentz about what this information means for holding corporations accountable for climate destruction.
5/23/2023 • 29 minutes
Ep003 ToHellAndBack AllTracks Mixdown3
Jess investigates what connects giant salamanders, community organizing, and fracking via a conversation with journalist Annie Roth and biologist Justin Grubb, creators of the documentary film "Hellbent." Rights of nature provides a unique legal framework for communities to protect vulnerable environments, and it's being tested in the courts right now.
5/10/2023 • 58 minutes
Making Waves
Jess is joined by Amani Webber-Schultz and Jaida Elcock, shark scientists and co-founders of the nonprofit organization Minorities In Shark Sciences. The conversation ranges from hammerhead shark anatomy to the UN High Seas Treaty, and the importance of diversity for innovation in science.
4/25/2023 • 29 minutes
Curiosity is the Cure
In our inaugural episode, host Jess Phoenix talks with Alie Ward, science communicator and host of the podcast Ologies.
4/11/2023 • 29 minutes
Ep. 25: ¿Quién quiere un auto eléctrico? Por lo visto, tú
Yazmín Alfonso de EVNoir y Andrea Marpillero-Colomina de GreenLatinos hablaron con Got Science sobre los resultados de una encuesta que mide el interés de la gente latina por los autos eléctricos y nos dan sus impresiones e ideas para ampliar el acceso equitativo.
4/6/2023 • 29 minutes
Ep. 157: Lean, Clean, Green Machines
Community organizer Bridget Vial and energy analyst Paula Garcia discuss how some states can reach an equitable transition to 100% clean energy by 2035.
3/28/2023 • 29 minutes, 1 second
Ep. 156: Combatting Disinformation Danger
Social media analyst Erin McAweeney pulls back the curtain on how disinformation spreads across Facebook and Twitter.
3/28/2023 • 29 minutes
Ep. 24: Ep. 23: ¿Qúe hace el resto del mundo ante la amenaza nuclear? 2a Parte
Diplomática Mexicana Tonie Jáquez, una figura clave en el desarme nuclear, discute las implicaciones globales de los peligros nucleares que enfrentamos con la invasión Rusa de Ucrania.
3/2/2023 • 29 minutes
Ep. 24: ¿Qúe hace el resto del mundo ante la amenaza nuclear? 2a Parte
Diplomática Mexicana Tonie Jáquez, una figura clave en el desarme nuclear, discute las implicaciones globales de los peligros nucleares que enfrentamos con la invasión Rusa de Ucrania.
3/2/2023 • 29 minutes
Ep. 155: Trial By Fire
Forest firefighter and conservation biologist Jon Trapp talks about analyzing wildfires, close calls with endangered wolves, and the urgency of global warming.
2/28/2023 • 28 minutes, 30 seconds
Ep. 154: Trust But Verify: Why Science Holds Sway in an Era of Misinformation
New podcast host Jess Phoenix introduces a re-airing of an interview with science historian Naomi Oreskes.
2/14/2023 • 29 minutes
Ep. 152: Meet New Podcast Host Jess Phoenix
In her final interview, Colleen MacDonald passes the mic to Jess Phoenix, a geologist and author of “Ms. Adventure”
1/31/2023 • 29 minutes, 8 seconds
Ep. 23: ¿Qúe hace el resto del mundo ante la amenaza nuclear?
Diplomática Mexicana Tonie Jáquez, una figura clave en el desarme nuclear, discute las implicaciones globales de los peligros nucleares que enfrentamos con la invasión Rusa de Ucrania.
1/30/2023 • 29 minutes
Ep. 151: Saving Endangered Species: Turtle by Turtle
New England Aquarium’s Adam Kennedy manages the sea turtle rescue and rehab hospital and tells us what it takes to save critically endangered species.
1/17/2023 • 29 minutes
Ep. 22: Cómo alcanzar 100% energía renovable para 2035-2a Pte.
Segunda parte de la entrevista con John Walkey de GreenRoots y Paula García de UCS. En este episodio, hablamos de las oportunidades económicas—o sea, trabajos--que brindará la transición y los obstáculos que se prevén y cómo se podrían superar.
1/17/2023 • 29 minutes
Ep. 150: Electric Vehicle Battery Reuse and Recycling
Vehicles analyst Jess Dunn explores how electric vehicle batteries can be reused, repurposed, and recycled.
1/3/2023 • 29 minutes
Ep. 21: Cómo alcanzar 100% energía renovable para 2035
Organizador comunitario John Walkey y analista sénior de energía Paula García discuten cómo algunos estados pueden alcanzar una transición equitativa a 100% energía renovable para 2035 según su análisis "En la ruta hacia 100 por ciento energía renovable"
12/20/2022 • 29 minutes
Ep. 149: The Midterms Are Over: What’s Next?
Voting rights expert Dr. Michael Latner recaps the midterm elections and lays out the challenges facing our democracy.
12/13/2022 • 29 minutes
Ep. 148: Is Capturing and Storing CO2 Emissions from Fossil Fuels a Viable Climate Solution?
Energy expert Steve Clemmer discusses the pros and cons of carbon capture and storage technologies and what role they might play in fighting the climate crisis.
11/29/2022 • 29 minutes
Ep. 147: Survey Shows Strong Interest in Electric Vehicles Among Diverse Consumers
Dr. Quinta Warren, associate director of sustainability policy at Consumer Reports and Dave Cooke, senior vehicles analyst at UCS discuss a recent survey of electric vehicle adoption among communities of color.
11/15/2022 • 29 minutes
Ep. 146: Progress Toward a Healthy Food System
Food and agriculture expert Karen Perry Stillerman unpacks provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act that can set the US on the right path for a healthy and just food system.
11/1/2022 • 29 minutes
Ep. 20: El verano ahora es “la temporada de peligro” por el calor, los incendios y huracanes
Científico climático Pablo Ortiz Partida explica por qué UCS le ha puesto “Temporada de peligro” al verano.
10/25/2022 • 29 minutes
Ep. 145: Updated: What Traditional Ecological Knowledge Can Teach Us
Dr. Daniel Wildcat, a Yuchi member of the Muscogee Nation, explains how Traditional Ecological Knowledge can work in tandem with science to help us understand the natural world.
10/18/2022 • 29 minutes
Ep. 144: What’s Preventing Nuclear Annihilation?
Global security expert Jennifer Knox explains how international treaties reduce the risks of nuclear weapons.
10/4/2022 • 29 minutes
Ep. 143: Why Some People Vote and Others Don’t
Political scientist Dr. Andrea Benjamin discusses her research on local elections and what motivates Black and Latino voters.
9/20/2022 • 29 minutes
Ep. 142: DIY Ideas to Fight Climate Change
Psychologist Dr. Susan Schneider shares her evidence-backed ideas on how regular people can make changes to lead climate-friendly lives.
9/6/2022 • 29 minutes
Ep. 141: The Latest Science on the Global Climate Crisis
Economist Dr. Rachel Cleetus discusses how global warming is impacting countries around the world and informing global action
8/16/2022 • 29 minutes
Ep. 140: How Digital Information Targets Voters
Technology innovator Shireen Mitchell discusses pervasive disinformation on social media centered around US elections, and how we can fight back
8/2/2022 • 29 minutes
Ep. 139: The Supreme Court’s Devastating Impacts on the EPA
Energy and policy expert Julie McNamara explains the WV v. EPA court case and the potentially devastating effect it will have on our ability to fight global warming in the U.S.
7/19/2022 • 29 minutes
Ep. 138: Reaching 100% Renewables by 2035
Community organizer Bridget Vial and energy analyst Paula Garcia discuss how some states can reach an equitable transition to 100% clean energy by 2035.
7/5/2022 • 28 minutes, 59 seconds
Ep. 137: Updated: Farming While Black
For Juneteenth, we’ve updated one of our most listened-to episodes (2021), featuring Leah Penniman, founder of Soul Fire Farm and author of Farming While Black
6/21/2022 • 29 minutes
Ep. 20: ¿Cuál es el riesgo de una guerra nuclear con Rusia? - 2ª parte
César Jaramillo, experto sobre el desarme nuclear, nos explica en cuáles escenarios Putin pudiera plantearse usar armas nucleares.
6/21/2022 • 29 minutes
Ep. 19: ¿Cuál es el riesgo de una guerra nuclear con Rusia?
César Jaramillo, experto sobre el desarme nuclear, explica lo que significa la guerra entre Rusia y Ucrania para la seguridad nuclear global.
6/21/2022 • 29 minutes
Ep. 136: Its Danger Season: When Deadly Heat, Wildfires and Hurricanes Collide
Ep. 135: The Danger of Gas Leaks and What Can Be Done
Organizer and veteran Yaritza Perez and climate scientist Dr. Juan Declet-Barreto discuss the human impacts of, and science behind, methane pollution and how communities in Florida are fighting back.
5/24/2022 • 29 minutes
Ep. 18: Las peligrosas fugas de gas y cómo se evitan
Organizadora y veterana Yaritza Pérez y científico climático sénior Dr. Juan Declet-Barreto hablan de los impactos sobre los seres humanos y la ciencia del gas metano, su polución y cómo comunidades en Florida están luchando contra sus peligrosas emisiones.
5/24/2022 • 28 minutes, 59 seconds
Ep. 134: Nuclear Consequences: US and China’s Nuclear Policy
US-China relations expert Dr. Gregory Kulacki discusses China’s nuclear weapons strategy and what it means for the Russian war in Ukraine.
5/10/2022 • 29 minutes
Ep. 133: Out of the Lab, Into the Community
Nonprofit founder and biology PhD Dr. Monica Unseld details her journey from scientist to activist and discusses how science institutions can forge successful partnerships with communities.
4/26/2022 • 29 minutes
Ep. 17: Los riesgos que enfrentan los votantes latinx en EEUU, y los asuntos que más les importan
El voto latinx importa más que nunca. La Dra. Ivy Cargile explica los riesgos para los votantes y los asuntos que nos harán acudir a las urnas.
4/12/2022 • 29 minutes
Ep. 132: North Korea Missile Launches: What's Going On?
Nuclear nonproliferation expert Dr. Jeffrey Lewis breaks down why North Korea appears to be ramping up its missile tests, and what this means for our geopolitics.
4/5/2022 • 29 minutes
Ep. 131: Disinformation: How You Can Spot It and Fight It
Communications strategist Sabrina Joy Stevens shares practical tips for shutting down disinformation online.
3/29/2022 • 29 minutes
Ep. 130: War in Ukraine: The Russian Threat of Nuclear Weapons
Dr. Tara Drozdenko, physicist and national security expert, explains why nuclear weapons should never be on the table in a global conflict
3/8/2022 • 26 minutes, 25 seconds
Ep. 129: Tips for Buying an Electric Car
Engineer and electric vehicles expert Dr. David Reichmuth answers burning questions for first-time EV buyers.
3/1/2022 • 29 minutes
Ep. 128: Voter Suppression: We Can Fight for (and Win) Fair Elections
Ep. 128: Voter Suppression: We Can Fight for (and Win) Fair Elections by Union of Concerned Scientists
2/15/2022 • 28 minutes, 59 seconds
Ep. 16: Por qué el cambio climático se va a los extremos, tanto de frío como de calor
El cambio climático significa que las zonas templadas se están enfriando, que las zonas polares se están calentando y una tendencia al alza en las temperaturas medias globales. El Dr. Juan Declet-Barreto de Unión de Científicos Conscientes (UCS) explica cómo el calor fatal causado por el cambio climático afecta a los trabajadores al aire libre.
2/9/2022 • 29 minutes
Ep. 127: President Biden’s First Year: Progress and Shortfalls
Investigative researcher Taryn MacKinney discusses what is on the line for science and justice, and how the Biden administration can continue and improve its support for science.
2/2/2022 • 29 minutes, 4 seconds
Ep. 126: Hurricane Season 2021: the Bad, the Worse, and the Unexpected
Senior Climate Scientist Astrid Caldas elaborates on Ida—and the many other deadly and damaging 2021 storms made worse by climate change.
1/18/2022 • 29 minutes
Ep. 125: What’s on the Horizon? Offshore Wind
Energy analyst John Rogers is back with exciting developments in the offshore wind industry.
1/4/2022 • 29 minutes
Ep. 15: Los adelantos tecnológicos más prometedores en la eólica marina
Entre los pasos que ha dado la administración Biden y los estados para impulsar el crecimiento de la eólica marina con proyectos en altamar y nuevas tecnologías prometedoras, John Rogers echa un vistazo al futuro de la energía limpia en alta mar.
1/4/2022 • 29 minutes
Ep. 124: The Fossil Fuel Industry’s Continued Lies About Climate Change
Fossil fuel accountability expert Kathy Mulvey and climate litigation scientist Dr. Delta Merner discuss the industry’s deception before Congress and at recent global climate talks.
12/14/2021 • 29 minutes
Ep. 123: Solidarity Through Solar: A City’s Quest for 100% Clean Energy
Energy justice advocate Gracie Wooten and energy analyst James Gignac discuss how science can help a Detroit-area community achieve energy sovereignty by generating and sharing its own electricity.
11/30/2021 • 29 minutes
Ep. 122: Science and the Rapidly Changing Arctic
Arctic expert Joel Clement is back with an update on federal science in the region, and how Alaska Natives are adapting to the changing landscape.
11/16/2021 • 28 minutes, 59 seconds
Ep. 121: Our Democracy at Risk: The State of Elections in the US
Voting rights expert Dr. Michael Latner details the steps we need to take in the coming months to ensure free and fair elections in the US.
11/2/2021 • 29 minutes
Ep. 120: A Scientific Approach to Fighting Hunger in the US
Food systems and health analyst Sarah Reinhardt discusses recent updates to the USDA's Thrifty Food Plan, which will give more people access to healthy, nutritious food.
10/19/2021 • 29 minutes
Ep. 119: Floods, Fires, and Outdated Disaster Plans at Chemical Facilities
Researcher Casey Kalman discusses how chemical facilities can prepare for worsening climate change and natural disasters.
10/5/2021 • 29 minutes, 1 second
Ep. 118: Ford F-150 Lightning: An Iconic American Pickup Truck Goes Electric
Vehicles expert Dr. David Reichmuth discusses the pros and cons of the new electric pickup truck.
9/21/2021 • 29 minutes
Ep. 14: Los abusos y engaños de Tyson
Magaly Licolli, directora de Venceremos y el Dr. Ricardo Salvador de UCS cuentan cómo las empacadoras de Tyson amenazan la salud pública—en particular la de inmigrantes, gente hispana e indígena.
La UCS y el periódico The Guardian llevaron a cabo una investigación de Tyson en la que encontraron abusos, engaños y actividades antimonopolio.
9/14/2021 • 29 minutes, 4 seconds
Ep. 117: Why Tyson Foods is Bad for Workers, Farmers, and the Entire State of Arkansas
Economist Rebecca Boehm and Nina Lakhani, journalist at The Guardian, expose the harms of near-monopolistic chicken production practices at Tyson Foods.
9/7/2021 • 29 minutes
Ep. 116: Too Hot to Work: How Climate Change Threatens Outdoor Workers
Climate scientist Dr. Rachel Licker discusses how climate change will affect outdoor worker’s health and earnings.
8/17/2021 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Ep. 115: What Traditional Ecological Knowledge Can Teach Us
Dr. Daniel Wildcat, a Yuchi member of the Muscogee Nation, explains how Traditional Ecological Knowledge can work in tandem with science to help us understand the natural world.
8/3/2021 • 28 minutes, 50 seconds
Ep. 114: Off the Charts: Zombie Fires, Drought, and Heat Domes
Climate scientist Dr. Kristy Dahl checks in with the Got Science? team on this summer’s dangerously hot and dry weather.
7/20/2021 • 29 minutes
Ep. 113: A Plan for Coal Workers as the Industry Declines
Coal miners like Dr. Jeremy Richardson’s family members helped power the country for generations—now he and Lee Anderson of the Utility Workers Union of America are working on how best to support them in a clean-energy economy.
7/6/2021 • 29 minutes
Ep. 112: Big Oil Upheaval and Growing Voter Restrictions
Climate accountability expert Kathy Mulvey discusses developments in the fossil fuel industry and Dr. Michael Latner fills us in on post-election voter rights.
6/22/2021 • 29 minutes, 1 second
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre los autos eléctricos e híbridos?
¿Son seguros los autos eléctricos? ¿Cómo funcionan y cuánto dura la batería? La Dra. Maria Cecilia Pinto de Moura, ingeniera sénior de la Unión de Científicos Conscientes explica las diferencias entre varios tipos de vehículos eléctricos y cómo lograr que más gente se cambie a un auto eléctrico.
6/22/2021 • 22 minutes, 23 seconds
Ep. 111: Empty Trains, Packed Trucks: How COVID-19 Changed Transportation
Senior transportation analyst Elizabeth Irvin walks us through some surprising transportation patterns she’s been following throughout the pandemic.
6/8/2021 • 29 minutes
Los carros, camiones y buses eléctricos sí son mejores para el clima y el aire
La ingeniera Dra. Maria Cecilia Pinto de Moura explica porqué la electrificación de transportes es un paso imprescindible para el clima y para reducir la contaminación del aire.
6/8/2021 • 28 minutes, 57 seconds
Ep. 110: An Analysis of President Biden’s Plan to Combat Climate Change
Economist Dr. Rachel Cleetus digs into the specifics of the Biden administration’s ambitious climate plan.
5/25/2021 • 29 minutes, 1 second
Cómo conectar el pueblo "glocal" a la ciencia y combatir la desinformación
La Dra. Mónica Feliú-Mójer habla sobre la desinformación y como la comunicación científica tiene que informar al público de forma accesible, auténtica y divertida.
5/12/2021 • 28 minutes, 33 seconds
Ep. 109: A Science-Fiction Solution to Climate Change?
Dr. Peter Frumhoff weighs in on a controversial idea for slowing down global warming: shooting particles into the atmosphere to cool the planet.
5/11/2021 • 29 minutes, 1 second
Ep. 108: How Science and the Law Can Make Polluters Pay
Climate accountability expert Kathy Mulvey shows the path from rigorous attribution science holding fossil fuel companies responsible for climate harms
4/27/2021 • 28 minutes, 50 seconds
Bonus: A Long Record of Lies on Climate Change
How did fossil fuel companies get away with deceiving the public for so long about climate change, and how their products contribute to it?
4/27/2021 • 21 minutes, 43 seconds
Ep. 107: What Bill Gates Has Wrong About “Advanced” Nuclear Reactors
Physicist Dr. Edwin Lyman discusses the safety, security, and environmental impact of several proposed “advanced” nuclear reactors.
4/13/2021 • 28 minutes, 14 seconds
Ep. 106: The Science of Disinformation on Social Media
Social media analyst Erin McAweeney pulls back the curtain on how disinformation spreads across Facebook and Twitter.
3/30/2021 • 28 minutes, 59 seconds
Ep. 105: COVID-19 Vaccine Questions Answered
Infectious disease expert and Arkansas Secretary of Health Dr. José R. Romero answers key questions about COVID-19 vaccines.
3/16/2021 • 28 minutes, 41 seconds
Respuestas a preguntas importantes sobre la vacuna contra el COVID-19
Médico especialista en enfermedades infecciosas Dr. José Romero contesta las preguntas más importantes sobre la vacuna contra el COVID-19 y explica cómo funcionan las distintas vacunas.
3/16/2021 • 27 minutes, 15 seconds
Ep. 104: The EV Promise: Putting Automakers on Notice
Vehicles expert Dr. Dave Cooke explains how US automakers make big environmental promises while lobbying to pollute, and what we can do about it.
3/2/2021 • 28 minutes, 56 seconds
Ep. 103: Clean Energy in 2021 and Beyond
Energy expert John Rogers is back with new renewable energy milestones and advances in wind and solar power
2/16/2021 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Ep. 102: Lessons from a Community Living the Climate Crisis
Dr. Pablo Ortiz discusses the intersecting impacts of climate change in the San Joaquin Valley, and how inequities are hurting the most vulnerable residents.
2/2/2021 • 28 minutes, 45 seconds
Ep. 10: Lecciones sobre la crisis climática y su impacto en el suministro de agua
El Dr. Pablo Ortiz, científico del clima y del agua, ha trabajado con las comunidades del Valle de San Joaquín para estudiar los impactos del cambio climático y cómo se entrecruzan con las inequidades.
2/2/2021 • 26 minutes, 39 seconds
Ep. 101: A Roadmap to Restoring Federal Science
Dr. Gretchen Goldman, an expert on scientific integrity in federal policymaking, details what is needed to bring back and strengthen the role of science in government.
1/26/2021 • 28 minutes, 30 seconds
Ep. 100: Farming While Black: How One Community Farm is Uprooting Racism
Leah Penniman, founder of Soul Fire Farm and author of Farming While Black, discusses how Afro-Indigenous centered community farms can uproot the food system and create new opportunities for Black and Brown farmers.
1/5/2021 • 28 minutes, 54 seconds
Ep. 9: Cómo conseguir que el público se fíe de la vacuna contra COVID-19
Hay dos claves importantes para asegurar que el público confíe en la nueva vacuna contra el COVID, dice epidemióloga y experta en salud pública Ana Diez Roux quien ayudó a crear el marco de recomendaciones para repartir la vacuna utilizado por los CDC. Y su consejo para mejorar la salud de todo el país te sorprenderá.
12/15/2020 • 26 minutes, 59 seconds
Ep. 99: How Can We Distribute a COVID-19 Vaccine Equitably?
How do we make sure that vulnerable populations have access to a COVID-19 vaccine? Dr. Ana Diez Roux discusses an equitable distribution plan.
12/15/2020 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Ep. 98: Reviving the Gulf Coast Dead Zone
What happens upstream… goes downstream. Dr. Rebecca Boehm explains how excess fertilizer on Midwest farms contributes to “dead zones” in the Gulf, and how to reverse course.
12/1/2020 • 28 minutes, 56 seconds
Ep. 8: ¿Qué es el almacenamiento energético? La clave para alcanzar un mundo renovable
Gracias al almacenamiento energético, se puede aprovechar la electricidad generada por la energía solar y eólica más que nunca. Pero...¿qué es el almacenamiento, y cuales son las ventajas?
12/1/2020 • 28 minutes, 26 seconds
Ep. 97: From Wolves to Wildfires: A Firefighting Biologist’s Tale
Forest firefighter and conservation biologist Jon Trapp talks about analyzing wildfires, close calls with endangered wolves, and the urgency of global warming.
11/17/2020 • 28 minutes, 30 seconds
Ep. 96: Election Day 2020: The Trustworthiness of Science
Today’s episode starts with part four of our series on who pays for climate damages followed by a replay of Dr. Naomi Oreskes discussing her book, Why Trust Science?
11/3/2020 • 28 minutes, 58 seconds
Ep. 95: Do Hypersonic Weapons Live Up to the Hype?
Global security expert Dr. Cameron Tracy discusses misconceptions about hypersonic weapons and how they could lead us into another arms race.
10/20/2020 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Ep. 94: The Racist History of Race Science
Author Angela Saini discusses biological myths and racist biases in the sciences from past to present
10/6/2020 • 28 minutes, 50 seconds
Ep. 93: The Cascading Disasters of Wildfire Season
Climate scientist and Bay Area resident Dr. Kristy Dahl discusses how global warming is fueling wildfire season and its impacts on the most vulnerable.
9/22/2020 • 28 minutes, 30 seconds
Ep. 92: Energy Storage Technology Will Ramp Up Renewables
Dr. Elena Krieger explains how an unsung technology can increase reliable access to clean energy
9/8/2020 • 28 minutes, 46 seconds
Ep. 91: The Afterlife of Electric Car Batteries
When electric vehicles start retiring, what happens to their batteries? Transportation expert Hanjiro Ambrose discusses the importance of recycling EV batteries.
8/18/2020 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Ep. 7: Los huracanes son más fuertes con el cambio climático y complican respuesta al COVID-19
La Dra. Astrid Caldas de UCS habla sobre los retos que tendrán que enfrentar las comunidades cuando choquen los huracanes con las áreas más afectadas por COVID-19
Senior climate scientist Dr. Astrid Caldas discusses the connections between climate change and more intense hurricanes and underscores the challenges when they converge with COVID-19.
8/4/2020 • 28 minutes, 30 seconds
Ep. 89: Voting During a Pandemic: COVID-19 and the 2020 Election, Part 2
Voting rights expert Dr. Michael Latner explains how science can keep us safe when casting our votes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
7/28/2020 • 28 minutes, 9 seconds
Ep. 88: Voting During a Pandemic: COVID-19 and the 2020 Election, Part 1
Voting rights expert Dr. Michael Latner explains how science can keep us safe when casting our votes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
7/21/2020 • 28 minutes, 29 seconds
Ep. 87: The Deadliest Intersection: COVID-19, Air Pollution, and Racism
Scientist and lawyer Dr. Adrienne Hollis connects the dots of the pandemic, and why a disproportionate number of Black and Brown people are dying.
7/7/2020 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Ep. 86: Science Is Not Immune to Racism (and That Includes Us)
A message from our host.
6/23/2020 • 5 minutes, 27 seconds
Ep7: Promesas rotas: comunidades marginadas pagan el precio por políticas de la administración Trump
El Dr. Juan Declet-Barreto discute el estudio de UCS ´La ciencia abandonada, promesas rotas´ sobre cómo la administración Trump ha rechazado métodos científicos y leyes basadas en evidencia diseñadas para protegernos. Sus acciones han empeorado las desigualdades que enfrentan las personas de raza Negra y las exponen aún más a la contaminación.
6/23/2020 • 30 minutes, 59 seconds
Ep. 85: How Will COVID-19 Impact Clean Energy Progress?
Renewable energy expert John Rogers is back on the podcast to talk about COVID-19 is affecting clean energy jobs, and how we can create a stronger, healthier clean energy economy for everyone.
5/26/2020 • 27 minutes, 30 seconds
Ep. 6: ¿Cómo afectará COVID-19 al progreso en la energía limpia?
John Rogers, experto en energía, regresa al podcast para hablar de impactos de la crisis creada por COVID-19 en el sector de energía limpia, y cómo creamos una economía más fuerte y sana para todos.
5/26/2020 • 28 minutes, 58 seconds
Ep. 84: Sidelining Science During a Pandemic
Science policy expert Michael Halpern exposes how the Trump administration is unraveling health and safety standards during COVID-19.
5/12/2020 • 28 minutes, 55 seconds
Ep. 83: Reopening with COVID-19: Why Social Distancing, Contact Tracing, and Herd Immunity Matter
Infectious disease epidemiologist Dr. Beth Linas discusses how we move forward after flattening the curve of the coronavirus.
4/28/2020 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Ep. 82: When Floods and Coronavirus Collide: Dealing With a Disaster During a Pandemic
Dr. Kristy Dahl reviews NOAA spring flooding and maps the potential collision with COVID-19.
4/14/2020 • 28 minutes, 27 seconds
Ep. 5: ¿Podemos lidiar con desastres naturales durante una pandemia?
El Dr. Juan Declet-Barreto analiza los datos de NOAA y mapea una posible colisión entre las inundaciones que veremos este año con la pandemia del COVID-19
4/14/2020 • 23 minutes, 36 seconds
Ep. 81: Understanding Vaccines During COVID-19
Dr. Jo Anne Welsch, currently working on vaccine development for low and middle income countries at a global health organization, discusses how vaccines are developed and tested, and the implications of the process for the coronavirus.
3/31/2020 • 28 minutes, 38 seconds
Ep. 80: How Will Climate Change Affect Island Nations? An Expert Weighs in
Dr. Kim Waddell, a biologist living in the Caribbean, discusses threats and responses to climate change.
3/17/2020 • 28 minutes, 30 seconds
Ep. 79: Are Uber and Lyft Rides Bad for the Climate?
Transportation expert Don Anair discusses why ride-hailing is a problem for the climate, and what we can do about it.
3/3/2020 • 28 minutes, 30 seconds
Ep. 78: Five Ways to Start a Nuclear War
Physicist David Wright discusses the nuclear weapons policies and scenarios that threaten our safety, and how to mitigate those risks.
2/18/2020 • 28 minutes, 24 seconds
Ep. 77: This is What Climate Change Looks Like: Wildfires in Australia
Climate scientist and educator Dr. Mel Fitzpatrick dissects Australia's wildfires and explores how climate change has made them more catastrophic.
2/4/2020 • 28 minutes, 30 seconds
Ep. 76: When Science is Neglected, Who’s Hurt Most?
Research scientist Anita Desikan digs into the data to uncover the communities most at risk from the Trump administration ignoring science.
1/21/2020 • 28 minutes
Ep. 75: Rush Hour In Orbit: The Science (and Politics) of Keeping Satellites Safe
Physicist and global security expert Dr. Laura Grego fills us in on the past, present, and future of satellites.
1/7/2020 • 28 minutes, 59 seconds
Ep. 74: As Carbon Emissions Rise, Rice Nutrition Falls
Former USDA senior scientist Lewis Ziska discusses his research on rice and carbon dioxide – and how the Trump USDA suppressed his findings.
12/17/2019 • 28 minutes, 59 seconds
Ep. 73: How “Evidence-Based” Became a Dirty Word
Dr. Jacob Carter explores the consequences of the Trump administration’s attacks on science.
12/3/2019 • 28 minutes, 30 seconds
Ep. 72: Coal Plants, Turn the Power Off and You’ll Make More Money
Energy analyst Joe Daniel explains why seasonal shutdowns can save utilities, and customers, money.
11/19/2019 • 28 minutes, 58 seconds
Ep. 71: Stressed-Out Fish and Ocean Acidification: Consequences of Climate Change
Dr. Sarah Cooley explains how changes in ocean chemistry are having a ripple effect on sea life and our economy.
11/5/2019 • 28 minutes, 30 seconds
Ep. 70: Why Trust Science? with Author Naomi Oreskes
Science Historian Naomi Oreskes explains why science's social character makes it trustworthy, and what we can learn from science's past.
10/22/2019 • 28 minutes, 59 seconds
Ep. 69: From H-Bomb to iPhone: A Scientist’s Journey
Dr. Dick Garwin, recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, discusses his work developing the hydrogen bomb, GPS, and touch screens, as well as his advocacy for arms control
10/8/2019 • 28 minutes, 39 seconds
Ep. 68: Scaling Mountains to Ban Toxic Chemicals in Pajamas
Scientist and adventurer Dr. Arlene Blum discusses her research on cancer-causing chemicals in kid’s pajamas in the 70s and chemical safety today.
9/24/2019 • 28 minutes, 4 seconds
Ep. 67: Champions of Breakfast: How Cereal Companies Can Take a Bite Out of Climate Change
Analyst Karen Perry Stillerman discusses how cereal makers can help farmers improve soil health, prevent water pollution, and reduce the climate impact of our agricultural system.
9/10/2019 • 28 minutes, 48 seconds
Ep. 66: HBO’s Chernobyl Sparks Questions About US Nuclear Power Safety
Physicist Ed Lyman discusses new safety threats to US nuclear reactors and why risks here are different than in Russia.
8/27/2019 • 27 minutes, 31 seconds
Ep. 65: Keeping the Power On During a Climate Crisis
How do electricity grid operators make sure there’s always enough energy to meet demand? Energy expert Julie McNamara reveals the painfully wasteful answer.
8/13/2019 • 28 minutes, 36 seconds
Ep. 64: Baked Alaska: Fighting Forest Fires on the Last Frontier
Dr. Carly Phillips, a climate scientist and fellow at the Union of Concerned Scientists, explains how climate change is turning Alaska into a tinderbox, and what to do about it.
7/30/2019 • 28 minutes, 30 seconds
Ep. 63: Killer Heat in the United States
Climate scientist Kristy Dahl explains off-the-charts deadly heat, just how bad it could get, and what we can do to avert the worst-case scenario.
7/16/2019 • 28 minutes, 24 seconds
Ep. 62: Clean Energy Momentum: From Goals to Gigawatts
Ep. 62: Clean Energy Momentum: From Goals to Gigawatts by Union of Concerned Scientists
7/2/2019 • 28 minutes, 45 seconds
Ep. 61: Building a More Resilient Puerto Rico with Clean Energy
Yanel de Ángel and Ramón Bueno, an architect and climate expert originally from Puerto Rico, discuss how the island can bounce back stronger with renewable energy and other sustainable practices.
6/18/2019 • 28 minutes, 30 seconds
Ep. 4: Construyamos Puerto Rico Más Resiliente Con la Energía Limpia
Yanel de Ángel y Ramón Bueno, una arquitecta y un experto en el clima de Puerto Rico, hablan de como la energía renovable y otras prácticas sostenibles pueden ayudar a la isla a reponerse.
6/18/2019 • 27 minutes, 13 seconds
Ep. 60: Farmers and Crops on a Collision Course with Climate Change
A conversation with Dr. Marcia DeLonge about the wide-ranging impacts of global warming on our agriculture system.
6/4/2019 • 28 minutes, 35 seconds
Ep. 59: Can the World’s Natural and Cultural Wonders Survive Climate Change?
Adam Markham takes us on a tour of World Heritage Sites threatened by a warming world.
5/21/2019 • 28 minutes, 30 seconds
Ep. 58: How Do We Make Aging Infrastructure Climate-Safe?
Dr. Susanne Moser is an expert on climate change adaptation. She was one of the facilitators of California’s climate-safe infrastructure working group, which brought together scientists, planners, architects, and engineers to figure out how climate impacts can be factored into infrastructure planning.
5/7/2019 • 28 minutes, 30 seconds
Ep. 57: Super Pollutants: Carbon Dioxide’s Evil Cousins
Dr. Geeta Persad outlines four types of super pollutants that play a significant role in the climate change equation.
4/23/2019 • 29 minutes
Ep. 56: The High Risks of Low-Yield Nuclear Weapons
Dr. Lisbeth Gronlund, Co-Director of the Global Security Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists, explains the capabilities of the US nuclear arsenal and why smaller-scale nuclear weapons are just as dangerous as bigger bombs.
4/9/2019 • 28 minutes, 59 seconds
Ep. 55: What’s the Deal With the Green New Deal?
Dr. Rachel Cleetus, an economist and climate expert at the Union of Concerned Scientists, puts the ambitious Congressional resolution under the microscope.
3/26/2019 • 29 minutes
Ep. 54: It’s Just Code. How Can It Be Biased?
Author and professor Dr. Safiya Noble talks about racial bias in search results and discusses her book Algorithms of Oppression: How Search Engines Reinforce Racism.
3/12/2019 • 28 minutes, 32 seconds
Ep. 53: The Seeds of Science Advocacy: A Look Back to a Political Awakening of Scientists
In a troubled, divisive time, a small group of scientists decided to make their voices heard—and founded the Union of Concerned Scientists in the process. Dr. David Wright, co-director of the UCS Global Security Program, talks about those beginnings and the half-century of science advocacy that grew from them.
2/26/2019 • 28 minutes, 30 seconds
Ep. 52: The Ethical Question of Autonomous Vehicles
Mobility and equity Kendall Science Fellow Dr. Richard Ezike walks us through the equity implications of autonomous vehicles (AVs), and the infrastructure overhaul needed to get AVs on the road.
2/12/2019 • 28 minutes, 30 seconds
Ep. 51: Two Years of Attacks on Science: Holding the Trump Administration Accountable
Dr. Gretchen Goldman takes us through the systematic dismantling of science protections, what it means for public health and safety, and how scientists are standing up for science.
1/29/2019 • 27 minutes, 30 seconds
Ep. 50: Measuring Ice Thickness in Antarctica: NASA’s ICESat-2 Mission
We go behind the scenes with NASA glaciologists Dr. Kelly Brunt and Dr. Adam Greeley as they prepare for a data-collecting expedition around the South Pole.
1/15/2019 • 28 minutes, 51 seconds
Ep. 49: A Scientist Defending Science
Molecular biologist, Dr. Maryam Zaringhalam, left the lab to explore the intersection of science and public policy.
1/1/2019 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Ep. 48: A Dreamer’s Tale: Soil Microbes, Climate Change, and Being an Undocumented Scientist
PhD candidate Evelyn Valdez-Ward talks about her family’s story, her research on soil and climate, and her experience mentoring younger students.
12/11/2018 • 29 minutes, 5 seconds
Ep. 47: Why California Has the Worst Air Pollution and What Can Be Done
Los Angeles native Prof. Edward Avol talks about the impacts of pollution on children—and why it’s so important to “keep on pushing” for strong clean air standards.
11/27/2018 • 28 minutes, 32 seconds
Ep. 46: The Broccoli Backstory: Dr. Ricardo Salvador Explains the System Behind the Supermarket
Agricultural scientist Dr. Ricardo Salvador tells the story of how our food really gets to the grocery store, and discusses the urgent need for a sustainable and equitable food system.
11/13/2018 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Ep. 3: ¿Cómo llega el brócoli a su mesa?: El Dr. Ricardo Salvador explica el sistema alimentario
El Dr. Ricardo Salvador, científico agrícola, nos cuenta la historia de cómo llega la comida al supermercado, y nos explica por qué necesitamos urgentemente un sistema agrícola perdurable y equitativo.
11/13/2018 • 30 minutes, 20 seconds
Ep. 45: Geoengineering: Scarier than a Zombie Apocalypse?
Just in time for Halloween, an episode that’ll scare the daylights out of you. Frank Keutsch joins us to explain what geoengineering is, why it isn’t a magic fix for climate change, and why we still need to greatly reduce CO2 emissions.
10/30/2018 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Ep. 44: Why Science Needs Your Vote in the Midterm Elections
Andrew Rosenberg, director of the Center for Science and Democracy, goes over some of the key issues facing science, and how your vote in the upcoming midterm elections can help.
10/16/2018 • 30 minutes
Ep. 43: Offshore Wind Turbines: An Ocean of Clean Energy Opportunity
Senior energy analyst John Rogers tells us all about offshore wind, it's clean energy benefits and why offshore wind is more feasible than ever before.
10/2/2018 • 30 minutes, 17 seconds
Ep. 42: Battered, Betrayed, but Not Beaten: Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria
Climate Scientist Juan Declet-Barreto teaches us about community and resilience a year after Maria.
9/18/2018 • 29 minutes, 56 seconds
Ep. 2: Maltrecho y traicionado pero no vencido: Puerto Rico después del huracán María
Juan Declet-Barreto, científico climático, nos enseña sobre comunidad y resiliencia un año después de María.
9/18/2018 • 29 minutes, 54 seconds
Ep. 41: Electric Buses: The People’s Electric Vehicle
Dr. Jimmy O’Dea talks about a future with electric buses, trucks and other heavy duty vehicles, and the positive impact they will have on global warming emissions.
9/4/2018 • 30 minutes, 1 second
Ep. 1: Entusiasmo por la energía: el futuro de las energías renovables en Estados Unidos
Paula García, experta en energías renovables, nos cuenta sobre la expansión de las energías renovables en el mundo y en los Estados Unidos.
8/21/2018 • 26 minutes, 29 seconds
Ep. 40: Getting Excited About Energy: Expanding Renewables in the US
Energy expert Paula Garcia talks about the growth of renewable energy across the globe and in the United States.
8/21/2018 • 24 minutes, 16 seconds
Ep. 39: How Climate Change Affects Your Mental Health
Dr. Joel Nigg, a licensed clinical psychologist and professor at Oregon Health and Sciences University, discusses his research into the mental health impacts of climate change.
8/7/2018 • 29 minutes, 30 seconds
Ep. 38: The Science of Forest Fires: Culture, Climate, and Combustion
Professor John Bailey, an expert on all things fire, tells us about controlled burning, silviculture and why Smokey Bear had it all wrong.
7/24/2018 • 30 minutes
Ep. 37: Revolution on the Road: The Shift to EVs and Self-Driving Cars
Vehicles expert Dr. Daniel Sperling walks us through the future of transportation and the multiple revolutions needed to make self-driving cars an affordable, convenient, and efficient reality.
7/10/2018 • 30 minutes, 1 second
Ep. 36: Coastal Homes and Properties at Risk: Sea Level Rise, Flooding, and Inundation
Economist and climate change expert Dr. Rachel Cleetus discusses new analysis that pairs NOAA climate change research with Zillow real estate data to show the threat to coastal property.
6/26/2018 • 30 minutes
Ep. 35: From Ozone Fixer to Presidential Speech Writer
Atmospheric scientist Don Wuebbles discusses ozone recovery, all-nighters at the White House, and communicating climate science.
6/12/2018 • 29 minutes, 21 seconds
Ep. 34: The Federal Scientist Who Blew the Whistle
Joel Clement, a former policy director at the Department of Interior and new senior fellow with the Center for Science and Democracy at UCS, shares his experience of political interference in the Trump administration and the steps he took to fight back.
5/29/2018 • 29 minutes, 27 seconds
Ep. 33: North Korea, Its Neighbors, and the US: A China Expert’s Perspective
Dr. Gregory Kulacki talks about what is motivating North Korean President Kim Jong Un and the possible outcomes of a summit with President Donald Trump.
5/15/2018 • 28 minutes, 30 seconds
Ep. 32: Nuclear Power Reactors: Is Smaller Better?
How much do you know about nuclear power? Dr. Edwin Lyman, internationally recognized expert on nuclear proliferation, walks us through nuclear power, its associated risks, and small modular reactors.
5/1/2018 • 30 minutes, 33 seconds
Ep. 31: Navigating The Climate Change Minefield With Michael Mann
One of the nation’s most respected (and harassed) scientists, Dr. Michael Mann, discusses the climate change tipping point and battling forces of denial.
4/17/2018 • 29 minutes, 59 seconds
Ep. 30: The Evidence Is In: SNAP Works
You may know it as food stamps. Millions of Americans know it as the reason their families won’t go hungry tonight. Food systems and health analyst Sarah Reinhardt knows that it needs to be strengthened, not weakened, in the next Farm Bill.
4/3/2018 • 28 minutes, 24 seconds
Ep. 29: One Scientist's Quest to Improve Science Education in Puerto Rico
Follow the journey of Dr. Giovanna Guerrero-Medina as she grows from neurobiology researcher to organizer and science advocate for Puerto Rico before and after Hurricane Maria.
3/20/2018 • 30 minutes, 8 seconds
Ep. 28: Why the Government Doesn't Research Gun Violence
Charise Johnson, research associate at the Union of Concerned Scientists, talks about why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can’t study gun violence injuries and death, and how this leaves the public in the dark and at risk.
3/6/2018 • 28 minutes, 10 seconds
Ep. 27: How Science Can Make Voting Fair
Dr. Michael Latner, Kendall Voting Rights Fellow with the UCS Center for Science and Democracy, uses science to level the playing field for voters.
2/20/2018 • 24 minutes, 17 seconds
Ep. 26: Why the US Missile Defense System Won't Work
Physicist Dr. Laura Grego explains in lay terms just why the US ground-based midcourse missile defense system--the one that is supposed to intercept a North Korean missile--doesn't work.
2/6/2018 • 29 minutes, 24 seconds
Ep. 25: Who's Responsible for Climate Damages?
Dr. Peter Frumhoff discusses how science is pinpointing companies’ impacts
1/23/2018 • 29 minutes
Ep. 24: A Retreat from Science at the Department of Interior
Sally Jewell, former Secretary at the Department of Interior, talks about the Trump administration’s effort to roll back scientific and conservation safeguards.
1/9/2018 • 29 minutes, 57 seconds
Episode 23: Electric Vehicles Just Won't Stall
Straight from the Los Angeles auto show, UCS engineer David Reichmuth talks about the drive to make EVs more accessible, affordable, and ubiquitous.
12/19/2017 • 29 minutes, 46 seconds
Episode 22: "I Want You to Act": Gina McCarthy on Pruitt’s EPA, Flint, and the Path Forward
Gina McCarthy, former administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency talks about the current state of affairs under Scott Pruitt.
12/5/2017 • 28 minutes, 58 seconds
Episode 21: Thanks Science!
Find out why we should be thanking science this week. Five esteemed scientists, including a Presidential Medal of Freedom winner, tell us why they are grateful for science.
11/21/2017 • 23 minutes, 6 seconds
Episode 20: A Climate Fingerprinter Fights On
Dr. Ben Santer, climate scientist and one of the first scientists to identify how humans are influencing the global climate, talks about his work and also how he became the target of vicious attacks by fossil-fuel interests.
11/7/2017 • 29 minutes, 51 seconds
Episode 19: A Football Star Stands Up for Science
From football to pharmaceuticals, there’s a playbook for sidelining science. Former NFL player Chris Borland joins UCS science and policy analyst Genna Reed to discuss how powerful interests deceive, misinform, and buy influence at the expense of public health and safety.
10/24/2017 • 33 minutes, 39 seconds
Episode 18: As Coal Declines, Helping Communities Rise
Dr. Jeremy Richardson, senior energy analyst at the Union of Concerned Scientists, discusses his new report on the dwindling role of coal in the U.S. energy sector, talks to a number of innovators in his home state of West Virginia about how they are transitioning away from coal, and relays the experience of environmental justice advocates fighting to improve public health in their communities.
10/10/2017 • 27 minutes, 38 seconds
Episode-17: Soil as ShamWow: How Farmers (and Gardeners) Can Benefit from Healthy Soil
Dr. Andrea Basche, an agricultural scientist and AAAS Fellow at USDA’s National Institute for Food and Agriculture, talks about the power of soil to fight floods and droughts. Tune in to get the dirt on dirt.
9/26/2017 • 24 minutes, 16 seconds
Episode 16: Real Talk with Mustafa Ali: Science, Environmental Justice, and Power
Mustafa Ali was a chief environmental justice official and founding member of the Office of Environmental Justice at the Environmental Protection Agency. He talks about his experience at the EPA, his decision to resign, and the importance of science in environmental justice.
9/12/2017 • 43 minutes, 22 seconds
Episode 15: Sunbeam Us Up: Solarizing Your Roof and the Electricity Grid
Senior energy analysts Laura Wisland and John Rogers from the Union of Concerned Scientists discuss all things solar, from getting solar on your roof to connecting that energy to the power grid.
8/29/2017 • 31 minutes, 24 seconds
Episode 14: Failing Science: The Trump Administration's Six-Month Report Card
Dr. Gretchen Goldman, research director for the Center for Science and Democracy at the Union of Concerned Scientists and co-author of the new UCS report "Sidelining Science since Day One", talks about the Trump administration's attacks on science, their real-life consequences, and how scientists and the public can fight back.
8/15/2017 • 29 minutes, 20 seconds
Episode 13: Living with Rising Seas: Stories from Chronically Flooded Communities
UCS scientist and climate advocate Nicole Hernandez Hammer and Pulitzer-prize nominated journalist and UCS fellow Derrick Z. Jackson talk about what they are seeing on the ground in chronically flooded coastal communities.
8/1/2017 • 28 minutes, 55 seconds
Episode 12: When Rising Seas Hit Home: What Coastal Communities Can Expect, and When to Expect It
Erika Spanger-Siegfried, senior analyst at the Union of Concerned Scientists, brings us startling new research on sea level rise and the hard choices ahead for coastal communities. More at: http://www.ucsusa.org/risingseashithome
7/18/2017 • 28 minutes, 3 seconds
Episode 11: How to Stop a Wrecking Ball: A Fourth of July Look at the Trump Administration
Ken Kimmell, president of the Union of Concerned Scientists, is back to give a recap of the recent months of the Trump administration and how he sees things playing out in light of President Trump pulling the US out of the Paris Climate Agreement.
7/4/2017 • 21 minutes, 35 seconds
Episode 10: Rocket Forensics: Dissecting North Korea's Missile Program Part 2
Part 2 of our interview with Dr. David Wright, co-director of the Global Security Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists. Dr. Wright continues his discussion of North Korea’s missile program, the accelerating pace of launch tests, and what scientific information he gleans from each of them.
6/20/2017 • 23 minutes, 6 seconds
Episode 9: Rocket Forensics: Dissecting North Korea's Missile Program, Part 1
Dr. David Wright, co-director of the Global Security Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists, discusses North Korea’s missile program, the accelerating pace of launch tests, and what scientific information he gleans from each of them.
6/6/2017 • 21 minutes, 23 seconds
Episode 8: Bridging the Faith-Science Divide
Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, director of the Climate Science Center at Texas Tech University, discusses her life as an evangelical Christian and climate scientist.
5/23/2017 • 21 minutes, 19 seconds
Episode 7: African Americans Against the Bomb: Connecting Nuclear Weapons and Racial Justice
Dr. Vincent Intondi, director of the Institute for Race, Justice, and Community Engagement at Montgomery College, talks about the forgotten history of African Americans against the nuclear bomb. In this interview he connects the fight against nuclear weapons with racial equality.
5/9/2017 • 28 minutes, 33 seconds
Episode 6: The Amazing Renewables Race: Ranking the States on Clean Energy
John Rogers, senior energy analyst with the Climate and Energy Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists, talks about some of the surprising findings in a new UCS report on state-level clean energy progress.
4/25/2017 • 25 minutes, 49 seconds
Episode 5: Unpacking the Snowpack: Is the California Drought Really Over?
Dr. Juliet Christian-Smith, senior climate scientist with the Climate and Energy Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists, talks about water, snowpack, and the drought in California.
4/11/2017 • 23 minutes, 26 seconds
Episode 4 - Science and Justice are Indivisible: A Conversation with Robert Bullard, March 28, 2017
Dr. Robert Bullard, the father of the environmental justice movement, discusses his past, new fights, and the role of scientists in solving environmental racism.
3/28/2017 • 25 minutes, 38 seconds
Episode 3 - The Ultimate Designated Driver: Pros and Cons of Self-Driving Cars, March 14, 2017
Vehicles analyst Jimmy O'Dea from the Union of Concerned Scientists discusses everything from the practical issues to the philosophical implications of self-driving cars.
3/14/2017 • 16 minutes, 9 seconds
Episode 2 - Federal Science in the Crosshairs, Feb. 28, 2017
Dr. Andrew Rosenberg, director of the Center for Science and Democracy at the Union of Concerned Scientists discusses the challenges ahead for federal scientists in the Trump administration.
3/1/2017 • 25 minutes, 50 seconds
Got Science Promo
Got Science Promo by Union of Concerned Scientists
2/14/2017 • 38 seconds
Episode 1 - The Factless President, Feb. 14, 2017
Ken Kimmell, president of the Union of Concerned Scientists, discusses the role of science in the Trump administration.