In this episode of Climate on the Edge, host Susan Su sits down with Andrew Parker, founder and CEO of the Degrees Initiative, and a global leader in the field of Solar Radiation Management (SRM). Degrees uniquely focuses on SRM research for and by the Global South, and has pioneered groundbreaking research grants and initiatives from South Africa to Thailand. This episode covers:Why SRM isn’t just a thought experiment, but a potential scientific and political lifeline for vulnerable regions in the Global SouthThe Degrees Initiative’s groundbreaking efforts to empower researchers in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast AsiaThe thorny ethical, political, and scientific challenges of governing an effort with global implications like SRMHow SRM fits into a broader climate action framework and why the “moral hazard” critique doesn’t tell the whole storyWhat the risk-risk framing of SRM tells us about how to proceed with its research and potential implementationA sneak peek at the Degrees Global Forum 2025 in Cape Town and how it could redefine the SRM debateAndy brings over a decade of experience to this conversation, having been at the forefront of SRM research and governance since 2008. As the globe has continued to surpass climate thresholds and you've begun what's next and who should be involved, this episode will challenge your thinking.📌 Learn more about the Degrees Initiative🎧 Subscribe now for future episodes and help us grow awareness of frontier climate solutions⭐️ Leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify🌍 For more about the show and more information about episodes, visit Climate on the Edge and follow us on LinkedInSupported by emrgnce - innovative minds exploring climate’s next frontier. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
1:11:31
--------
1:11:31
How to Save a Billion Lives from Extreme Heat
Extreme heat is one of the deadliest—and least visible—threats of the climate crisis. In this episode of Climate on the Edge, we sit down with Anna Bershteyn, the driving force behind Project HEATWAVE at NYU Langone Health to look at the intersection of climate interventions and public health. Drawing from her background in global health systems and infectious disease modeling, Anna shares her team’s groundbreaking efforts to reduce mortality from extreme heat, a problem projected to threaten over a billion people this century.We explore:How her research in HIV prevention led her to the frontlines of the climate crisisThe gaps in evidence and understanding that hinder effective responses to extreme heatInnovative extreme heat interventions, from behavioral fixes to biomedical solutions to solar geoengineeringThe staggering complexity of preparing for a crisis that is both predictable and uncertainAnna’s insights will challenge the way you think about climate adaptation and highlight the urgent need for global action. Whether you’re a policymaker, climate tech innovator, or just curious about how we can tackle the most pressing climate challenges, this episode is for you.📌 Learn more about Project HEATWAVE 🎧 Listen now and subscribe for future episodes exploring frontier climate solutions⭐️ Leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify🌍 For more about the show and more information about episodes, visit Climate on the Edge and follow us on LinkedInSupported by emrgnce - innovative minds exploring climate’s next frontier. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
1:02:50
--------
1:02:50
Solar Radiation Management to Buy Time for Climate
As a climate investor focused on energy transition and carbon dioxide removal, I've spent years understanding and supporting technologies that drive decarbonization. But lately I've grown concerned that our progress isn't happening fast enough. The urgency of our situation. Which has become very apparent has left me curious about what else is out there.That's why I was so excited to speak with Kelly Wanser, Executive Director of SilverLining. SilverLining is a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing climate risks through advancing research and equitable governance around solar radiation management. Kelly is an absolute powerhouse here and a true pioneer in this field. Our conversation will get into how SRM might work, where it's at today, what's needed to advance the field and why organizations like SilverLining and its backers believe that it should advance. We'll explore the economic and practical aspects, including concerns about SRM's affordability and the actual, very real logistical challenges of deploying any form of SRM responsibly on a global scale. Kelly is one of the world's most influential figures on SRM and climate intervention beyond emissions reduction. I hope this conversation is as thought-provoking for you as it was for me.Leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts ⭐️For more about the show and more information about episodes, visit Climate on the Edge.Follow us on X and Linkedin.Supported by emrgnce - innovative minds exploring climate’s next frontier. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
1:39:21
--------
1:39:21
Solar Radiation Management's Risks and Opportunities
In this episode I explore the controversial topic of solar geoengineering with Dr. Holly Jean Buck, and Dr. Will Burns, two of the most thorough and interesting thinkers out there when it comes to the topic. Specifically they talk me through the question of “should we ban SRM research”. There’s a lot these two experts disagree on about SRM, and their back and forth really expanded my thinking on the topic. Together, we break down what SRM is, how it might work, and the different approaches within SRM, such as stratospheric aerosol injection and marine cloud brightening.This episode provides a nuanced look at SRM as part of the climate action toolkit, I hope it helps you think critically about the role it might play, as it did for me. Episode ResourcesHolly’s Article on SRM researchSRM Non-Use AgreementWhite House statement on SRM (2023)Wil’s work on the SRM research ecosystem Alameda, California Suspends MCB ExperimentGuest-Suggested Articles-WilClive Hamilton- Geoengineering and the Politics of ScienceHolly’s Book After GeoengineeringHollyTaiwo and Talati- Who are the Engineers? Wiley Carr- Vulnerable Population’s Perspectives on Climate EngineeringTimestamps01:26 Urgency of SRM02:25 Introducing Holly and Will22:06 State of SRM Research29:39 Global Players in SRM43:12 Rules in SRM Governance46:34 Challenges of Private Sector Involvement55:22 Conspiracy Theories and Public Perception01:04:00 Future Prospects01:07:02 Lightning RoundLeave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts ⭐️For more about the show and more information about episodes, visit Climate on the Edge.Follow us on X and Linkedin.Supported by emrgnce - innovative minds exploring climate’s next frontier. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
1:16:28
--------
1:16:28
What I've Learned So Far & Frontier Climate Headlines
Fresh from New York Climate Week, I’ve been reflecting on the concept of “toxic positivity” in climate spaces—a term discussed by Amy Westervelt of Drilled. It’s that disconnect between the optimism we often see at conferences and the stark realities of climate disasters unfolding worldwide.On this show, we don’t sugarcoat or shy away from tough questions. Instead, we dive deep into solutions that could truly bend the curve on climate change. We’re not just discussing problems—we’re exploring the complex, messy work required to solve them. In this episode I recap some of the most important lessons I've learned from experts and innovators building climate solutions.I also take a look at some recent climate headlines that you might not have heard about--Vietnam launches a low emissions rice initiative-BlueSky enters a $105 million sales agreement for biochar-based carbon removal, priced at $275 per ton.-China expands its Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) to include steel, aluminum, and cement, covering 60% of the country’s total emissions.-Chongqing, China, experiments with cloud seeding to combat heatwavesThanks for listening to Climate on the Edge—let’s keep pushing the conversation forward.Episode ResourcesDrilled ArticleVietnam Low-Emissions Rice ProgramBlueSky SaleChina Expands ETS‘Underwear Storm’ in ChinaTimestamps00:00 Introduction to Toxic Positivity at Climate Week01:50 Climate on the Edge so far10:10 Climate Headlines19:25 Upcoming Topics and ConclusionLeave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts ⭐️For more about the show and more information about episodes, visit Climate on the Edge.Follow us on X and Linkedin.Supported by emrgnce - innovative minds exploring climate’s next frontier. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This is Climate on the Edge, where we explore the frontier of climate interventions and dive into the bold ideas that could shape our planet's future. Hosted by Susan Su. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
New Zealand