EP9 - Renewable Energy: Wind, Solar, and Nuclear

Nowadays, everyone wants to be eco-friendly: so let's cut out the B.S. Today, we're looking at greenwashing, and breaking down how corporations try to mislead customers into buying their products. Of course, we'll also talk about how you can avoid falling into companies' traps and put your money towards products that you care about. Fiji Commercial: https://youtu.be/YsKZo8h6z5Y Music by https://www.fiftysounds.com:Track: London

Fun fact: the bugs at the bottom of the water can tell you a surprising amount about the health of a stream! This week, we're joined by certified stream monitor Evalynn Bogusz (who also happens to be Keerthi's close friend and classmate) to discuss all things stream monitoring. The two will also introduce their ongoing scientific research project, "A comparison of eDNA metabarcoding and Virginia Save Our Streams kick-seine sampling methods for stream health analysis," which won several awards at the 2023 Regional Science and Engineering Fair. Virginia Save Our Streams Website: https://vasos.org/

Wind, solar, and nuclear aren't the only three renewable energy sources out there, and it would be an incredible disservice to make you think otherwise. So in this episode, we'll be looking at another holy trinity of sustainables: geothermal, hydropower, and biomass. Like before, we're examining their pros and cons to see how they stack up to fossil fuels. Music by https://www.fiftysounds.com Track: London

Is climate change funny? You might not think so, but perhaps the Sweaty Penguin can change your mind. In this episode, we're talking to podcast founder and host Ethan Brown, who tackles global warming with comedy and optimism. Listen in to hear about Ethan's experience with podcasting, his views of political polarization, and an interesting anecdote about succulents. The Sweaty Penguin website: https://thesweatypenguin.com/ The Guardian (climate news): https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-crisis

Okay, by now it's probably glaringly obvious that fossil fuels are bad. You get it. But what are we supposed to use instead? In today's episode, we're looking at three sources of renewable energy to try and answer that question. We'll be comparing the costs and benefits types to help decide whether any of them can fully replace coal and oil. Music by https://www.fiftysounds.com Track: London

Today, we're heading back in time to look at some of the most pivotal events in climate change history. From the First Industrial Revolution to the Paris Agreement, this episode covers both scientific discoveries and environmental legislation. So if you're ready for an eccentric history lesson, then plug in your headphones and jump right in. About the Paris Agreement: https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/the-paris-agreement Music by https://www.fiftysounds.com   Track: London

Developing carbon capture technology is no easy feat, but groups like AirMiners are helping companies get their products out into the real world. In this episode, we're speaking to Adina Mangubat, who breaks down the different types of carbon removal technologies, challenges in the industry, and talks about her work as AirMiners' Entrepreneur in Residence.   AirMiners Website: https://airminers.org/ Bootup—Carbon Removal Crash Course: https://bootup.airminers.org/ Carbon Footprint Calculator: https://www3.epa.gov/carbon-footprint-calculator/ Buy Carbon Removal Credits: https://nori.com/ https://puro.earth/ https://www.carbonfuture.earth/  Music by https://www.fiftysounds.com Track: London

Quick, think of a pollutant. If plastic crossed your mind immediately, then you're in luck: today's episode is all about everyone's favorite petrochemical derivative. We'll be looking at the origin of plastic and what actually makes it so harmful to the environment, as well as some greener alternatives.  Click here for a list of references used to create this podcast.  Music by https://www.fiftysounds.com: Track: London

Sea turtles and polar bears aren't the only species affected by climate change. The extent to which global warming disrupts ecosystems is much greater than most tend to think, so in this episode, we'll be look at how increased temperatures and emissions affect various habitats. And as always, we talk about a few ways in which you can contribute to conservation. Click here for a list of references used to create this podcast. Music by https://www.fiftysounds.com: Track: London

We all have that one relative that vehemently denies the possibility of global warming, and logic just doesn't seem to change their mind. Today, we're talking to climate psychologist Dr. John Cook, who discusses common arguments used by climate skeptics and how to respond to them. We also learn about common sources of misinformation, as well as what makes these tactics so effective.   Dr. Cook's Website: https://skepticalscience.com/ Buy Cranky Uncle vs. Climate Change: https://www.amazon.com/Cranky-Uncle-vs-Climate-Change/dp/0806540273 Climate Consensus Paper: https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/8/2/024024  Music by https://www.fiftysounds.com Track: London