Season 1: That's a Wrap

Emily reflects on Season 1, sharing highlights and discussing the origins for Heating Up. Then, she looks to the future - what climate science topic will Heating Up focus on next?

Happy Earth Day! In honor of Earth Day, we wanted to highlight a student who is taking sustainable action in their community. Lillian Poulson, a fourth-year student at the University of Iowa, works as an intern for the University's Office of Sustainability. Part of her work is with the Queer-Trans closet, a project whose goals include social equity, accessibility to gender-affirming clothing, and sustainability. Link to the Queer-Trans Closet website: https://sites.google.com/view/qtcloset/home 

Happy Earth Week! On today's episode, we meets with two environmental communications experts to explore the ins-and-outs of talking about our planet. How does the media cover environmental issues? How can consumers seek out more objective and accurate environmental news? What role do science organizations play? Featuring Katelyn Weisbrod, environmental reporter for Inside Climate News, and Dr. Kylah Hedding, Associate Professor in the University of Iowa’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Link to Warming Trends column: https://insideclimatenews.org/tags/warming-trends/

Out of the lower 48 U.S. states, North Dakota is the coldest. Yet temperatures are rising at record-breaking rates. And as temperatures rise, droughts persist in an already water-limited region. On the border of the Great Plains, farmers bear a great burden. Featuring Dr. Adnan Akyuz, North Dakota's State Climatologist and Professor of Climatological Practice at North Dakota State University.

For returning listeners, get ready for a new sound. In this episode, host Emily Fischer gets personal. Growing up in Minnesota, she's seen the impacts climate change firsthand. And, like many others, this experience inspired her to share her story with others. Minnesota - land of 10,000 lakes, pine groves, and the lonely loon call - becomes the land of storytelling. Featuring Ed Quinn and Kenny Blumenfeld.  

In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, water is a focal point of culture, economy, and recreation. But Minnesota's water is threatened - by climate change, pollution, urbanization, and invasive species. As we expand our environmental footprint, how are Minnesota's parks and recreational services damaged? Featuring Mike Davis, natural resource program consultant for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Ed Quinn, natural resource program supervisor for the Minnesota DNR.

In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, water is a focal point of culture, economy, and recreation. But Minnesota's water is threatened - by climate change, pollution, urbanization, and invasive species. And as populations grow and urban areas expand, Minnesotans need to ask themselves: are they part of the problem? Featuring Dr. Kenny Blumenfeld, senior climatologist at the Minnesota DNR in the state's Climatology Office. 

Featuring Shannon Roesler, professor of law at the University of Iowa. Agriculture is ingrained into Iowa culture. But it is also at the root of Iowa's environmental degradation. With environmental policies determined largely by the state, farmers are left in a tricky situation. Should they abandon state and federal funding to adopt costly environmentally-friendly practices? Or should they keep their funding and farm their way into environmental ruin?

Featuring David Cwiertny, professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Iowa. Agriculture is ingrained into Iowa culture. But it is also at the root of Iowa's environmental degradation. Runoff pollutes waterways with animal waste and chemicals, and water treatment plants just can't keep up.

Featuring Dr. Silvia Secchi, professor in the Department of Geographical and Sustainability Studies at the University of Iowa. Agriculture is ingrained into Iowa culture. But it is also at the root of Iowa's environmental degradation. Outdated farming practices and fruitless policies make agriculture a broken system desperately in need of repair.