Chapter 1: The Rise of Climate Change Podcasts

It’s heartening to see a growing number of podcasts dedicated to climate change, indicating that people are taking this critical issue seriously. Many seek to comprehend the complexities of climate change and aim to contribute positively to the solution rather than perpetuate the problem.

While climate change skeptics exist in their own world, dismissing it as a ploy to promote LED bulbs and electric vehicles, the TIL Climate podcast targets those who acknowledge climate change and wish to grasp its causes, implications, and possible actions.

In my view, understanding climate change is akin to recycling; many are eager to recycle but face numerous hurdles and mixed messages. Thankfully, the intellectuals at M.I.T. have crafted a podcast that simplifies the intricate details into easily digestible segments.

TIL Climate articulates its mission succinctly: "Climate change is confusing. This award-winning MIT podcast breaks down the science, technologies, and policies behind climate change, how it’s impacting us, and what we can do about it. Each brief episode provides insights from real scientists to empower informed decision-making for our future."

To enhance the learning experience, TIL Climate offers educators a set of questions and activities for classroom use. These resources can be accessed via the "Educator Guide" tab on the episode page or through their comprehensive guide collection.

Laur Hesse Fisher, the program director for ESI and host of this enlightening series, states, “There’s an overwhelming amount of information regarding climate change. It’s challenging to find trustworthy sources.” She acknowledges the jargon that often complicates understanding, saying, “We’re trying to solve that issue.”

In each 10-minute episode, Hesse Fisher engages with an MIT expert to clarify a specific question about climate change. The inaugural episodes tackled inquiries such as: What role do clouds play in climate change? Why do varying regions face distinct climate impacts? How does carbon pricing function?

The podcast is part of a broader ESI initiative called MIT Climate, aimed at fostering community engagement around climate issues. MIT Climate serves as a platform for sharing projects, news, and educational resources related to climate change, both at MIT and globally. A prototype of this portal can be explored at climate.mit.edu.

“We named the podcast TIL Climate after the popular Reddit hashtag TIL, meaning Today I Learned,” explains Hesse Fisher. “We want these episodes to be accessible; even without prior knowledge of climate science, listeners will gain enough understanding to join the conversation after just 10 minutes.”

TIL Climate effectively dissects the complexities of climate change into understandable segments. Given my own challenges with simple tasks, I assure you this podcast is a reliable source of knowledge.

The fifth season has just launched, featuring the latest episode titled “Wait, how do greenhouse gases actually warm the planet?” This episode brilliantly simplifies intricate concepts, making it essential listening for climate skeptics.

The discussion includes physics and chemistry, which can be daunting for many. However, under Hesse Fisher's expert guidance, even the most challenging subjects become accessible.

Hesse Fisher is a remarkable host, seemingly destined for this role. If her parents envisioned a future podcast star, they certainly succeeded. Throughout each episode, she adeptly navigates listeners through the content, ensuring that information is presented in manageable segments, with a narrative as clear and refreshing as a carbonated beverage.

Having listened to nearly every episode in preparation for this review, I am confident in my grasp of the material. I would even welcome a quiz from Hesse Fisher, not that I consider myself particularly bright, but the TIL Climate podcast delivers climate change insights in a way that captivates listeners.

One aspect I appreciate about the podcast is how experts communicate climate change information straightforwardly, without any preaching. They often discuss the nuances and trade-offs involved in climate initiatives.

For instance, in season four, episode four, Assistant Professor David Keith from MIT’s Sloan School of Management candidly addresses the challenges linked to electric vehicle (EV) batteries and manufacturing. He emphasizes that even an EV charged by a coal-powered plant can achieve roughly 60 miles per gallon (MPG), making it one of the least polluting vehicles available.

In another episode on nuclear energy, MIT Professor Jacopo Buongiorno explores the merits and safety considerations of nuclear power, suggesting that an effective energy strategy should integrate both renewable and nuclear sources.

Rather than being a cheerleader for climate change, TIL Climate serves as a valuable educational resource, investigating solutions without bias.

What sets TIL Climate apart is its openness to all perspectives. Unlike many climate podcasts that deter skeptics, this show presents climate science in a way that encourages understanding and dialogue.

If you find the conflicting information about climate change on social media overwhelming or are simply eager to learn more without the rhetoric, I highly recommend tuning into the TIL Climate podcast.

And if Hesse Fisher is up for my challenge, I’d prefer TRUE or FALSE questions, graded on a curve. So, an A would be for 50 percent correct, and so forth. Bring it on, Ms. Fisher! Oh, and if you could teach me how to blow a bubble, that would be fantastic.

Chapter 2: Featured Videos

A public health expert discusses the intersection of climate change and public health, providing insights into how we can adapt to these changes.

Apple CEO Tim Cook shares his perspective on leadership and sustainability in the context of running the world's largest company.