Each episode of Why It Matters breaks down an issue that is shaping our world’s future. Join host Gabrielle Sierra as she speaks with the leaders and thinkers w...
As the climate crisis intensifies, so do discussions about the utilization of nuclear energy. In the aftermath of nuclear meltdowns such as Chernobyl and Fukushima, climate skeptics say the environmental benefits do not outweigh the associated costs and risks. But others think that nuclear energy might be the best option for a greener future. Weighed against the world’s continued reliance on fossil fuels, how could nuclear be a safeguard for our energy supply?
This episode was originally released on October 29, 2021.
Featured Guests
Leslie Dewan, CEO, RadiantNano
Shirley Ann Jackson, President, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/the-climate-for-nuclear-energy
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37:48
New Podcast Spotlight: The Interconnect
Emerging technologies are transforming international relations and our country’s economy. So how do we connect science and engineering labs with Washington and the world of business?
The Interconnect, a new podcast series from the Council on Foreign Relations and the Stanford Emerging Technology Review, brings together leading minds in cutting-edge technology and foreign policy to explore recent ground-breaking developments, what's coming over the horizon, and the implications for U.S. innovation leadership.
In this featured episode, Stanford Emerging Technology Review Faculty Council Member Mark Horowitz and CFR’s technologist-in-residence Sebastian Elbaum discuss where chip manufacturing is heading, how hardware advances are powering the new artificial intelligence (AI) era, and what the United States should prioritize in order to sustain its leadership in this crucial domain.
Host
Martin Giles, Managing Editor of the Stanford Emerging Technology Review
Guests
Mark Horowitz, chair of the Electrical Engineering Department at Stanford University
Sebastian Elbaum, the Technologist in Residence at the Council on Foreign Relations
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29:39
Why Climate Matters: Water Scarcity
Fresh water sustains all life, but in many regions, especially arid ones, it is becoming increasingly scarce due to climate change. Aging infrastructure and ineffective policies are only making the situation worse, affecting communities, economies, and even the political stability of some countries. As water shortages intensify, it’s crucial to rethink how we manage this vital resource and develop more adaptable systems that can better withstand the effects of climate change.
This episode was originally released on July 8, 2021.
Featured Guests
Sandra Postel, Founder and Director, Global Water Policy Project
Mark Giordano, Professor of Geography and Cinco Hermanos Chair in Environment and International Affairs, Georgetown University
For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/water-scarcity
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35:47
Why Climate Matters: The Arctic
Under international law, the North Pole and the Arctic waters surrounding it are not owned by any country. But this January, President Donald Trump announced his plans to buy the Arctic territory of Greenland, testing the claims of rivals and opening up a greater conversation around who governs the Arctic Circle. On top of these icy tensions, the North Pole is warming. Melting ice caps are opening up new shipping routes and making the region increasingly mineable, generating even more interest from leaders around the world.
This episode was originally released on March 29, 2023.
Featured Guests
Esther Brimmer, James H. Binger Senior Fellow in Global Governance
Jeff Randall, Military Fellow, U.S. Coast Guard
For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/whats-cracking-arctic
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27:50
Why Climate Matters: Pricing Climate
What does it mean to price our climate? The goal of fees like the “carbon tax” is to put a price on pollutants such as carbon dioxide that contribute to climate change, and incentivize businesses to reduce their emissions and make cleaner choices. But many companies are continuing to value profit over protecting the planet, backing out of their clean energy goals and sinking more money into fossil fuels and other short-term investments that harm the Earth. This has been happening for years, but has ramped up in anticipation of a new Trump administration which has pulled away from climate initiatives like the Paris Accord and Inflation Reduction Act since taking office.
This episode was originally released on July 29, 2020.
Featured Guests
Kate Mackenzie, Green Columnist, Bloomberg
Michael Greenstone, Professor of Economics, University of Chicago
For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/pricing-our-climate
Each episode of Why It Matters breaks down an issue that is shaping our world’s future. Join host Gabrielle Sierra as she speaks with the leaders and thinkers who are facing these questions head on. Fueled by the minds at the Council on Foreign Relations, Why It Matters brings some of the world’s most compelling stories home to you.
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