Mark Maslin

Joanna Depledge, an expert in international climate negotiations, joins climate change professor Mark Maslin and energy policy professor Jim Watson to tackle the effectiveness of climate summits. They assess the current urgency around COP29 and discuss the challenges of achieving meaningful outcomes. The trio dives into the historical context of major agreements like Kyoto and Paris, and the impacts of political shifts, highlighting the crucial role of climate finance. They also explore the unique dynamics of negotiations, including how even food and ambiance can influence discussions at these critical meetings.

John Lindo, ancient DNA expert on infectious disease in the Americas; Rebecca Earle, food historian of early colonial Spanish America; Mark Maslin, earth system scientist on human climate impacts. They examine catastrophic population loss and its environmental ripple effects. They trace how crops, livestock and pathogens crossed oceans, reshaping diets, landscapes, trade and climate in the centuries after 1492.

Mark Maslin, a climate scientist from University College London, dives into the alarming collapse of Earth's natural carbon sinks, crucial for absorbing half of our pollution. He discusses the dire need for reforestation and enhancing these ecosystems amidst a climate crisis fueled by greenhouse gas emissions. Alongside this, the podcast touches on a controversial Nobel Prize in Physics awarded to AI researchers and explores the fascinating impact of gaming on cognitive skills versus traditional exercise.

Mark Maslin, Earth system scientist linking historical events to climate; John Lindo, ancient DNA specialist studying disease and population history in the Americas; Rebecca Earle, historian of early modern Atlantic food and diet. They trace the post-1492 flows of crops, livestock and pathogens. Conversations cover dramatic Indigenous population collapse, global spread of New World foods, livestock-driven landscape change, and disease transfers reshaping societies.

Mark Maslin, a Professor of Earth System Science at University College London, discusses the crucial role trees play in combating climate change. He warns that while trees are essential in absorbing CO2, relying solely on planting them won't solve the problem. The conversation also touches on deforestation challenges, the need for fundamental changes in land use, and the importance of reforestation. Additionally, insights into air quality and the alarming decline of UK house sparrows add depth to the discussion.

Join Mark Maslin, a climate change expert, Catherine Heymans, Scotland's Astronomer Royal, and Penny Sarchet, managing editor of New Scientist, as they tackle fascinating questions from listeners. Discover why the Moon is barren while Earth thrives with life. Delve into the mysteries of Tesla's free electricity theories. Learn about the potential for new organisms to evolve to consume microplastics, and the environmental impact of lithium-ion batteries. This lively discussion unearths scientific curiosities with humor and insight.

Join Catherine Heymans, Astronomer Royal for Scotland, Mark Maslin, climate expert, and Penny Sarchet, Managing Editor at New Scientist, as they tackle burning science questions. Discover why planets are round and how geese communicate in flight. They also delve into climate change tipping points, emphasizing the urgency of international action to prevent catastrophic shifts, and unravel the mystery of why garden snails ascend buildings. Plus, find out why your laundry gets trapped in duvet covers, blending humor with science!

Mark Maslin, Professor of Earth System Science at UCL and author of How to Save Our Planet, breaks down why methane packs a punch for near-term warming. He covers methane’s short atmospheric life, major sources like agriculture, energy and waste. Conversations include ruminant emissions, gas leaks and flaring, landfill fixes, and how dietary and waste changes could free land for nature.

Michael Clarke, a defence and security analyst, discusses the potential security risks associated with China's proposed mega-embassy in London, raising concerns about monitoring and sovereignty. Mark Maslin, a climate scientist, examines the UK's ambitious offshore wind expansion and its significance in achieving energy independence. Yvonne Wren, a speech and language therapy expert, highlights the link between toddler screen time and delayed speech development, stressing the importance of interactive engagement. Richard Hollingham reports on NASA's first medical evacuation from the ISS, exploring implications for future deep-space missions.

In this discussion, Mark Maslin, a climatology expert from University College London, Jess Neumann, a hydrology specialist at the University of Reading, and Richard Dawson, an engineering professor from Newcastle University, tackle the UK's escalating climate challenges. They explore the alarming rise in temperatures and extreme weather, revealing strains on infrastructure like railways. The trio emphasizes the need for better flood preparedness and housing adaptations to ensure safety. They also probe the effectiveness of early warning systems in enhancing community resilience.