

More or Less
BBC Radio 4
Tim Harford explains - and sometimes debunks - the numbers and statistics used in political debate, the news and everyday life
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 15, 2017 • 10min
WS More or Less: How to measure a Hurricane
Delving into the intricacies of hurricane measurement, the podcast explores the Saffir-Simpson scale and introduces advanced models like Ike and CDP to assess intensity and damage potential. It discusses the significance of duration in determining storm damage and how location influences the severity of hurricane impact.

Sep 15, 2017 • 25min
Are Natural Disasters on the Rise?
The podcast explores the increase in natural disasters globally, debunking the claim of a quadrupled rate. It analyzes trends, fatality rates, and hurricane patterns, addressing interesting listener questions. The episode also delves into indefinite hyperbolic numbers and introduces a new science mysteries podcast.

Sep 11, 2017 • 9min
WS More or Less: More Horses than Tanks?
Exploring the UK army's horse versus tank count, comparing their historical roles and modern significance. Discussing international armies' choices between horses and tanks, highlighting the British army's unique composition. Reflecting on the evolving roles of horses and tanks in warfare, and reevaluating the criteria for assessing military strength beyond tank numbers.

Sep 8, 2017 • 26min
Electric cars, school-ready and feedback
Will we need more power stations? Plus, are children in Manchester ready for school?

Sep 4, 2017 • 7min
One in 500 Year Storm
Discussing the significance of the 1 in 500-year storm in Houston, comparing it to historical events like the Paris flood of 1910. Debunking the 'one in 100 year event' misconception in weather analysis. Highlighting the importance of updating calculations considering climate change for accurate estimates.

Sep 1, 2017 • 28min
Grenfell Tower's Death Toll
The podcast discusses the challenges of determining the death toll in the Grenfell Tower fire, physiological responses to cold water immersion, consequences of incentivized construction in flood-prone areas, and analyzes changes in sexual behavior and number of partners.

Aug 28, 2017 • 11min
Fantasy Football - How to win
Exploring winning strategies in fantasy football leagues based on player budget allocations, delving into the link between climate change and civil war in Syria, investigating the disputed claim of mass migration due to drought, discussing factors influencing conflict in Syria, and inviting ideas on the 51st element shaping the modern economy.

Aug 25, 2017 • 28min
A-levels, drowning and dress sizes
Boys outperforming girls in A-level grades for the first time, youth drowning statistics and water safety education, debunking myths about swimming lessons, and evolution of women's clothing sizes in the UK

Aug 20, 2017 • 10min
The Trump Bump
Analyzing President Trump's claims of creating over a million jobs and boosting the economy. Exploring his promises of wage enhancement and stock market impact. Reflecting on the relationship between stock market growth and Trump's policies. Contemplating future market trajectory and inviting audience engagement.

Aug 14, 2017 • 9min
Are there 15,000 transgender people serving in the US military?
Exploring the controversy of 15,000 transgender military members claim, challenges in data, Rand Corporation study estimating transgender individuals in the US military, contrasting US data with experiences from other countries


