Carbon dioxide levels have risen from 280 to over 420 parts per million, driving a 1.5°C increase in global temperatures and fueling more frequent heat waves, wildfires, and insect infestations. That is the reality, according to Dr. Daniel Schrag, who joined Dr. Kaye to break down the state of the climate crisis.
Dr. Schrag called for action at both the local and global level, pointing to electrification and stronger building codes as necessary steps. He also addressed the growing politicization of climate science and the current administration's cuts to climate research funding.
Despite those challenges, Schrag expressed cautious optimism, pointing to humanity's rapid response to COVID-19 as evidence of what is possible when the urgency is recognized.
Listen to the full conversation above.