“Life in the Hothouse…How a Living Planet Survives Climate Change”
April 2, 2010
Hosted by Jill Buck
[Download MP3] [itunes] [Bookmark Episode]
Guest Information
Episode Description
Everyone is talking about climate change. In LIFE IN THE HOTHOUSE, Melanie Lenart, PhD, award-winning journalist and climate researcher, offers an alternative view of the issues at hand— explaining in fascinating, user-friendly terms how the Earth’s natural systems help deal with climate change and what we can do to support that process. Lenart explains how our planet responds to different climates, past and present. Stronger hurricanes, rising seas, bigger floods – warming temperatures spur these on. Do these imply a planet taking revenge for human-caused greenhouse gas heating? No, Lenart argues, they merely demonstrate some survival techniques of a living system doing what it takes to stay alive. Does that mean humans can leave it to the planet to take care of the extra heat-trapping greenhouse gases filling the air? No. The planet can survive with ice-free poles, higher sea levels, and intense hurricanes that would potentially be off the charts by today’s standards. But clearly under such conditions our society would face many challenges. In modern times, scientists are not projecting the total meltdown of the poles in the foreseeable future. Yet examples from hothouse times and ice ages illustrate the extremes to which the planet can go. What’s more, learning more about what the Earth does naturally during times of excessive warming can help society plan better for modern ways of handling the heat.
Go Green Radio
Friday at 9 AM Pacific Time on VoiceAmerica Variety Channel
Go Green Radio examines the most pressing environmental issues of the day. From environmental justice to climate change, the global water crisis or sustainability in schools, host Jill Buck interviews subject matter experts to empower listeners to create positive change in their own communities. For over fifteen years, Buck has interviewed U.S. Senators, four-star Generals, CEO’s, scholars, journalists, activists, and so much more. Her panoramic view of sustainability themes has given her listeners unparalleled access to the world’s most captivating topics and problem solvers. Whether you are new to sustainability or a professional looking for a deep dive into the most current green technologies, Go Green Radio is the place for you to hear from leaders who are working to create a healthy and just future for all.
Jill Buck
Jill is an international featured speaker at business, public policy and environmental conferences, and has been featured in such publications as U.S. Mayor, National School Boards Association Quarterly, Working Mother Magazine, Women’s Health Magazine, Ebony Magazine, and Diablo Magazine’s “Women to Watch.” In 2002, Jill founded the Go Green Initiative, a 501©3 that is the global leader in environmental education, operating in all 50 U.S. states and in 73 countries around the world. The program has been endorsed by the National School Boards Association (NSBA), National Recycling Coalition, 9 State PTA’s, California Integrated Waste Management Board (now CalRecycle), California Resource Recovery Association (CRRA), and many more. Jill serves on the editorial board of the Green Schools National Network’s quarterly publication, Catalyst Magazine; and is a member of the Executive Committee for the K-12 Technical Council of CRRA. Jill Buck is a former Naval Officer. While stationed at the Fleet Training Center, San Diego, she served as the Legal, Physical Security, Admin, and Command Inspection Officer, as well as a Damage Control Instructor. She is an honor graduate of the Military Justice School, and a graduate of the Navy’s small arms weapons course, taught by former Navy Seals. Jill holds a B.A. in English from the University of Illinois, and a M.S. in Education, specializing in Online Teaching and Learning, from California State East Bay.
