Climate change authority Noah Diffenbaugh says that the effects of climate change are no longer theoretical but apparent in everyday, tangible ways. Still, he says, it is not too late to better understand the effects of climate change, to mitigate them through reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and other measures, and to adapt how we live in the face of a warmer planet. Society is falling behind in its ability to deal with increasingly extreme climate events but solutions are not out of reach, Diffenbaugh tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

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Episode Reference Links:

• Stanford Profile: Noah Diffenbaugh

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Russ Altman introduces guest Noah Diffenbaugh, a professor of Earth System Science at Stanford University.

(00:02:34) Global Impact of Climate Change

The major areas where climate change is having the greatest impact globally.

(00:03:27) Climate Phenomena and Humans

Connecting climate science with localized human impacts

(00:06:16) Understanding Climate Forcing

The concept of "climate forcing" and its significance in Noah’s research.

(00:10:00) Geoengineering and Climate Interventions

The potential and risks of intentional climate interventions.

(00:21:18) Adaptation to Climate Change

How humans are adapting to climate change and why we might be falling behind.

(00:25:19) Increase in Extreme Events

Why extreme climate events are becoming exponentially more frequent and severe.

(00:28:34) AI in Climate Research

How AI is revolutionizing climate research by enabling predictive capabilities.

(00:32:26) Conclusion

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