Said.fm is Listening

December 7, 2009

Ahead of the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference

Photo by Flickr/ODHD

So with the conference kicking off today, are you curious about what's on the agenda?

Guardian Science Weekly's most recent podcast discusses what issues will surface in Copenhagen over the coming weeks. However, the programme goes beyond just focusing on the conference by speaking with several people on what impact climate change is currently having on their lives. Several perspectives from the scientific through to the economical are presented, making for a well rounded snapshot of the problems we currently all face.

Have a listen to get on top of current climate change concerns, and prep yourselves ahead of this important summit.

Link to Podcast:

Hope for Copenhagen

LSE on Cities, Design and Climate Change

Photo by Flickr/x-ray_delta_one

This talk from LSE, is an academic overview of the future design of cities in the context of climate change. The speakers include Saskia Sassen, Richard Sennet and Jonathon Porritt, each providing their own insights on the topic.

As cities contribute up to 75 percent of total carbon emissions, this is a talk we should all listen to. Saying that, I would save it for a time when you are highly alert (maybe even with a double espresso by your side!) as the speakers express themselves from a very theoretical point of view, sometimes lacking emotion. If you do manage to get to the end of the talk, you will be rewarded by having a better understanding of the complex problems at play within this subject.

LSE have a large archive of equally informative podcasts on critical topics, ranging from economics through to art and science.

Link to Podcast:

LSE Podcast: Cities, Design and Climate Change

Fungi to the Rescue

Photo by Flickr/conskeptical

I had the pleasure of listening to another fascinating TED talk on fungi by Paul Stamets today. After this world wind tour of Paul Stamets' research on fungi, I will never see mushrooms in the same light again and can appreciate them way beyond featuring in my risotto!

Paul Stamets talk goes through analogies of fungi systems with internet systems, how fungi can help fight viruses and how they can be harnessed to fight climate change. I know, I know, all of this sounds way too good to be true, but on listening you will find Stamets talk both compelling and highly persuasive, whilst of course being hugely educational.

Switch off the nonsense reality this and that on the telly, and have a listen to a perfect podcast to accompany you whilst cooking your evening meal.

Link to Podcast:

TED talk: 6 ways mushrooms can save the world

Tags

climate change

Ahead of the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference

LSE on Cities, Design and Climate Change

Fungi to the Rescue