Dr. Michael E. Mann is a Presidential Distinguished Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, where he directs the Penn Center for Science, Sustainability, and the Media. He holds degrees in Physics, Applied Math, and Geology & Geophysics from UC Berkeley and Yale. His work focuses on Earth's climate system, particularly human-caused climate change, and he has played a significant role in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) efforts.
Throughout his career, Dr. Mann has received numerous accolades, including contributing to the IPCC's 2007 Nobel Peace Prize, the Hans Oeschger Medal, and the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement. He is a Fellow of several scientific organizations and has authored over 200 publications and six books, including The Hockey Stick and the Climate Wars and The New Climate War.
The Department of Earth and Environmental Science at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on understanding the dynamic processes that shape the Earth and its environment. It offers a broad range of research and educational opportunities in areas such as geology, environmental science, climate change, oceanography, and paleontology. Faculty and students work collaboratively to study the Earth's systems, explore environmental challenges, and find solutions for sustainable development. The department emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to address pressing global issues like climate change, resource management, and environmental degradation.
Show Notes:
[2:13] - Dr. Mann shares his background and what he would be doing if he were not in the role he’s in.
[4:46] - Penn has a lot of interesting work going on and in the latest strategic vision has climate listed as number one as a situation to tackle.
[7:03] - Dr. Mann describes how he has balanced being a scientist and an advocate for climate communication in a challenging political landscape.
[9:13] - Science should be as objective as possible, especially when it comes to politics and policy.
[11:25] - We all have a right to know where presidential candidates stand when it comes to climate change.
[13:35] - Dr. Mann describes some of the challenges in communicating about climate change and where he focuses his outreach.
[17:12] - People tend to be trapped in self-reinforcing bubbles. The media is very divided.
[19:27] - There is evidence that there will be a tipping point in a majority acceptance and public support of climate change research and action.
[21:54] - Dr. Mann gives suggestions and advice to those looking to enter the field.
[24:09] - The four areas that are prioritized at Penn are Climate, Human Health, Democracy, and AI.
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