Topic: Climate Science

A high school biology teacher from Washington state writes in to describe being instructed to teach that "carbon" (rather than carbon dioxide) is an evil particle. He expresses frustration with the politicization of science education but notes that high school students remain open to counter-ideas before they are "turned" by university environments.

A $1,000 donation from a listener in the UK, now dubbed Sir Bumpsy of the Tickly Beard, is read. The donor explains that the amount represents what he would have spent on Spotify over several years. He claims a "PhD in Climate Science Studies" and requests "Jobs Karma" after finally finding work following a long layoff.

Several producers are elevated to the ranks of Duke, Knight, and Baronet following their financial contributions. In a satirical nod to Jill Biden, the show introduces the "Doctor of Education in Climate Change Science" title for certain donors. The segment includes various sound effects and "jingles" requested by the producers, including clips of Al Sharpton.

National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby reaffirms President Biden's belief that climate change is a greater existential threat to humanity than nuclear war. Kirby asserts that this is "just science and fact," even as the U.S. engages in multiple global conflicts. The hosts award this statement "Clip of the Day" for its perceived absurdity in the current geopolitical climate.

Climate Envoy John Kerry stated at the UN that the global food system contributes up to 33% of world emissions and must be "front and center" for net-zero goals. Kerry warned that 600 million people could face food insecurity in a "two-degree future." His rhetoric is criticized for contradicting the need to feed a growing population while simultaneously targeting the agricultural sector.

Scientist Patrick Brown admitted to omitting key factors like forest management from a study on wildfires to ensure its publication in the journal Nature. Brown stated that prestigious journals prefer narratives that focus exclusively on climate change as the primary driver of environmental disasters. He argued that this bias misinforms the public and hinders practical solutions to wildfire prevention.

"Science Moms" is a marketing campaign launched by the Potential Energy Coalition to promote climate change awareness among parents. The group claims that 99% of scientists agree that climate change is man-made and urgent. The campaign is managed by the Lippincott Agency and funded by a non-profit that raised $8 million for environmental advocacy.

A satirical proposal for "Worship Science Week" suggests that truckers should stop all deliveries to major cities like New York and D.C. to "save the globe" from climate change. The concept frames a potential supply chain shutdown as an act of religious devotion to mainstream scientific narratives.

The hosts tease an upcoming two-hour special on climate change featuring a curated archive of clips. One featured clip includes a climate scientist claiming that humans are "over 100% responsible" for current global warming. They discuss using the "Everything" search tool to navigate their 14-year archive of "poignant or stupid" media clips on the subject.

A study published in "Science of the Total Environment" suggests that climate change allowed for a more diverse bat population in southern China, facilitating the mutation of coronaviruses. The hosts criticize this "packaging opportunity" to link the pandemic to environmental policy. They point out contradictions in climate models regarding species extinction versus the sudden emergence of new bat species.

Actor Mark Ruffalo participated in a grassroots fundraising event where he described the kind of America he hopes to see under a Joe Biden presidency. Ruffalo emphasized an America where "climate catastrophes are taken seriously" and policy is "led by science." The hosts mock the statement, suggesting Ruffalo's rhetoric is elitist and disconnected from the concerns of average citizens.

A donor's fiancé, who is an expert in Arctic aerosols, is mentioned in the context of climate science discussions. The conversation shifts to former CIA Director John Brennan, with the hosts questioning why intelligence agencies are not doing more to address organized rioting. They suggest Brennan and other "deep state" actors may be complicit in the ongoing chaos.

CNN is criticized for featuring climate activist Greta Thunberg as an expert voice on the COVID-19 pandemic. The hosts mock Anderson Cooper for admitting he was a poor science student while simultaneously urging viewers to "follow the science." They argue that Thunberg is being used to bridge the gap between the pandemic and the climate change agenda.

A Swedish teenager interviewed on Democracy Now! introduces the term "United Science," urging world leaders like Donald Trump to educate themselves on climate data. The hosts argue that these youth activists are being "programmed" with specific talking points to shame older generations into political compliance.

Bill Nye released a PSA suggesting that the real motivation for young people to engage in climate change research is the potential for significant financial gain. The hosts describe the message as pandering and insincere.

Marianne Williamson expressed opposition to nuclear energy during an MSNBC climate forum, stating that politics should go "beyond hard data" and "facts" to focus on the heart. The hosts criticize her for ignoring modern nuclear technology that can utilize waste from older reactors.

Professor Nils-Axel Mörner, an expert on sea levels, reported that absolute sea levels in the Northern Hemisphere are rising by no more than 1 mm per year. His research indicates that sea levels in equatorial regions, including areas near Australia, have remained stable for the last 50 to 70 years. These findings contradict popular educational claims that coastal areas like Bondi Beach are at risk of imminent flooding.

The segment posits that climate scientists are beginning to "walk back" extreme predictions as the 2030 deadline for "catastrophe" approaches. The hosts trace the history of the movement from 1970s global cooling to Al Gore's carbon exchange initiatives. They argue that the current rhetoric is being "abused" by political groups like the Justice Democrats to implement radical economic shifts.

Kate Marvel clarified that while climate change is a threat to "human happiness and civilization," it is likely not an immediate threat to human existence. The hosts compare the current climate alarmism to the Y2K scare, noting that sincere believers often become defensive when their dire predictions fail to materialize. They suggest the "fourth warmest year" data is being used as an excuse to begin backing off previous claims.

A 1961 episode of The Twilight Zone titled "The Midnight Sun" is used as a metaphor for modern climate change rhetoric. The episode depicts a world doomed by the Earth moving closer to the sun, only to reveal a twist where the Earth is actually freezing as it moves away.