Exploring Climate Change Through Ancient Ice: A Two-Part Podcast with Ellen Mosley-Thompson and Lonnie Thompson
The Voices of Excellence podcast, interviews with The Ohio State University researchers at the cutting edge of the arts and sciences, has released a fascinating two-part series featuring renowned Byrd Center Senior Research Scientists Ellen Mosley-Thompson, Distinguished University Professor of Geography, and Lonnie Thompson, Distinguished University Scholar in Earth Sciences.
The episodes, hosted by David Staley, offer an in-depth exploration of the paleoclimatologists' pioneering work studying ancient ice cores and their profound insights into climate change. Together, they discuss the critical role of ice cores in uncovering Earth's climate history and the actionable steps humanity can take to address the escalating climate crisis.
In the first episode, titled Ancient Ice Cores Tell Us the Future, Professors Ellen Mosley-Thompson and Lonnie Thompson describe how ice cores provide an unparalleled climate data archive. These ancient frozen records reveal key details about historical temperature fluctuations, greenhouse gas concentrations, and atmospheric conditions over thousands of years. The researchers share vivid accounts of their fieldwork in some of Earth's most extreme and remote environments, including the immense logistical challenges of collecting and preserving fragile ice cores. They emphasize the urgent need to safeguard these samples for future scientific study and stress the importance of addressing climate change through increased investment in renewable energy, cutting-edge technologies, and scientific research.
In the second episode, What Can We Do About Climate Change, the conversation focuses on solutions, emphasizing the importance of collective action and global cooperation. They discuss how political will, innovation, and public engagement are essential to combating climate change. Practical advice is shared with listeners, such as reducing personal energy consumption and supporting sustainable policies. Drawing on decades of experience, the researchers advocate for a multidisciplinary approach to addressing climate change, integrating the sciences, technology, and the liberal arts to tackle the problem from multiple angles. Despite expressing concern about the current pace of action, they remain optimistic that humanity has the potential to rise to the challenge, particularly through the efforts of young people and international collaboration.
Listen to the Episodes
The Voices of Excellence podcast provides an engaging platform for Professors Ellen Mosley-Thompson and Lonnie Thompson to share their expertise and inspire meaningful action. Their message is clear: while the challenges of climate change are immense, the solutions are within reach if we work together.
