What happens when climate scientists refuse to stay in their lane?

Tom Clark speaks with Dr. James Dyke, Earth systems scientist at the University of Exeter.

James is also the co-author of the influential article in 2021: Climate scientists: concept of net zero is a dangerous trap, where he and fellow academics argued: that net zero, “... is a great idea, in principle. Unfortunately, in practice it helps perpetuate a belief in technological salvation and diminishes the sense of urgency surrounding the need to curb emissions now.”  

In this conversation hear James discuss:

• Why climate science doesn’t suffer from an information deficit — it suffers from an action deficit
• How many of today’s climate narratives risk delaying the rapid decarbonisation we urgently need
• The tension between academia and activism, and why scientists must do more than simply publish research
• How climate communicators can work with academics and why the most powerful form of communication may still be face-to-face conversations with people.

In this powerful discussion hear why James believes that we may have failed to avoid dangerous climate change - but that doesn’t mean we’re doomed.

Recommended book: Venomous Lumpsucker by Ned Beauman

Follow James Dyke at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesgdyke/ 

Additional notes: 

Climate scientists: concept of net zero is a dangerous trap - https://theconversation.com/climate-scientists-concept-of-net-zero-is-a-dangerous-trap-157368 

Gaia hypothesis - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaia_hypothesis 

Planet Critical - https://www.planetcritical.com/about/ 

Lawyers Are Responsible - https://www.lar.earth/ 

Strategic Climate Risks Initiative - https://www.scri.org.uk/ 

Global Tipping Points - https://global-tipping-points.org/

Released: 18/03/26

Run time: 51m

Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube