Planet Classroom

How will artificial intelligence reshape what it means to be human? Host C. M. (Cathy) Rubin sits down with internationally acclaimed artist, futurist, and "Bionic Pop Artist" Viktoria Modesta for a compelling conversation exploring AI, human augmentation, creativity, identity, and why protecting our uniquely human imagination may be the key to building a better future.

Can the world run on 100% renewable energy without blackouts or rising costs? Professor Andrew Blakers joins host Ivan Ransom to explain how low-cost solar power and pumped hydro storage can deliver reliable electricity around the clock. This science-backed conversation challenges common myths and reveals why a zero-carbon energy future may be closer than many think.

Editor: Fabian Sanchez | Art Direction: Emily Brooks | Production Coordinator: Sam Burns

Texas State Climatologist John Nielsen-Gammon joins Pranav Kumar Gahadwal to explain how climate change intensifies Texas drought, flooding, and extreme heat. Discover the "7% moisture rule" and strategies for resilient cities. This episode translates climate science into practical preparation for extreme weather.

Host: Pranav Kumar Gahadwal | Guest: John Nielsen-Gammon Team: Kaylee Cordray, Sam Burns, Emily Brooks.

C. M. (Cathy) Rubin interviews XPRIZE CEO Anousheh Ansari on responsible AI leadership, startup accountability, and impact-driven innovation. From wildfire detection to carbon removal, Ansari makes clear: "AI is just the means." For founders and investors, this episode reframes success — long-term impact over short-term hype.

Produced and Edited by Kaylee Cordray. Art Direction by Emily Brooks.

In this episode of Net Zero Speaks, host Monaaleekh B.K. Gowda sits down with Dr. Josheena Naggea to talk about blue justice, ocean governance, and empowering coastal communities in Mauritius. Produced and edited by Sahana Garrett with art direction by Emily Brooks, this episode explores biodiversity conservation, women's equity, and community-led strategies accelerating climate resilience and net-zero progress.

Caribbean climate scientist Professor Michael A. Taylor explains how climate change is already affecting daily life—hotter nights, flash flooding, and coastal loss—and what communities can do now. In this Net Zero Speaks episode, hosted by Pranav Kumar Gahadwal, Taylor shares water security, heat-safety, and storm-resilience strategies. Produced and edited by Gabriela Zavala.

In Net Zero Speaks, Columbia climate economist Gernot Wagner joins Ana Hanhausen to explain the economics behind the clean energy transition. He shows why electrification is accelerating, how policy sequencing and grid reform drive results, and what credible net zero investment looks like. He also addresses guardrails for solar geoengineering research.

C. M. Rubin speaks with Ambassador Shea Gopaul (IOE/UN) on how AI can power decent work and inclusive growth. From apprenticeships to green and blue skills, she shares a pragmatic roadmap for responsible innovation—balancing opportunity, fairness, and safety across global labor markets.

Climate scientist Danny Harvey (U of T; IPCC) and POP host Sahil Soni share a practical brief: three city policies to pass now, a sub-$2,000 home upgrade, how to read climate models correctly, diet shifts that work, and one hard-to-decarbonize sector with a real solution. Edited by Sergio Castaneda.

Host C. M. Rubin interviews ophthalmologist Pearse Keane about the Moorfields Mission: building AI to cut avoidable sight loss. They explain how AI helps clinicians interpret eye scans faster, triage urgent cases, and reach patients earlier while safeguarding consent, bias mitigation, and transparency. Clear, hopeful, practical—an accessible guide to trustworthy health tech for educators today.