Why Is Climate Science So Disputed? - Richard Betts

Richard Betts MBE is Head of the Climate Impacts strategic area at the MET Office, the lead author on several reports from the IPCC and a Professor at the University of Exeter. There are few areas of science as contested as the climate. I wanted to speak to someone who has been researching this area for more than 3 decades to discover out why there is so much disagreement over fundamental questions like whether the earth's warming is actually caused by humans? Can we stop it? How accurate are climate models? Should we switch to renewables? What does Richard think of Extinction Rebellion? How much are China to blame? And much more... Sponsors: Join the Modern Wisdom Community to connect with me & other listeners - https://modernwisdom.locals.com/ Get 20% discount on the highest quality CBD Products from Pure Sport at https://bit.ly/cbdwisdom (use code: MW20) Reclaim your fitness and book a Free Consultation Call with ActiveLifeRX at http://bit.ly/rxwisdom Extra Stuff: Follow Richard on Twitter - https://twitter.com/richardabetts Get my free Reading List of 100 books to read before you die → https://chriswillx.com/books/ To support me on Patreon (thank you): https://www.patreon.com/modernwisdom #climate #science #physics - Join the Modern Wisdom Community on Locals - https://modernwisdom.locals.com/ Listen to all episodes on audio: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2MNqIgw Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2LSimPn - Get in touch in the comments below or head to... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriswillx Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chriswillx Email: https://chriswillx.com/contact/

Richard BettsguestChris Williamsonhost

Nov 27, 202159mWatch on YouTube ↗

EPISODE INFO

Released: November 27, 2021
Duration: 59m
Channel: Modern Wisdom
Watch on YouTube: ▶ Open ↗

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Richard Betts MBE is Head of the Climate Impacts strategic area at the MET Office, the lead author on several reports from the IPCC and a Professor at the University of Exeter. There are few areas of science as contested as the climate. I wanted to speak to someone who has been researching this area for more than 3 decades to discover out why there is so much disagreement over fundamental questions like whether the earth's warming is actually caused by humans? Can we stop it? How accurate are climate models? Should we switch to renewables? What does Richard think of Extinction Rebellion? How much are China to blame? And much more... Sponsors: Join the Modern Wisdom Community to connect with me & other listeners - https://modernwisdom.locals.com/ Get 20% discount on the highest quality CBD Products from Pure Sport at https://bit.ly/cbdwisdom (use code: MW20) Reclaim your fitness and book a Free Consultation Call with ActiveLifeRX at http://bit.ly/rxwisdom Extra Stuff: Follow Richard on Twitter - https://twitter.com/richardabetts Get my free Reading List of 100 books to read before you die → https://chriswillx.com/books/ To support me on Patreon (thank you): https://www.patreon.com/modernwisdom #climate #science #physics - Join the Modern Wisdom Community on Locals - https://modernwisdom.locals.com/ Listen to all episodes on audio: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2MNqIgw Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2LSimPn - Get in touch in the comments below or head to... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriswillx Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chriswillx Email: https://chriswillx.com/contact/

SPEAKERS

Richard Betts
guest
Chris Williamson
host

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Modern Wisdom, featuring Richard Betts and Chris Williamson, Why Is Climate Science So Disputed? - Richard Betts explores why Climate Science Divides Us: Models, Morals, and Trade‑offs Climate scientist Richard Betts explains that the core physics of climate change is widely accepted; most disagreement stems from how severe future impacts will be and what responses societies should take. He outlines how climate models work, their accuracy and limits, and the roles of CO2, water vapour, and ecosystem feedbacks like global greening. The conversation explores projected warming scenarios, potential tipping points, and the ethical and practical goals of climate action, including human habitability, biodiversity, and intergenerational responsibility. Betts and Williamson also examine political tensions around development, COP negotiations, activism, nuclear power, and how to communicate climate risks without shaming people or ignoring economic realities.

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