May 2, 2001: Climate Change - Dr. Peter D. Ward

Dr. Peter D. Ward examines climate change from a geological and paleontological perspective. Ward discusses Earth's history of dramatic climate shifts and mass extinction events triggered by environmental transformation. The conversation explores current climate trends and how they compare with historical patterns from the fossil record. Ward presents evidence about the speed at which climate can change and the threshold points beyond which shifts become irreversible. The discussion addresses the role of carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases in driving temperature changes throughout Earth's history. Ward examines the connection between climate change and species extinction, drawing parallels to current biodiversity loss. The broadcast investigates whether humanity faces another major extinction event and what geological evidence suggests about our current trajectory. Ward's research combines paleontology, oceanography, and climate science to understand the mechanisms driving planetary transformation.