Scotland is stepping up its role in the global climate conversation with the launch of the SAGES Climate Science Podcast. Produced by researchers at the University of St Andrews and supported by the Scottish Government’s Climate Engagement Fund 2024/2025, the podcast aims to engage the public with cutting-edge climate science.
A Broad Range of Climate Topics Covered
The SAGES Climate Science Podcast delves into a wide array of climate-related topics, with 11 episodes designed to inform and inspire action. Topics range from blue carbon and peatlands to environmental justice and flooding. The goal is to present scientifically accurate discussions while highlighting Scotland’s leadership in climate science.
All episodes of the series are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube, making the podcast accessible to a global audience eager to learn more about climate science. The podcast also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between academic institutions, government bodies, and the public to tackle the climate crisis.
Key Contributions from Scotland’s Leading Researchers
The podcast features contributions from prominent researchers within Scotland’s academic community. Dr. TJ Young, a lecturer in Physical Geography and Remote Sensing, is featured in episode three, where he discusses the cryosphere, or Earth’s frozen regions. In his segment, he underscores the relevance of climate science to everyday life, saying: “From glaciers in Antarctica holding vast reserves of water to carbon stored in Scotland’s peatlands, we want to bridge the gap between global scientific discoveries and their local impacts.”
Dr. Young’s episode is just one example of how the series aims to connect global issues with regional relevance, inspiring audiences in Scotland and beyond to take action against climate change.
Topics discussed in the series include:
- Blue carbon and its role in climate regulation
- Peatlands and their carbon storage capacity
- The impact of climate change on social inequality
- Technology’s role in fighting climate change
- Flooding and how to adapt to its effects
Focus on Social Inequalities and Climate Change
Another key episode of the podcast features Dr. Mary Abed Al Ahad, who discusses the intersection of climate change and social inequalities. In episode 10, she explains how the impacts of climate change exacerbate existing disparities, particularly in vulnerable communities. This episode aims to raise awareness about the human side of climate science, urging listeners to consider not just the environmental but also the social dimensions of climate action.
“The podcast has opened the door for researchers to communicate their work in creative ways,” said Dr. Al Ahad. “It’s also fostering collaboration between researchers across different institutions in Scotland.”
Scotland’s Role in Global Climate Leadership
Hosted by environmental scientist and climate activist Laura Young, the podcast highlights Scotland’s leadership in climate science. The collaborative nature of the Scottish Alliance for Geoscience, Environment and Society (SAGES) is central to the podcast’s mission, as it brings together the work of universities, policymakers, and public stakeholders to address global environmental challenges.
Professor Bill Austin, an expert on polar biodiversity and blue carbon, is featured in episode 11, where he discusses Scotland’s vital role in blue carbon research. He emphasizes the importance of the ocean in regulating the Earth’s climate, saying, “Scotland’s sustained global leadership in climate science is crucial, and this podcast offers a platform for inclusive dialogue on climate change.”
Public Engagement in Climate Action
Alasdair Allan, Acting Minister for Climate Action, expressed the importance of public engagement in Scotland’s efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045. “Public support is crucial for climate action,” Allan said. “That’s why we’ve committed over £800k in funding for community-based climate engagement projects, including the SAGES Climate Science Podcast.”
With funding from the Scottish Government’s Climate Engagement Fund, the podcast aims to provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of climate science and inspire them to take action in their own lives. The series encourages listeners to explore the complexities of climate change and consider how they can contribute to a more sustainable future.
