In this episode of the Serve to Lead podcast, renowned theoretical physicist Steven Koonin discusses his views on the state of the climate and alternative policy responses. He also shares thoughts about his ideals as an educator; his admiration for Richard Feynman; and examples of where he’s changed his mind on significant matters in recent years.

Koonin brings a unique set of relevant, hands-on experiences to the complex and contentious public discusssion relating to climate disruption. He is a professor in the Department of Civil and Urban Engineering at NYU's Tandon School of Engineering. He previously was provost of the California Institute of Technology. From 2004 to 2009, Koonin served as Chief Scientist at BP, the energy giant transitioning from its roots as British Petroleum to “Beyond Petroleum.” He was nominated by President Obama and confirmed by the US Senate to the post of Under Secretary for Science, U.S. Department of Energy, holding office from 2009-11.

Steven Koonin is the author of the best-selling book, Unsettled: What Climate Science Tells Us, What It Doesn’t, and Why It Matters.

Among the many plaudits for the book,Vaclav Smil, distinguished professor emeritus at the University of Manitoba, declared:

We have too many global warming books—but this one is needed. Steven Koonin has the credentials, expertise, and experience to ask the right questions and to give realistic answers.

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Additional Resources

—Steven Koonin Medium Page, including presentations, interviews, and responses to critics.

—Recent Debate [90 minutes; final 5 minutes recommended as concise summary of key matters in contention]:

—American Enterprise Institute podcast interview of Koonin on Climate Science and Extreme Weather.  

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Image credit | US Dept of Energy, Public Domain via Wikipedia.

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