What makes a story—an ancient myth, a newspaper article, even a map—powerful enough to shape a culture? Dr. Benjamin Strauss asks this question every day in his role as CEO and Chief Scientist of Climate Central, a scientific research and news organization focused on hyperlocal, actionable climate communication. Why have cautionary tales of centuries ago, such as Noah’s flood and Gunyah’s spearing of the sacred fish, persisted through to the present? What can they teach us about how we humans shape our values, and how we can apply these learnings to an abstract threat like climate change today? How are we using AI and other technology to turn global datasets into localized action plans? And why is it misguided to place too much hope on achieving specific outcomes?
Our conversation with Dr. Strauss sheds light on the Surging Seas project’s revelations, achieved using advanced neural networks to create accurate global coastal maps that identify at-risk populations who can be prioritized for local outreach and action. We also explore the transformative power of visual storytelling through initiatives like Mapping Choices and the brand-new FloodVision, which offer interactive, photorealistic depictions of future sea levels and storm surges for local leaders to deploy in their planning and advocacy campaigns. We discover how data, technology, and visual storytelling can combine to serve as a catalyst for people to tell their own stories and make meaningful change where it matters most: close to home.
This episode is essential for anyone passionate about bridging the gaps between climate science, public understanding, and effective action.
What is Are We There Yet??
Are We There Yet? is about recognizing, defining, and building pathways toward a more sustainable working future. How can we collaborate with others in a way that brings authenticity and durability to our projects and relationships? What tools can we leverage to communicate productively towards a shared goal? What can leaders do to shape where we’re going, and how to get there? Hosts Sonja Ernst and Jamie Hardy are two humans on a quest to understand just where we’re headed, in monthly conversations with pioneers, professors, artists, and experts in the fields of science, technology, placemaking, coalition building, AI, and so much more. Whether you're a business leader, a technology enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of how we do things, this podcast is for you.