Gradient Proof Podcast Episode 5 - Rethinking Climate Change with Douglas WyattThe Gradient Proof podcast featured Douglas Wyatt, an attorney with an interest in environmental law and technology, who has volunteered for over 20 years for the Foundation for Glacier Environmental Research. Wyatt discussed the changes he has observed in the glaciers over the years, including a significant reduction in the quantity of ice retained on the glacier fields. The foundation runs a yearly program in Alaska to study glaciers, provide education, and maintain one of the longest-running measures of a glacier system in the world. The podcast also features a conversation between Roy Peer and Douglas Wyatt, discussing the potential for bias in scientific research and the importance of scientific consensus in policymaking. They discuss the role of funding in shaping research outcomes and the need for a good peer review system to ensure neutrality. Wyatt emphasizes the importance of having a basic understanding of science to properly interpret data and make informed decisions. The conversation highlights the importance of scientific consensus and the need for transparency and accountability in scientific research. The podcast also touches on the importance of accountability and transparency in politics and the potential benefits of non-governmental funding for research.HASHTAGS: #Glaciers #ScientificResearch #Climatechange #Environment #Science #ScienceEducation #Organization #AlaskaIn this Episode:[01:29] Biggest shift in observance standpoint[05:35] Juneau icefield versus other glaciers [09:29] The focus of the organization[12:09] Estimated ages of the different parts of the ice field[16:40] Most important work for Douglas Wyatt[18:56] Bad Science[20:27] Bias in funding organizations[25:29] Accessible data to all people in the world[30:08] Equal distribution of dataWhiskey:Brothers Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey Original Cask Strength https://brothersbondbourbon.reservebar.com/products/brothers-bond-straight-bourbon-whiskey-original-cask-strengthBiosDouglas Wyatt is an electrical engineer and attorney in New York City who manages his private practice focusing on intellectual property law. He enjoys the outdoors, writing, and assisting high-tech startups and not-for-profits in his spare time. He also serves on the Board of the Foundation for Glacier and Environmental Research and has been a member since 1999. On his desk, he is reading “Why We Disagree about Climate Change” by Mike Hulme and “The Honest Broker” by Roger A. Pielke Jr.Roy Peer is an architect turned entrepreneur. After working for award-winning architects, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, in New York City, he went on to start a virtual reality company, which later sold to a notable Hollywood director in 2018. Peer is the founder of PeerBasics, a data-driven products company that analyzes e-commerce sales data to drive its product launch decisions in multiple categories with multiple factory partners in Asia. Peer is the author of Simulation Arcade, a sci-fi novel that paints a possible future world when AI and brain chips are commonplace and details the way humanity meets its AI cocoon moment, and how to stop it.Steven W Sorensen is the director, corporate finance at droppGroup / droppLabs, a web3 video & mixed reality shopatainment marketplace, co-founder of Fotin Media, and a board director of RocketStar, a small satellite launch company. Steven calls NYC home, lived in China for 7 years, and has an MA and M.Phil in English from The University of Hong Kong. He likes jazz piano and good whiskey.Quotes:The biggest shift in observance standpoint[01:29]Over the minimum number of years, we've seen great fluctuations, but also a tendency downwards that as the glaciers continue to melt, waste away, much more so than their long-term measurements. And so I wouldn't say warming, but it is very concerning. [03:15]In the last few years, the amount of accumulation has been much less. So we see a significant reduction in the quantity of ice retained on these glacier fields. And it provides a direction to what we should be concerned about. Juneau icefield versus other glaciers [05:35] The Juneau icefield comprises many glaciers. So in terms of having a long-term study, it's much more valuable for seeing how a large area of a large accumulation zone reflects climate changes. [08:11]Variability in weather patterns is seen dramatically on the ice field. It is a temperate glacier. And so you'll see these changes much more rapidly. So it's sensitive to variations and temperature variations to climate.The focus of the organization[09:29] We are a science and education organization. We're not a policy organization. We do not promote any kind of political agenda. We are focused on science and educating our young students who might become leaders in the scientific community. [10:06]We will take high school and college graduate students up on the ice field, just a few high ...
