Suffolk Reporter

The Collaborative for the Earth (C4E) is set to launch the second season of its podcast, "C4E Presents," which aims to engage Stony Brook researchers and scholars in discussions about climate change. The podcast, hosted by Heather Lynch, director of C4E and endowed chair for ecology and evolution at the Institute for Advanced Computation Science, will focus on interdisciplinary efforts to address environmental changes both locally and globally.

Lynch expressed enthusiasm about exploring diverse contributions from colleagues across campus who are tackling climate issues in innovative ways. She stated, "I’m really excited to dig in to meet more of my fellow colleagues here on campus and particularly those that we may not think of as having a huge role in climate or environment but are in fact approaching this from new and exciting ways." She added that she hopes students will recognize that there isn't just one model for an environmental scientist.

The podcast's production involves collaboration with students and faculty from the School of Communication and Journalism. J.D. Allen, a journalism lecturer and climate communication specialist, has developed academic programs for students to participate in producing the podcast through coursework and internships with Stony Brook's Office of Marketing and Communications. Allen emphasized the importance of science communication through podcasting: “Being able to communicate science through podcasting — especially the human and planetary impacts of climate change — is a crucial skill to make research more accessible to decision-makers and everyday people.”

"C4E Presents" will release episodes every other week covering topics such as fossil fuels, genetically modified crops, policymakers' roles, corporate involvement in combating climate change, among others. The team has transitioned most recordings to an in-person space at C4E’s offices in Melville Library while accommodating remote guests from various regions.

Additionally, bonus episodes will feature instructors from a new pop-up course titled ‘Climate Change and You,’ providing insights into their work related to weekly course material. Lynch remarked on this initiative: “We have a special interview that offers students — and our entire audience — an opportunity to learn more about what each of these instructors are working on and how it relates to their week of material in the course.”

Listeners can access the podcast on Spotify or other streaming platforms.