New Threats to Forests and Climate: Sudden Oak Death and Atlantic Current Collapse

Explore the discovery of a more virulent form of sudden oak death in California, thanks to citizen scientists, and its implications for forest health. Delve into the potential collapse of a key Atlantic current, as scientists warn of dire climate tipping points. Plus, uncover the secrets of the world's smelliest plant, the corpse flower, and learn about the science behind albedo and radiational cooling. This episode offers a deep dive into environmental challenges and the fascinating science behind them.

Sources:
https://news.berkeley.edu/2024/11/12/citizen-scientists-discover-new-more-virulent-form-of-sudden-oak-death-in-bay-area/
https://www.newsweek.com/corpse-flower-genetic-analysis-temperature-chemicals-smell-1984547
https://www.koaa.com/weather/weather-science/albedo-radiational-cooling-the-science-behind-the-cooler-temperatures
https://www.nbcnews.com/science/climate-change/atlantic-current-collapse-ice-melt-report-climate-change-rcna179649

Outline:
(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:00:44) Citizen scientists discover new, more virulent form of sudden oak death in Bay Area
(00:03:50) Corpse flower: Scientists reveal the secrets of the world's smelliest plant
(00:06:45) Albedo & Radiational Cooling: The Science Behind the Cooler Temperatures
(00:09:06) Scientists warn that a key Atlantic current could collapse, among other climate tipping points