Mark Jacobson: Climate Crusader

Ted Hesser Podcast

This episode delves into the complex interplay of skepticism and conviction in modern science, a theme vividly illustrated by Jacobson's career. Check out the podcast as we explore the dynamic and often contentious world of climate policy through the lens of Mark Jacobson's remarkable life.

Mark Jacobson is a towering figure in the realm of climate policy. Jacobson's early work led to California's unique exemption from the EPA, allowing the state to set its own stringent CO2 standards for vehicles, which led to the progressive ratcheting up of standards across the US and the world.

His groundbreaking research on Black Carbon, identifying it as the second most significant contributor to climate change, has shaped environmental strategies worldwide. Jacobson is also the intellectual force behind the Solutions Project, a popular initiative that united a diverse group of scientists, filmmakers, and actors to advocate for a future powered entirely by renewable energy.

However, Jacobson's path has not been without its challenges. His approach, blending public education with science, has sparked debate within the scientific community. This tension climaxed when his work faced critical scrutiny from other academics in the prestigious National Academy of Sciences, leading to a controversial defamation lawsuit against the Academy.