Possibly Podcast Episodes
How can we get more energy from heat in the ground?
We’ve used the Earth’s heat as an industrial energy source for over a century, but geothermal power only plays a minor role in our energy grid. Why? And is that about to change?
May 30, 2023
Should I idle my car or stop and restart?
Today we’re taking on a question from listener Megan Heinz. She often picks up her son at his school in the car pickup line. And she's wondering if it’s better for her to turn the car on and off again as the line moves forward, or if she should let the car idle.
May 23, 2023
There’s no evidence offshore wind kills whales
Rhode Island is the first state in the country to build an offshore wind farm, and there are plans for many more. But recently, opponents of wind energy have claimed offshore wind is harming whales and other marine mammals.
May 16, 2023
What’s a lifestyle change that could cancel out your emissions from a plane ride?
Today, we have a question from a member of our Possibly team- Meg Talikoff. She's from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, but she goes to school here in Providence. That means she usually has to take a flight to go back home. She was feeling guilty about that, and I wanted to figure out a way to offset the emissions she creates by taking that trip.
May 9, 2023
How do fungi help combat climate change?
You’ve probably heard of fungi, whether it’s mold in your bathroom or mushrooms on your favorite hiking trail, but recently, I’ve been hearing that fungi also play an underappreciated role in our climate. What’s that about?
May 2, 2023
What do we do about methane leaks in our neighborhoods?
We know methane is a really potent greenhouse gas, and in other episodes, we’ve talked about what the federal government is doing to crack down on industrial methane leaks. Today we’re bringing it closer to home.
Apr 25, 2023
Can art help fight climate change?
Today, we have a question from one of our reporters, Kolya Shields. They're an artist, and they want to know: can art help fight climate change?
Apr 18, 2023
What’s a passive house?
Recently, Rhode Island certified its first “Passive House.” What does that mean? And will we all live in one someday?
Apr 4, 2023
What’s the environmental impact of artificial snow?
It’s ski season–but in recent years rising temperatures have made it harder for resorts in New England to rely on natural snow. Instead, they have to make it. But what’s the environmental impact of all that artificial snow?
Mar 28, 2023
What is the US doing to reduce methane emissions?
Normally when we talk about emissions, we’re talking about carbon dioxide. But recently there’s been more focus on another greenhouse gas, methane.
Mar 21, 2023