How hot could the planet get?
Climate change is happening. So just how high could temperatures go?
We know the planet is getting hotter because of human-induced climate change. But just how hot could it get?
In this show, Graihagh Jackson and Jordan Dunbar chat to Nasa scientist, Kate Marvel, about the world of climate modelling. Kate has spent decades trying to work out what will happen to the Earth as emissions of carbon dioxide increase.
Although the basic facts of climate change are settled, climate modellers are trying to understand how photosynthesis by plants will change in a warmer world. And theyβre also puzzling over the crucial role played by clouds!
Recently, Kate has written Human Nature, a book about how climate change affects our emotions - from grief and anger to hope and love. She says the wide range of feelings prompted by global warming are compatible with getting the science right.
Presenter: Graihagh Jackson and Jordan Dunbar
Production Team: Nik Sindle, Diane Richardson, Brenda Brown
Sound engineer: Phil Bull and Tom Brignell
Editor: Simon Watts
If you have a question for the team, email: [email protected] or WhatsApp: +44 8000 321 721
(Image: Wildfires in California. Credit: Reuters)
On radio
Featured
.
Broadcasts
- Sunday14:06GMTBBC World Service except East and Southern Africa, News Internet & West and Central Africa
- Sunday14:32GMTBBC World Service News Internet & Live News
- Sunday23:06GMTBBC World Service
- Yesterday02:32GMTBBC World Service
- Yesterday09:32GMTBBC World Service
- Yesterday20:06GMTBBC World Service Online, Americas and the Caribbean, UK DAB/Freeview & Europe and the Middle East only
- Yesterday21:06GMTBBC World Service except Online, Americas and the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East & UK DAB/Freeview
- Saturday05:32GMTBBC World Service East Asia
Podcast
![]()
The Climate Question
Why we find it so hard to save our own planet, and how we might change that.

