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Tim Lenton on Russian Roulette with the Planet | Real Zero Podcast

Daniel Grant & Hugh Montgomery Season 2 Episode 2

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In this gripping solo episode of Real Zero, Professor Tim Lenton — one of the world’s leading Earth system scientists — joins Hugh Montgomery to unpack just how close we are to climate tipping points. From collapsing ice sheets to Gulf Stream shutdowns, Tim explains why even "small" temperature rises carry catastrophic consequences for civilisation. Together they discuss why we’re not prepared, why adaptation may be impossible, and how systemic risk is grossly underestimated. But there’s hope too: Tim outlines the idea of positive tipping points and how each of us can help push the system toward rapid, transformative change. A must-listen for anyone who thinks “just 3°C” doesn’t sound that bad.