🎙️ Choosing to Matter: Cocktails with Chris

From Snowy Slopes to Climate Science with Reto Knutti

Episode 3

In this episode, Chris sits down with Dr. Reto Knutti, climate scientist, professor at ETH Zurich, and a trusted voice on climate science in Switzerland. Here we explore Reto's personal journey from a ski village in the Bernese Alps to becoming a leading figure in global climate modeling and science communication.

Through stories of mountaineering, margaritas in Colorado, and early inspirations in physics, Reto shares what drives his work: not just understanding climate change, but helping society make meaningful, informed decisions. Together, we discuss the complexity of climate modeling, the tensions between science and advocacy, and what it means to "choose to matter" in a world that urgently needs collective action.

This is a deeply thoughtful and hopeful conversation about science, trust, and finding clarity in a time of global uncertainty.

🍸 Cocktail of the episode: Margarita

📍 The ingredients:
00:30 Welcome and favorite drink
00:59 Memories of Colorado and cultural connection
02:11 Growing up in the Swiss Alps
03:16 Early academic interests and discovering physics
04:43 Entry into climate science and working with Thomas Stocker
11:58 Modeling climate change: from box models to complex systems
15:10 What we've learned—and still don't know—about climate impacts
22:56 Science, politics, and the limits of advocacy
25:45 The fine line between scientific facts and opinion
28:00 The challenge of communicating complexity in a simplified world
29:35 What inspires hope, and what does not in today's climate landscape
33:26 The role of individual vs. political action in driving change
36:16 Why net zero demands more than technology
39:20 We can't afford to stay in the sleeping bag: on taking action
43:04 What it means to matter as a scientist in society
50:58 Reflections on choosing to make a difference

🎧 A thought to leave you with:
What role will trust in science play as we experience a warming world?

Episode Resources:

• Reto Knutti
• ETH Zürich

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Credits:
Host: Chris Luebkeman
Executive Producer: Jonelle Simunich
Guest Relations: Taline Frantz
Editors: Viktoria Bacheva and Asmita Mehta
Sound Designer: Taline Frantz
Design and Manager: Kinny Tran-Marazza
Graphic Designer: Nazaré Sarabúa

Recorded at the Schweizerhof Hotel Zürich

Presented by: [Y]our 2040
Website: your2040.com/podcast