From Snowy Slopes to Climate Science with Reto Knutti

🎙️ 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   Connect with Choosing to MatterInstagram: @choosingtomatter LinkedIn: @choosingtomatter Explore all our platforms   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