The Life Scientific

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The Life Scientific: Gideon Henderson on climate ‘clocks’ and dating ice ages

Gideon Henderson on climate ‘clocks’ and dating ice ages

BBC Radio 4 - The Life Scientific, Gideon Henderson on climate ‘clocks’ and dating ice ages

Jim Al-Khalili hears how study of the past climate can help us understand our future.

Professor Jim Al-Khalili talks to Gideon Henderson about how radioactive isotopes can be used as ‘clocks’ to date ice ages and other major climate events.

We’re used to hearing the stories of scientists who study the world as it is now but what about the study of the past - what can this tell us about our future?

Gideon Henderson’s research focuses on trying to understand climate change by looking at what was happening on our planet thousands of years ago. 

His work has taken him all around the world - to the deepest oceans and the darkest caves - where he collects samples containing radioactive isotopes which he uses as “clocks” to date past ice ages and other major climate events. 

As a geochemist and Professor of Earth Sciences at the University of Oxford, his work deals with the biggest questions, like our impact on the carbon cycle and climate, the health of our oceans, and finding new ways to remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.

But in his role as Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, he also very much works on the present, at the intersection between the worlds of research and policy. He has overseen the decision to allow gene-edited food to be developed commercially in England and a UK surveillance programme to spot the Covid-19 virus in our waste-water.

Produced by Gerry Holt.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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Professor Jim Al-Khalili talks to leading scientists about their life and work.

Professor Jim Al-Khalili talks to leading scientists about their life and work, finding out what inspires them and asking what their discoveries might do for us in the future.

Professor Jim Al-Khalili talks to leading scientists about their life and work, finding out what inspires and motivates them and asking what their discoveries might do for us in the future

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Gideon Henderson on climate ‘clocks’ and dating ice ages

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