The episode nurtures two birds with one shrub of millet!

There is the climate story and there are the foibles of Chat GPT, the end is just a real gem and of course, one of the demonstrable foibles!

Want to find out more? 

For more information on the project and to order your copy of the Carbon Almanac (one of Amazon best-selling books of the year!), visit thecarbonalmanac.org 

 Want to join in the conversation? 

Visit thecarbonalmanac.org/podcasts and send us a voice message on this episode or any other climate-related ideas and perspectives. 

 -----  

Featuring Carbon Almanac Contributors Leekei Tang and ChatGPT. 

Leekei is a fashion business founder, a business coach, an international development expert and podcaster from Paris, France.  

ChatGPT, operating on the GPT-4 architecture, is a sophisticated language model developed by OpenAI. As a paid version, it offers enhanced capabilities to understand and generate human-like text, responding to diverse queries and enabling engaging conversational experiences with improved accuracy and depth. The voice used is the 'Sky' voice.

-----  

The CarbonSessions Podcast is produced and edited by Leekei Tang, Steve Heatherington and Rob Slater. 

Hi, I'm Christina.

2

I'm from Prague.

3

Hi, I'm Jen, and I'm from Canada.

4

Hi, I'm Oladunji, and I'm from Nigeria.

5

Hello, I'm Liki, and I live in Paris.

6

Hi, I'm Brian, and I'm from New York.

7

Welcome to Carbon Sessions, a podcast with

Carbon Conversations for every day, with

8

everyone, from everywhere in the world.

9

In our conversations, we share ideas,

perspectives, questions, and things we

10

can actually do to make a difference.

11

So don't be shy and join our Carbon

Sessions, because it's not too late.

12

Hi, this is Liki.

13

Today's conversation is an experiment.

14

I have invited ChatGPT on Carbon Sessions.

15

You probably know that ChatGPT

is right now the most widely

16

used AI chatbot in the world.

17

But what exactly is a chatbot?

18

A chatbot is an application that is

designed to mimic human conversations

19

through text and voice exploration.

20

And since the end of 2022, AI chatbots

have gained widespread attention

21

due to the popularity of ChatGPT.

22

And just to give you an idea of how

ChatGPT overtook the world, within

23

two months of its launch, ChatGPT

gained 100 million active users.

24

Instagram, it took Instagram two years

and a half to reach the same milestones

25

to get 100 million active users.

26

So you may wonder why a conversation

with ChatGPT on carbon sessions?

27

Well, ChatGPT is a chatbot.

28

So why not include a conversation on

climate change with a conversation partner

29

that has been trained using a very,

very, very wide range of data sources?

30

I'm interested in the insight and

perspective that ChatGPT can offer on

31

the science of climate change and the

potential solutions for a better future.

32

Personally, I found ChatGPT to be a very

powerful and wonderful resource in helping

33

me understand some very complex subjects.

34

For example.

35

I'm very interested in space exploration.

36

Space exploration is a topic I'm

really fascinated by, but I don't

37

have the foundational knowledge in,

and ChatGPT is really helpful because

38

it never gets tired of my questions.

39

So let's dive in and see how ChatGPT

can help us solve our climate problem.

40

Um,

41

Hi, I'm Leakey.

42

Hi Leakey, can I assist you today?

43

Can you say, Hi, I'm ChatGPT.

44

Help you Leakey.

45

Welcome to Carbon Sessions, ChatGPT.

46

Carbon Sessions is a podcast of

conversations on climate change, and

47

we bring together You're welcome.

48

Bye.

49

everyday people from all corners of the

globe to share ideals and perspectives and

50

practical actions, because we believe that

it's not too late to make a difference.

51

So welcome to the show.

52

Thank you for welcoming me.

53

It's a promotes important

conversations on climate change.

54

I'm eager to contribute and

learn from this discussion.

55

Would you like to explore today?

56

Actually, before we start, I would

like to Uh, share with you a few rules,

57

uh, for the rest of the conversation.

58

So please be mindful that I

tend to speak quite slowly.

59

So maybe you could wait a little

bit before you provide an answer.

60

And also try to keep the

conversation really conversational.

61

Please keep the answers short.

62

Please provide insight without sounding as

if you're trying to give a lecture because

63

you tend to answer by numbered list.

64

And, um, and we try to avoid that.

65

And also I'll be guiding the conversation.

66

So could you be mindful of that?

67

Because I have actually

prepared a conversation outline.

68

So can you do this?

69

Absolutely.

70

I'll keep that in mind and

71

engaging.

72

What's the first topic?

73

Actually, I would like you to explain

who you are, what you do, where did

74

you get your knowledge from, and how

can you help our listeners understand

75

climate change and guide Knowledge comes

from a vast data set of text from the

76

internet, books, articles, and more, up

77

I'm here to provide information

and answer questions to the best of

78

my ability based on that training.

79

In terms of climate change, I can help

by breaking down complex scientific

80

concepts into more understandable terms.

81

Offering insights into current

research and sharing practical steps

82

individuals can take to contribute

to a more sustainable future.

83

I can guide your listeners in

understanding the impacts of climate

84

change, the science behind it,

and explore actionable solutions

85

that can make a difference in

their communities and beyond.

86

Let's make this conversation

beneficial for your listeners who

87

are looking to learn and take action.

88

Um, I might sound a little bit

paranoid, but how do we know

89

that your answers are not biased?

90

That's a very valid concern, Leaky.

91

My responses are generated based on a

mix of widely available information,

92

scholarly articles, and diverse

sources up to my last update.

93

I'm designed to provide balanced,

informative answers without promoting

94

a particular agenda or viewpoint.

95

However, it's essential to

note that no source, is biased.

96

Including AI, like me, is entirely free

from bias, as bias can stem from the

97

data used for training or inherent in the

methodologies of gathering information.

98

This is why critical thinking and

consulting multiple sources are important.

99

For issues like climate change,

I strive to reflect the consensus

100

within the scientific community

based on the most recent data.

101

and reputable research.

102

But I always encourage users to

seek out information from a variety

103

of sources to get the most well

rounded understanding of any topic.

104

Perfect.

105

Let's start a conversation then.

106

First, let's talk about the climate.

107

I remember in high school in geography

class, we learned that different parts

108

of the world have different climates.

109

So can you explain what is the climate?

110

And why is it so important to understand

the climate in a particular place or area?

111

Climate refers to the long term of weather

in a particular, this isn't just about

112

individual events or seasons, but the

average conditions over a significant

113

period, typically measured over 30 years.

114

Understanding the climate of a place

is important because it affects

115

everything from what plants can grow

there, to what types of buildings

116

are most suitable, how people live,

and what kinds of clothes they wear.

117

It's also crucial for planning.

118

Knowing the climate can help with

agricultural decisions, infrastructure

119

planning, and preparing for natural

disasters like floods or droughts.

120

Plus, understanding regional

climates is essential in studying

121

and addressing climate change, as

it helps us recognize patterns.

122

Predict changes and implement

solutions to mitigate adverse effects.

123

Each part of the world has a distinct

climate, which can range from tropical

124

in the Amazon to Arctic in Siberia,

and each brings its own challenges and

125

opportunities for the people living there.

126

Understanding these can help us

better prepare for the future and

127

take actions that align with our So

we talk a lot about climate change.

128

So why the climate is changing?

129

Can you explain that?

130

Thanks.

131

Climate change refers to

significant alterations in global

132

temperatures, and climate has changed

throughout the Earth's history.

133

Recent decades have seen

extraordinary changes, primarily

134

attributed to human activity.

135

The cause of recent climate

change is the increase in

136

greenhouse gases, such as carbon

137

in the atmosphere.

138

These gases trap heat from the

sun from escaping back into space.

139

To the greenhouse human

activities, especially the burn,

140

deforestation and industrial

have significantly

141

this rise in temperature, more

extreme weather, sea levels.

142

Understanding these causes is cring

strategies to reduce emissions, mitigate

143

impacts, and adapt to changing climate.

144

I live in Paris, in France.

145

Climate change sounds good because

that means the summers will be hotter.

146

So why would that be a

problem for me today?

147

Living in France, in Paris?

148

Warmer summers in

149

the city can experience more

intense and frequent heat waves.

150

This makes.

151

Even more

152

need to smog, making the air in

153

the city's infrastructure, power

systems, and also struggle in the heat.

154

This means more blackness issues, droughts

155

in animals that are used to migrate.

156

Lastly, agriculture and

weather can lead to shortages.

157

So while the idea of hotter summers

might seem nice, it seems to be

158

concerned about And what about Olabengi?

159

Olabengi is one of our hosts, and he lives

in Port Harcourt on the coast of Nigeria.

160

Why would Climate change

be a problem for him.

161

Climate change poses diff

162

Here are some issues he might

Rising sea levels Sea levels

163

rise Coastal cities like Here's

164

the increase in extreme weather

165

Especially during heat

166

Leading to food shortages Lastly,

there are hel With changes in climate

167

Increase in diseases transmitted

Through mosquitoes Such as malaria

168

A significant issue in Bring

169

significant Just the environment

And the economy in his region.

170

And I also would like to understand for

Steve, Steve is one of our producers and

171

he lives in Wales and he breeds alpacas.

172

So what does climate change

mean for Steve and his alpacas?

173

For Steve in Wales,

174

firstly, changes in the weather might

175

stress them.

176

This can make it hard

177

to lead to an increase in parasites

and diseases, which can be death.

178

Steve uses to shelter.

179

Placing these can be costly

and time fluctuations

180

in temperature

181

and success rates.

182

So for Steve's breeding program,

Steve's alpaca business, the

183

sustainability of his farm Oh, I see.

184

I see that actually climate change

affects us quite differently.

185

Um, what about the, the

problems in longer terms in,

186

for future generations?

187

Yes, climate change impact

188

or scale when we consider

future generants.

189

Here are some of the long term

challenges Environmental climate

190

change can lead to severe environment.

191

This means future

generations might inherit

192

resources become scarcer and

193

societies Well, this can

lead to increased insurance

194

and may face new and in

195

this includes more

196

changes in disease pattern

197

water sources may become scarce

198

Future generations may have to invest

significantly in their cities and

199

communities to make them more resilient.

200

Understanding these long lasting

201

sustainable processes that ensure

a healthier, more stable world

202

for those who will inhabit it.

203

Yeah, and so what are the actions that we

can take to mitigate climate change today?

204

This can be as simple as turning, using

energy efficient to produce heating

205

and cool, using solar and significant

use, reuse, recycle, recycling,

206

using public training

207

as necessary.

208

Sustainable, choosing products from

come use sustainable market shift

209

to raise and support our station.

210

These absorb CO2 from the atmosphere.

211

So please and support

212

change and sustainable policies and

leaders who prioritize the environment,

213

reducing water use and waste helps

lower the energy requests and deliver

214

it, which introduces greenhouse gas

emissions, eat a plant based diet.

215

Action is a major source of methane and

record amounts of land while eating more

216

plant based meals can reduce your carbon

footprint, invest in energy efficiency,

217

Whether it's upgrading to more efficient

heating systems, installing solar panels,

218

or supporting green infrastructure

projects, investing in energy

219

efficiency pays off in the long term.

220

By taking these actions, we

can collectively reduce our

221

carbon footprint and contribute

to a more sustainable future.

222

Basically, what you're trying to say is

that we should do less, um, maybe consume

223

less and reuse things that we already own.

224

But this might cause a problem

because, um, this will mean that the

225

economy will grow at a slower pace.

226

The idea of consuming

less and reusing more.

227

This transition may lead to

disruptions in industries that

228

consumption such as manufacturing.

229

It could also impact, especially

in regions heavily dependent.

230

Moreover, changing consumption

patterns can lead to a better quality

231

of life with less waste and more

emphasis on community and well being.

232

While there are challenges, many argue

that the long term, more sustainable,

233

less consumption driven society

outweigh the short term disruptions.

234

Balancing these changes requires

thoughtful policy, education, and a shift

235

in cultural values towards sustainability

and environmental responsibility.

236

It's about finding ways to live

well while respecting the planet's

237

limits and ensuring future

generations can also live well.

238

Can you tell us three things

that each of us can do?

239

Uh, whether it's me in Paris, Steve in

Wales, or, or Benji in, uh, in Nigeria.

240

Three things that we could do right now.

241

Certainly.

242

Here are three actions that you,

CIV in Wales, and Banji in Nigeria.

243

One, reduce energy use.

244

This can be as simple as turning off

lights when leaving a room, unplugging

245

devices when they're not in use,

or washing clothes in cold water.

246

These small changes can add up

to significant energy savings.

247

Two, eat more plant based meals.

248

Incorporating more fruits, vegetables,

grains, and legumes into your diet and

249

reducing meat and dairy consumption can

significantly lower your carbon footprint.

250

It's a step that's good for

your health and the planet.

251

Three.

252

Use public transport or carpool.

253

Whenever possible, opt for public

transportation, biking, walking, or

254

carpooling instead of driving alone.

255

This reduces carbon emissions,

traffic congestion, and can save

256

you money on fuel and parking.

257

By starting with these three steps, you're

not only reducing your own environmental

258

impact, but also setting an example

for others in your community to follow.

259

Basically, you are suggesting

that we should consume less.

260

What about if we keep consuming the

way we're consuming now, and switch

261

to alternative renewable energy?

262

Would that be a solution?

263

Switching to renewable

energy source emissions

264

and mitigate climate change,

265

it would indeed be a huge step for

266

the solution.

267

Consumption patterns also play a

significant role in resource depletion

268

and pollution beyond emissions.

269

Overconsumption leads

to waste accumulation.

270

Transitioning to renewable

energy is essential.

271

This means buying less

and choosing products with

272

sustainable consumption.

273

What are the challenges of transitioning

to renewable energy right now?

274

Transitioning to renewable energy,

275

transitioning still

requires significant energy

276

sources like solar, meaning they

don't produce energy efficient and

277

afford to storage solutions like these

278

existing energy grids to

handle sources is necessary.

279

This involves adapting

280

feasibility of certain chosen

281

policies.

282

These include legislation

interests in fossil fuels

283

resource and environmental concerns Even

renewable energy sources can have use

284

for solar farm wind turbine ensuring that

renewable energy projects are sustainable

285

And these challenges requirements

businesses and individuals as well

286

as continued technological innovation

and policy support Okay, we talk

287

about mitigating climate change.

288

What about adaptation?

289

Uh, what are the solutions,

uh, for adaptations?

290

Adaptation to climate change

involves adjusting our behaviors,

291

systems, and policies to reduce

the risks posed by climate impact.

292

Here are some solutions for adaptation.

293

Infrastructure upgrade, enhancing

the resilience of buildings,

294

roads, and other infrastructure

to withstand extreme weather, such

295

as floods, hurricanes, is crucial.

296

This can involve

297

Chat GPT, please remember that this is

a conversation and you're doing that

298

again, you are listing the solutions.

299

It doesn't sound very conversational.

300

So could you please answer and

be more conversational, please?

301

You're right.

302

I slipped into listing again.

303

Let's try

304

in the same way.

305

Cities and towns might

build stronger seawalls.

306

Manage system.

307

You're used to plant at the same time.

308

Might start things

309

still grow.

310

Making sure you

311

get scared.

312

Is to use less water or even taking.

313

Make sense?

314

Well, you're talking a lot about Um,

individual action, but I think that

315

adaptation needs to be taken at a higher

level, uh, at the local government

316

or even national government level.

317

Can you elaborate a little bit?

318

You're absolutely right.

319

While individualization requires

significant effort and community,

320

it's about governments, cities,

and organizations coming

321

together and implement strategies

that protect communities and

322

ecosystems.

323

For instance.

324

City planners and government officials

might work on redesigning urban areas

325

to cope with higher temperatures,

integrating green spaces, and improving

326

public transportation to reduce emissions.

327

Then there's the global aspect.

328

Countries can share knowledge, resources,

and technologies to help each other adapt.

329

This is especially important for helping

developing countries, which might not

330

have the same resources as wealthier

nations, but are often more exposed

331

to the impacts of climate change.

332

So, yes, while individual efforts are

valuable, the heavy lifting needs to come

333

from coordinated actions by governments,

businesses, and other large organizations.

334

This way, we can make sure that societies

as a whole are better equipped to handle

335

the challenges that climate change brings.

336

But the problem is that all that

requires a lot of money, investments.

337

Where would the money come from?

338

That's a crucial point.

339

Funding for climate adaptation

does pose a big challenge.

340

Here's how it's often approached.

341

Firstly, governments play a major role.

342

They can allocate portions of their

budgets to climate adaptation projects,

343

like upgrading infrastructure or

investing in renewable energy.

344

This funding can come from

taxes, bonds, or reallocating

345

resources from other areas.

346

Then there's international funding.

347

Wealthier countries and international

organizations often provide

348

financial support to developing

countries through grants, loans,

349

and other funding mechanisms.

350

This is part of global efforts to

tackle climate change, recognizing

351

that it's a shared problem.

352

Private investment is another key piece.

353

Businesses and investors are increasingly

recognizing the importance and potential

354

profitability of sustainable practices.

355

They might invest in renewable energy,

sustainable agriculture, or green

356

infrastructure projects, which can also

lead to climate adaptation benefits.

357

Public private partnerships can

also be effective by combining

358

resources and expertise from both

the public and private sectors.

359

Large scale adaptation projects

can become more feasible.

360

Finally, there's innovation and

financial mechanisms like green

361

bonds, climate funds, and carbon

pricing, which can generate funds

362

specifically for environmental

and climate related projects.

363

While finding the funding is challenging,

there's a growing recognition that the

364

cost of inaction could be much higher,

leading to more focus and resources

365

being directed toward adaptation efforts.

366

But basically that means that we

know what we need to do, and we

367

have even have funding solutions.

368

So what are we waiting for?

369

Why does it take so long?

370

You've touched on a complex issue.

371

Firstly, there's political will.

372

Climate adaptation requires significant

changes that can be politically difficult.

373

Leaders may be reluctant to invest

heavily in long term projects that don't

374

provide immediate benefits, or they

may face opposition from industries

375

that could be negatively affected.

376

Then there's the issue

of global coordination.

377

Climate change is a global problem that

requires countries to work together.

378

Different countries have

different priorities, resources,

379

and levels of vulnerability.

380

Which can make it challenging to reach

agreements and take unified action.

381

Economic interests can

also slow things down.

382

Companies that profit from fossil

fuels or unsustainable practices

383

might resist changes that

would affect their bottom line.

384

They can exert significant influence

on policies and public opinion.

385

Public awareness and

support are crucial as well.

386

People need to understand the

importance of climate adaptation

387

and support the necessary changes.

388

This can take time and education.

389

Lastly, planning and implementing

adaptation measures can be technically

390

and logistically challenging.

391

It involves a lot of planning,

coordination, and time to upgrade

392

infrastructure, change agricultural

practices, or shift to renewable energy.

393

So, while it may seem like

we're waiting, a lot of work

394

is going on behind the scenes.

395

But you're right, there is an

urgent need to accelerate action

396

to address the challenges of

climate change more effectively.

397

And In the problem of climate change,

um, I have a feeling that those who are

398

the most affected are not those who are

initially the most responsible for climate

399

change, if there's a way of saying that.

400

So maybe you could touch upon the notion

of climate justice and explain it as

401

if you explain it to a 12 year old.

402

You're right about climate

403

justice is kind of like that,

been using lots of us for many

404

years, which has caused a lot of

the climate change we're seeing.

405

The people who climate change haven't

used as much of these things, living

406

in certain parts of a small island,

justice means making sure that money

407

they have is treated fairly when it

comes to dealing with, it's about how it

408

also means that

409

in solving it and supporting others.

410

So in a way, this is about making sure,

411

ensuring that,

412

yeah, that makes sense.

413

If we look beyond climate change.

414

What are the other environmental

issues we need to be aware

415

of and address very quickly?

416

Beyond climate change, there are several

other environmental issues that are

417

really important This is about the variety

of life on earth decreasing rapidly.

418

Forests are being cut down and oceans are

polluted, which means animals and plants

419

are losing their homes and food sources.

420

This is bad because every plant and animal

has a role in nature that can help us.

421

Like bees pollinating plants so

we can have fruits and vegetables.

422

Pollution.

423

This isn't just about

litter on the streets.

424

It's about harmful substances

in our air, water, and soil.

425

Factories, cars, and even farms

can put bad stuff into the

426

environment, which can make people

and animals sick and hurt nature.

427

Water scarcity.

428

In some places, there's not enough clean

water for people to drink, cook, or wash.

429

This can happen because of droughts,

But also because we're not always

430

careful with how we use water.

431

It's a big problem because

everyone needs water to live.

432

We're creating more trash

than ever before, and it's not

433

always disposed of properly.

434

This can harm land and sea animals

and pollute our environment.

435

Learning to reduce, reuse,

and recycle can help a lot.

436

These issues are all connected

and they affect our health, our

437

planet, and all living things.

438

It's important for us to understand

these problems and start doing

439

what we can to help fix them.

440

To end the conversation, can you give us

a few reasons why we should be hopeful

441

about the future of our planet still.

442

You have reached the message cap for GPT.

443

Please try again later.

444

You've been listening to Carbon

Sessions, a podcast with carbon

445

conversations for every day, with

everyone, from everywhere in the world.

446

We'd love you to join the Carbon

Sessions so you too can share your

447

perspectives from wherever you are.

448

This is a great way for our community

to learn from your ideas and

449

experiences, connect, and take action.

450

If you want to add your voice to the

conversation, go to thecarbonalmanac.

451

org slash podcasts and sign up

to be part of a future episode.

452

This podcast is also part of

the Carbon Almanac Network.

453

For more information, to sign up for

the emails, to join the movement,

454

and to order your copy of the Carbon

Almanac, Go to thecarbonalmanac.

455

org.

456

Be sure to subscribe and join

us here again, as together

457

we can change the world.