Deeper Look from New York
A cutting-edge dialogue from NHK WORLD-JAPAN's New York studio. Covers the hot issue: from politics, economy, social matters, international situation or cultural topics.
Seasons
1. Coping with the Coronavirus Pandemic: Jo Ivey Boufford / Clinical Professor of Global Health, New York University
Air Date: 2020-04-28
Only 3 weeks after its first coronavirus infection was discovered, New York City became an epicenter of the Coronavirus Pandemic. As NYC remains in lockdown, the fight to save lives continues every day at hospitals throughout the city. How is New York coping with the Pandemic? What steps are New Yorkers taking to combat the crisis, and what can we learn from the experiences this great metropolis has been through? We ask Clinical Professor of Global Health at NYU, Dr. Jo Ivey Boufford.
2. What's Happening in Emergency Rooms: Tsion Firew / Doctor of Emergency Medicine at Columbia University Medical Center, Special Advisor to the Ministry of Health in Ethiopia
Air Date: 2020-05-05
The streets of New York are eerily quiet as the city remains in lockdown. But inside hospital ERs, battles are being fought every day. While the number of coronavirus cases and deaths in the state may have plateaued, they remain significantly high. Surrounded by death and the risk of infection, how do doctors and health care workers manage to keep working? We asked Dr. Tsion Firew, who contracted the virus and on recovery, immediately returned to the front lines to resume her duties.
3. Fighting Coronavirus in Africa: Tsion Firew / Special Advisor to the Ministry of Health in Ethiopia, Doctor of Emergency Medicine at Columbia University Medical Center
Air Date: 2020-05-12
As the novel coronavirus continues to spread around the world, it is now affecting the African continent, and the number of cases is rapidly rising. To make matters worse, East Africa has been hit by a massive locust swarm, making efforts to control the COVID-19 outbreak even more challenging. We asked Dr. Firew, a Special Advisor to the Ministry of Health in Ethiopia, how the country and other African nations are preparing for the pandemic.
4. What Does the Post-Pandemic Labor Market Look Like?: Erica Groshen / Labor Economist, Cornell University/Former Commissioner of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Air Date: 2020-06-09
As the U.S. slowly lifts restrictions after a two-month pandemic lockdown, things are not the same. Restaurants are re-opening with limited seating, face masks are required in public. But that's not all that has changed. Unemployment claims have hit 40 million, and the nation worries if jobs will ever come back to the same level before the pandemic. We asked Dr. Groshen about the impact of coronavirus on the labor market.
5. What Will it Take to Stop Racism and Police Brutality?: Damon Hewitt / Executive Vice President, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
Air Date: 2020-06-16
The killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers prompted tens of thousands of people to protest in cities across the U.S. and around the world. While violence and looting erupted in some areas, incidents of law enforcement officers using force on peaceful demonstrators have been witnessed, triggering debate not only about racial discrimination, but also about the role of police in our society. We asked civil rights lawyer, Damon Hewitt, how we can stop racism and police brutality.
6. How Has the Pandemic Changed U.S. Higher Education?: Robert Franek / Editor-in-Chief, The Princeton Review
Air Date: 2020-06-23
It is university and college graduation season in the U.S., but this year, things are not the same. Some ceremonies are being held on-line, while others are taking place with graduates practicing social distancing. The pandemic has affected U.S. higher education in many ways. Looking to fall, students and parents in and out of the country are wondering what schools will look like when the new academic year begins. We asked Mr. Robert Franek, an expert on U.S. higher education, for his insights.
7. Transportation and the Pandemic: Sarah Kaufman / Associate Director, New York University Rudin Center for Transportation
Air Date: 2020-07-07
In many cities, the pandemic has changed the way people commute. Bicycle and scooter use has increased, while subway and bus ridership has declined. And as people have started to work from home, fewer cars are on the streets, leading to easing traffic congestion and air pollution. But will these issues return after the pandemic? Or is this an opportunity to reimage our transit systems? We talked to Sarah Kaufman, a transport and urban planning expert about the future of transportation.
8. 2020 US Presidential Election Outlook: Rachel Bitecofer / Senior Fellow, Niskanen Center
Air Date: 2020-07-14
In less than 4 months, voters will cast their ballots for the next U.S. President. But with the on-going coronavirus pandemic, an economic downturn and the Black Lives Matter movement, the 2020 election looks like no other. Polls show that President Trump is behind his opponent. Will his controversial policies like visa suspension and anti-China rhetoric really help to win back support? We talked with Rachel Bitecofer, an election forecaster and political analyst, about what could happen in November.
9. 75-years on, Is the World Safer from Nuclear Threat?: Daryl Kimball / Executive Director, Arms Control Association
Air Date: 2020-08-11
It has been 75-years since the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan that killed more than 210,000 people by the end of that year. Since then, the US and the Soviet Union, and other states, began an arms race that, to this day, has never ceased. Agreements and talks to reduce nuclear weapons have been put in place, but many have been failing in recent years. What have we learned in 75-years? Is the world safer from nuclear danger? We asked Daryl Kimball, Executive Director, Arms Control Association, for his insights.
10. Fighting Anti-Asian Racism: Russell Jeung / Professor of Asian American Studies, San Francisco State University
Air Date: 2020-08-25
As the Black Lives Matter protests continue across the U.S., there is another group fighting racism. Mirroring the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, the number of hate incidents against people of Asian descent has also increased, and slanderous rhetoric like "China Virus" and "Kung Flu" are stoking racial tensions. How can we combat this stigma, prejudice and racism? We asked Dr. Russell Jeung, founder of an online organization that keeps track of racial incidents in the U.S.
11. Is it the Right Time to Reopen Schools?: Borhene Chakroun / Director, Division for Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems, UNESCO
Air Date: 2020-09-08
This year, as countries continue to grapple with the pandemic, there are many discussions about whether or not it is the right time to return to school. In the U.S., images of high school hallways packed with students not wearing facemasks went viral on social media, and in some states, schools have been forced to shut down shortly after reopening. But on the flipside, many students and their families are already experiencing difficulties with online learning. So, is this the right time to reopen schools? We asked the director of education UNESCO, Dr. Borhene Chakroun who joins us from Paris, France.
12. When Could a COVID-19 Vaccine Be Ready?: William Moss / Executive Director, International Vaccine Access Center, Johns Hopkins University
Air Date: 2020-09-29
As the coronavirus pandemic still sweeps around the world with second waves already erupting in some countries, pharmaceutical companies and research institutes around the world are fast-tracking the development of COVID-19 vaccines. Some scientists say that vaccine trials and approvals take months or even years. However, US President Trump claims one will be available before the presidential election. So, when will we have a safe and effective vaccine? We tapped the knowledge of Johns Hopkins University's Dr. William Moss.
13. Securing Equitable Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccines: William Moss / Executive Director, International Vaccine Access Center, Johns Hopkins University
Air Date: 2020-10-06
Many countries are rushing to secure COVID-19 vaccines for their own population's use, and wealthy nations are funding research to procure massive amounts of doses. Some developing countries are trying to secure vaccines, which may not yet be proven safe, raising concerns that there will be discrepancies in vaccine distribution. Should the most vulnerable people and countries have early access to vaccines? We talked to Dr. Moss once again about how global vaccine distribution will work.
14. Sports in the COVID-19 Era: Matthew Futterman / Sports Journalist, New York Times
Air Date: 2020-10-13
Major League Baseball, National Basketball League, US Open Tennis and other major sports have resumed in the U.S. But with coronavirus safety restrictions in place, things are not the same, with fewer games, officials in masks, cardboard cutout fans and canned applause. Yet, despite these measures, some athletes have contracted the virus. So, is it worthwhile to hold sporting events, and what about the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics next year? We asked Sports Journalist, Matthew Futterman.
15. Athletes and Activism: Matthew Futterman / Sports Journalist, New York Times
Air Date: 2020-10-20
Recently more athletes are using their platforms to make political statements. Naomi Osaka wore 7 different masks at the US Open to honor victims of police brutality. LeBron James, a top NBA player, took a knee with teammates during the US National Anthem. As athlete voices become more powerful, sports leagues and corporate sponsors face a tough challenge. How far should protests go? Can sports and activism be separated? What about the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics? We asked sports journalist Matthew Futterman.
16. The US Election and its Effect on Asia: Mike Mochizuki / Associate Professor of Political Science and International Affairs, The George Washington University
Air Date: 2020-11-03
By pulling out of international treaties and questioning the management of world organizations, President Trump seems to be pushing the U.S. to step back from its position as a global leader. Meanwhile, China's presence on the world stage is growing even amidst the pandemic by helping nations and institutions. So, what will happen after the US election? How will the President-elect's policies affect America's Asian allies? We asked Dr. Mike Mochizuki for his insights.
17. How Music Can Give Comfort During the Pandemic: Yo-Yo Ma / Cellist
Air Date: 2020-11-24
From concert halls and theaters to clubs and restaurants, many venues shutdown under the pandemic, depriving musicians and fans of the magic live music brings. But despite the lockdown, world-famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma picked up his instrument and began to play, sharing music remotely from his home to the world. Soon #SongsOfComfort became viral, providing a platform for artists, professionals or amateurs to express themselves. We asked Yo-Yo how music can help comfort us in these challenging times.
18. How Has America Changed?: Yo-Yo Ma / Cellist
Air Date: 2020-12-01
The US presidential election and the chaotic aftermath have shown how deeply divided the country has been. And it looks like it will take a long time to fill the ditch. Yo-Yo Ma was born in France and immigrated to the U.S. in his childhood. He has played for successive presidents and seen the transition in the country. Our host, Del Irani, asked Yo-Yo Ma how he sees America. How can he find hope in the U.S.? And what role music can play.
19. How Can Women's Political Participation Be Enhanced?: Debbie Walsh / Director, Center for American Women and Politics, Rutgers University
Air Date: 2020-12-15
2020 has become a historic year for women. Senator Kamala Harris will be the first woman and person of color to serve as Vice President of the United States. Women also made significant gains in both the House and the Senate. Still, the number of women who will hold seats in Congress is only about 26%, far from equal representation. How can we enhance women's participation in politics? And why is it important? We asked Debbie Walsh, who has been helping women run for public office.
20. How Will 2020 Be Remembered?: Walter Isaacson / Author, Professor of American History and Values at Tulane University
Air Date: 2020-12-29
The year 2020 could go down in history. As the pandemic spread and the economy screeched to a halt, in the U.S., glaring income inequality and persistent racial disparities came to light. Then followed the contentious presidential election, further highlighting deep-seated divides. So, was 2020 the worst year ever? What can we learn from it? For our last episode of the year, we asked the renowned author Walter Isaacson for his insights and what history, and its great figures can teach us.
21. Challenges in 2021: Walter Isaacson / Author, Professor of American History and Values at Tulane University
Air Date: 2021-01-05
As COVID-19 vaccinations begin across the U.S. and the new president soon be inaugurated, what can we expect from 2021? Walter Isaacson, a well-known author of bestselling biographies, is our first guest of the year. Recently he volunteered for the Pfizer/BioNTech clinical trial, where new technologies were used to develop a vaccine, innovations created by scientists he is writing about in his new book. We asked Mr. Isaacson what we can learn from our history and these scientific breakthroughs.
22. How Will the Capitol Riot Be Reckoned with in US History?: Jill Lepore / Professor of American History, Harvard University
Air Date: 2021-01-26
The U.S. has long been a leader of democratic nations; a pillar of strength to its allies when facing communist countries or those with authoritarian leaders, although there are arguments concerning some of its foreign operations. But the events on January 6 may have lowered America's position. Some even say it was the darkest day in U.S. history. How will that day be remembered? What did it all mean? And how can the U.S. redeem its democratic standing? We asked Harvard historian Jill Lepore.
23. How Can the Biden Administration Achieve Its Agenda?: Capri Cafaro / Professor of Public Affairs, American University/Former Democratic Leader of the Ohio State Senate
Air Date: 2021-02-02
The first 100 days of a new administration is seen as a benchmark measuring a president's early success. President Joseph R. Biden Jr. is moving aggressively to implement his agenda such as the vaccination plan and economic relief package. Many goals require support from Congress. How can President Biden push through key policies and win bipartisan support to unite the country? We asked Capri Cafaro about the path President Biden may take.
24. Combating Hunger During the Pandemic: Valerie Guarnieri / Assistant Executive Director, World Food Programme
Air Date: 2021-02-09
For the last several years, a troubling trend shows global hunger is on the rise, with about 690 million people undernourished. And the coronavirus pandemic adds to the numbers. In 2020 the World Food Programme won the Nobel Peace Prize for its efforts to combat hunger. While this helped their mission, they still face many obstacles in their quest to eradicate hunger. We checked in with Valerie Guarnieri to see how the WFP is promoting food security under the pandemic and what is needed to reach their goals.
25. President Biden's Foreign Policy Challenges: Charles Kupchan / Professor of International Affairs, Georgetown University
Air Date: 2021-02-16
President Biden faces many foreign policy challenges. During Donald Trump's term, the U.S. pulled out from an array of international accords and institutions. While Biden proclaims, "America is back," it may take years to regain the world's trust. And just 10-days after the inauguration, Myanmar's military led a coup, potentially shifting power in the region and strengthening China's influence. We asked former NSC member Charles Kupchan how the Biden administration will shape their foreign policy.
1. Challenges of the Leaders Summit on Climate: Mark Jacobson / Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University
Air Date: 2021-04-13
President Biden will host 40 global leaders at the Leaders Summit on Climate. Environmental experts stress the urgency to limit earth's warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius to mitigate the most pressing impacts of climate change. What does that number mean? What will happen if we can't reach this goal? After abandoning the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement, can the U.S. reclaim its leadership role? We asked Professor Mark Jacobson how things will differ this time when significant measures have still not been taken.
2. Tackling Climate Change: Mark Jacobson / Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University
Air Date: 2021-04-20
Scientists began warning us about climate change a long time ago. International discussions about reducing greenhouse gas emissions have been ongoing, but no significant steps have been taken. In the interim, temperatures keep rising in many places, and extreme weather events are more frequent. Some say it is impossible to completely withdraw from carbon energies. But Mark Jacobson has a plan to replace them with 100% clean renewables. We asked Prof. Jacobson how we can tackle this issue.
3. Vaccinations - The Global Response to COVID-19 a Year On: Akiko Iwasaki / Professor of Immunobiology, Yale University / Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Air Date: 2021-04-27
In late 2019, Akiko Iwasaki was alarmed about a new virus coming out of China. Reports revealed a possible respiratory infection which meant rapid transmission rates, and as she predicted, the virus soon spread worldwide. While vaccinations are now underway in the U.S. and other countries, variants have emerged, and cases are rising in some regions. So, are vaccines the light at the end of a long tunnel? Professor Iwasaki shares insights on vaccination, variants and the long-term effects of COVID-19.
4. What Will Our Post-Pandemic Future Look Like?: Akiko Iwasaki / Professor of Immunobiology, Yale University / Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Air Date: 2021-05-04
In the U.S., Federal officials announced that fully vaccinated Americans no longer need to wear masks outdoors in small groups, when dining outside, or biking and running. As vaccination rates pick up, people are starting to do some things they had stopped doing because of COVID-19. This makes us wonder how much longer this pandemic will last? When will we achieve "herd immunity"? And when can we return to our pre-pandemic lives? We asked Professor Iwasaki about the prospects for the near future.
5. Impacts of US Withdrawal from Afghanistan: Cheryl Benard / Political Analyst, President of Alliance for the Restoration of Cultural Heritage
Air Date: 2021-05-25
President Biden announced that the exit of US troops from Afghanistan would be completed by Sept. 11, 2021, the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the U.S. But even after the US declaration, bombings have not ceased, and insurgencies cast a dark shadow on the country's future. What consequences will the withdrawal bring to the nation and to the U.S. itself? We asked Cheryl Benard, an expert on national security issues, post-conflict reconstruction, and author of books on Islamic countries.
6. What Does US Withdrawal Mean to People in Afghanistan?: Cheryl Benard / Political Analyst, President of Alliance for the Restoration of Cultural Heritage
Air Date: 2021-06-01
While hundreds of people have been killed in Afghanistan in May, reports claim that the U.S. troop withdrawal is accelerating months ahead of the deadline set by President Biden. Responsible for the destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas, concerns grow over the Islamic fundamentalist group, the Taliban's return to power. If they regain control, how will they govern and treat citizens, especially women and the people who helped the U.S.? We continue our conversation with Cheryl Benard for insights.
7. China's Challenge to US Dominance in Space Exploration: Michio Kaku / Theoretical Physicist, Professor at The City College of New York
Air Date: 2021-06-08
While Americans are enjoying the images and audio sent from the Mars rover, "Perseverance," news about China's Mars rover swept around the world. China has been rapidly accelerating its space program, launching the first module of its new space station scheduled to be completed in 2022, while the U.S.-led International Space Station's intended lifespan is set to finish in 2024. We asked Dr. Michio Kaku how significant these developments are and the outlook of China's future space ambitions.
8. Future of Space Exploration: Michio Kaku / Theoretical Physicist, Professor at The City College of New York
Air Date: 2021-06-15
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos announced he will journey to space in July when Blue Origin, the rocket company he founded, conducts its first human spaceflight. 50 years after the first moon landing, interest in space exploration has been gaining momentum. In fact, the next U.S.-led international mission, the Artemis Program, plans to land the first woman and first person of color on the moon by 2024. But why now? What is the future of space exploration? Dr. Michio Kaku discusses these developments.
9. Will the Right to Abortion Be Overturned in the U.S.?: Mary Ziegler / Professor, Florida State University
Air Date: 2021-06-22
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in a key abortion case from Mississippi that could revoke the landmark case Roe v. Wade, that established the legal right to abortion some 50 years ago in the U.S. This comes amid appointments of conservative judges by former President Donald Trump. Currently, 6 of 9 Supreme Court judges are conservatives. Hearings start in October with the ruling expected in 2022. Prof. Ziegler predicts the court will likely overturn the constitutional right to abortion in America.
10. Power to Rollback Abortion Rights around the World: Mary Ziegler / Professor, Florida State University
Air Date: 2021-06-29
Abortion rights disputes aren't just in the U.S. Former President Trump's "Global Gag Rule" required that foreign NGOs receiving US aid could not perform or promote abortions. Furthermore, the U.S. and some 30 nations signed the "Geneva Consensus Declaration," that states, "in no case should abortion be promoted as a method of family planning." What effect have these measures had, and what is the status of abortion globally? Prof. Ziegler warns that with abortion rights, no victory is permanent.
11. How Do Athletes Deal with Pressure?: William Parham / Professor, Loyola Marymount University/Member of the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee's Mental Health Task Force
Air Date: 2021-07-20
Naomi Osaka will return to the court at the Tokyo Olympics after canceling major tennis matches. Many were surprised when she cited concerns about her mental health, and now Olympians could face similar stresses. The one-year postponement has made it hard for athletes to schedule training, and they may have anxieties about competing during a global health crisis. Professor Parham explains the pressures of elite athletes, and the mental challenges they face at the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.
12. How Do We Cope with Coronavirus Variants?: Caleb Alexander / Professor of Epidemiology and Medicine, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Air Date: 2021-07-27
Under Tokyo's Coronavirus State of Emergency, the city's venues for the Olympics have no spectators. Recently, Tokyo has seen a surge in the number of cases of the highly contagious Delta variant, first detected in India and now spreading across the globe. This development raises new questions. How deadly is the variant? How effective are the vaccines? Can the Olympic and Paralympic games be safely conducted? And, will this pandemic ever end? We asked epidemiologist Dr. Caleb Alexander to share his insights.
13. The New Alzheimer's Drug - Are We Closer to a Cure?: Caleb Alexander / Professor of Epidemiology and Medicine, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Air Date: 2021-08-03
50 million people worldwide have dementia, with 10 million new cases emerging annually. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, but for 20-years, there have been no new drugs to tackle the disorder until now. In June, the US Food and Drug Administration approved Aducanumab, a new Alzheimer's medication. While this is a promising development, fierce debate surrounds its efficacy and approval process. FDA Advisory Committee member Dr. Alexander discusses this controversial drug.
14. Shohei Ohtani, Making Inroads in America: Jeff Fletcher / National Baseball Writer and Chairman of LA Chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America
Air Date: 2021-08-10
With his uncanny ability to pitch and hit, baseball phenomenon Shohei Ohtani is often compared to Babe Ruth. Recovering from injuries in 2020, Ohtani is now having his best season with the Los Angeles Angels. He has earned respect from other sports professionals and has become a source of global fascination. But can he keep up the momentum and follow other Japanese MLB stars to the Hall of Fame? We asked sports writer Jeff Fletcher for his take on this "once-in-a-century" baseball player.
15. Tackling Gun Violence during the Pandemic: Robert Spitzer / Political Science Professor, State University of New York Cortland
Air Date: 2021-08-17
There have already been over 420 mass shootings in the US this year. And with the coronavirus pandemic causing lockdowns and requiring people to isolate for extended periods of time, there has also been an alarming increase in gun purchases, smaller number shootings, and domestic violence. We asked Robert Spitzer what is behind the rise in gun violence during the pandemic, and what strategies and solutions can help reverse this concerning trend.
16. Seeking a Breakthrough on Gun Control: Robert Spitzer / Political Science Professor, State University of New York Cortland
Air Date: 2021-08-24
When President Biden took office in 2021, he vowed to take action on gun control and end America's "gun violence epidemic." But with the US's long history of upholding the Second Amendment and the right to own firearms, along with the powerful influence of the gun lobby group the National Rifle Association, the fierce debate over gun rights continues. Dr. Robert Spitzer returns to discuss this complex issue, and if any recent laws or measures can be the breakthrough needed on gun control.
17. Broadway's Long-Awaited Return: Lee Seymour / Theater Producer, Writer, Senior Contributor for Forbes Magazine
Air Date: 2021-09-07
In September, 18-months after the coronavirus caused NYC theaters to shut down, the lights of Broadway will shine again as shows finally begin to reopen. Supporting thousands of workers, economically the industry took a big hit. Yet despite challenges, people found ways to continue their creative output and some productions found success online. While companies are thrilled to return to the stage, can Broadway safely welcome audiences back? We asked producer and writer Lee Seymour for his insights.
18. Dealing with Afghanistan Under the Taliban: Richard Fontaine / Chief Executive Officer, Center for a New American Security
Air Date: 2021-09-28
After 20 years in Afghanistan, America's "forever war" ended on August 30, but the exit was far from smooth. Weeks before the US withdrawal deadline, the Taliban seized control of the country, prompting tens of thousands to flee. Scenes of chaos and desperation at Kabul airport brought harsh criticism of the Biden Administration's handling of evacuations. How did things go so wrong? And what's next for the nation? Richard Fontaine shares his take on the future of Afghanistan under the Taliban.
19. Reaffirming America's Credibility and Leadership: Richard Fontaine / Chief Executive Officer, Center for a New American Security
Air Date: 2021-10-05
When President Biden first took office, he promised US's allies that "America is Back." But his administration's mishandling of the withdrawal from Afghanistan and the more recent fallout with France over the AUKUS agreement has prompted concerns about the US's global security commitments and support of its military partners. Richard Fontaine returns to discuss Biden's foreign policy agenda and how the US can work more closely with its allies to retain its credibility and leadership role abroad.
20. Is Your Child's Screen Time Too Much?: Nusheen Ameenuddin / Pediatrician, Mayo Clinic Children's Center/Chair, Council on Communications and Media, American Academy of Pediatrics
Air Date: 2021-10-12
During the pandemic lockdown, technology and screens became a lifeline as we shifted to virtual schooling, working from home, and connected to friends and family remotely. But as online screen time increased, so did parents' concerns about their children's mental and physical health and the adverse effects of advertising and social media. So, what has been the impact of all this extra screen time, particularly on children? We asked Mayo Clinic pediatrician Dr. Nusheen Ameenuddin.
21. How Can We Adapt to Climate Change?: Alice Hill / David M. Rubenstein Senior Fellow for Energy and Environment, Council on Foreign Relations
Air Date: 2021-10-19
July 2021 was the world's hottest month ever recorded. And data now undeniably shows that carbon pollution is fueling more extreme weather events such as wildfires, floods, drought, rising sea levels, hurricanes and other natural disasters around the globe. So, how do we prepare for these increasing climate events? Catastrophic risks expert Alice Hill explains how taking steps towards climate adaptation and resilience and forming a national plan of action can help tackle this critical issue.
22. Climate Change as a Global Security Threat: Alice Hill / David M. Rubenstein Senior Fellow for Energy and Environment, Council on Foreign Relations
Air Date: 2021-10-26
Scientists warn if countries do not commit to emissions reduction pledges, we could reach the 1.5 degrees Celsius warming threshold, with no turning back. While we often hear about the impact a warming planet has on the environment, climate change is a threat multiplier exacerbating other societal tensions such as migration and security. Alice Hill returns with insights on these issues and discusses how global leaders will address these problems and more at the upcoming COP26 UN climate change summit.
23. Impact of Racial Diversity in Media: Eddie Glaude Jr. / Professor of African American Studies, Princeton University
Air Date: 2021-11-02
In 2045 America could become a majority-minority nation, with whites making up less than 50% of the population. Yet while the US has long been a country of multi races, ethnicities, cultures and religions, diversity has often been muted. In tandem with this demographic shift, social movements are demanding more diversity in political, social and cultural arenas. Eddie Glaude Jr. talks with us about race in the media, why representation matters, and the ongoing fight for a more just world.
24. How Should We Regulate Social Media?: Jack Balkin / Professor of Law, Yale University
Air Date: 2021-11-09
In a recent US Senate hearing, tech giant Facebook came under scrutiny when a whistleblower revealed that the firm prioritized growth and profits over consumer safety. It was further implied that Facebook influenced the rise of hate speech, misinformation and even violence. As social media companies continue to be key institutions in the 21st century digital public sphere, we need to pay attention to the dangers they pose. Jack Balkin shares his ideas on how social media might be regulated.
25. The Rise of Big Tech and Democracy: Jack Balkin / Professor of Law, Yale University
Air Date: 2021-11-30
Every day billions of people use Google, Amazon, Facebook and Apple (GAFA). Their meteoric rise and ability to collect vast amounts of data have also brought them enormous power and influence. However, lack of real competition, weak government controls, and little accountability have raised concerns that big tech firms may undermine democracy itself. Jack Balkin returns to discuss restructuring big tech incentives and encouraging GAFA to play a more beneficial role in the public digital sphere.
26. Regaining US Economic Strength: Austan Goolsbee / Professor, University of Chicago Booth School
Air Date: 2021-12-07
Despite seeing a robust economic bounce back to near pre-pandemic levels, prices in the US have surged over last year, causing concerns over inflation along with labor shortages and significant increases in the housing market. And with consumer spending focused on goods rather than services, global supply chains have all but come to a standstill. So, what is behind these unusual shifts, and how do they factor into the US economic recovery? Chicago Booth's Austan Goolsbee breaks it down for us.
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Rating
0.0/10
Release Date
2020-04-28
Episodes
51 (2 seasons)
Status
Returning Series
