Elizabeth Kolbert - The Climate Crisis & “Life on a Little-Known Planet" | The Daily Show
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Climate Stability, Human Disruption, and the Economics of Clean Energy
Learn why 10,000 years of climate stability enabled civilization, how humanity is actively disrupting it, and where hard economic realities might finally drive necessary energy transitions away from fossil fuels.
Short Summary
- Humanity invented ways to disrupt the precisely balanced climate that fostered civilization over the last 10,000 years.
- The critical disconnect between high awareness and low action persists because climate solutions are often framed as moral obligations rather than pathways to a better life.
- Political realities and lobbying by vested fossil fuel interests actively sabotage progress, even when clean energy is superior.
- Crucially, the cheapest form of new energy capacity available today is new solar power, potentially offering an escape route driven by economics, not just virtue.
This discussion between Jon Stewart and Elizabeth Kolbert centers on the cognitive dissonance surrounding climate change—why recognition of the crisis has not translated into sufficient action. Kolbert shares insights on planetary history and technological pitfalls like carbon capture, while Stewart probes the tension between global equity and high US consumption rates. The conversation pivots toward actionable economic drivers as the potential key to overcoming this profound, physics-based environmental challenge.
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Top Comments (10)
I'm shocked that Jon Stuart didn't realize that both solar and wind energy are cheaper than fossil fuels and getting cheaper each year (Scientific American June 2025). Getting back to Biden's fast-tracking clean energy as soon as we get a Democratic House and Senate again is the solution to climate change. Fortunately, China has transitioning to clean energy for decades with amazing speed.
On Jon's allegation that we want to keep our minifridges, I was disappointed that Elizabeth didn't bring up that the top 5% use more energy than the bottom 50%, and most of it is on travel. We don't need to get rid of minifridges; we need to ground the private planes and megayachts.
Excellent interview. Elizabeth is the real deal! Thank you.
I would like to see us focus on restoring and regenerating our soils through plant and animal diversity. and restoring small water cycles .
All tRump's nonsense about green energy - I can't stand it! In Denmark - where I live - renewable energy contributed 82.1% (wind and solar 63%) of electricity production in 2024. It is the cheapest form of energy - so far in 2025, 650 hours with negative electricity prices. 8 out of 10 new cars sold are EV's, which contributes to Denmark reaching its goal - 70% reduction of CO2 emissions in 2030 compared to 1990 levels.
wow what a remarkable woman!!! she's what's up!!!
Jon’s ‘thoughts and prayers’ are with the Earth at this time.
The part where she says that we are going in the wrong direction is terrifying, really. The fact that all laugh at it is more terrifying.
" Far be it from me to want to change your cynicism , Jon " . ( That is a gem. )
The sarcastic “Oh, tell me…” was some of the most perfect comedic timing I’ve seen by a guest on this show. 😂😂😂
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Top Comments (10)
I'm shocked that Jon Stuart didn't realize that both solar and wind energy are cheaper than fossil fuels and getting cheaper each year (Scientific American June 2025). Getting back to Biden's fast-tracking clean energy as soon as we get a Democratic House and Senate again is the solution to climate change. Fortunately, China has transitioning to clean energy for decades with amazing speed.
On Jon's allegation that we want to keep our minifridges, I was disappointed that Elizabeth didn't bring up that the top 5% use more energy than the bottom 50%, and most of it is on travel. We don't need to get rid of minifridges; we need to ground the private planes and megayachts.
Excellent interview. Elizabeth is the real deal! Thank you.
I would like to see us focus on restoring and regenerating our soils through plant and animal diversity. and restoring small water cycles .
All tRump's nonsense about green energy - I can't stand it! In Denmark - where I live - renewable energy contributed 82.1% (wind and solar 63%) of electricity production in 2024. It is the cheapest form of energy - so far in 2025, 650 hours with negative electricity prices. 8 out of 10 new cars sold are EV's, which contributes to Denmark reaching its goal - 70% reduction of CO2 emissions in 2030 compared to 1990 levels.
wow what a remarkable woman!!! she's what's up!!!
Jon’s ‘thoughts and prayers’ are with the Earth at this time.
The part where she says that we are going in the wrong direction is terrifying, really. The fact that all laugh at it is more terrifying.
" Far be it from me to want to change your cynicism , Jon " . ( That is a gem. )
The sarcastic “Oh, tell me…” was some of the most perfect comedic timing I’ve seen by a guest on this show. 😂😂😂