Alan Lowe, Executive Director of the American Museum of
Science and Energy, launches AMSEcast Conversations with a
compelling discussion on Jay Hakes’ book, The Presidents and the
Planet: Climate Change Science from Eisenhower to Bush. The panel,
featuring Hakes alongside energy experts David McCollum and Charles
Sims, traces the origins of modern climate science to the 1950s
work of Roger Revelle and Dave Keeling. The panel explores the
evolution of climate science, the challenges of political
resistance, and the growing urgency of action in the face of
today’s visible climate impacts. Their discussion emphasizes
collaboration, innovation, and persistence in addressing global
climate challenges.
Guest Bio
Jay Hakes is an accomplished author and energy policy expert
whose latest book, The Presidents and the Planet: Climate Change
Science from Eisenhower to Bush, explores the intersection of
science and leadership. Previously, Jay authored Energy Crises:
Nixon, Ford, Carter, and Hard Choices in the 1970s. He served for
13 years as Director of the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and
Museum in Atlanta and was Administrator of the Energy Information
Administration during the Clinton administration. Jay also worked
under President Obama as Director of Research and Policy for the BP
Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Commission, bringing deep expertise to
critical energy challenges.
David McCollum is a leading expert in energy and environmental
policy, serving as part of the distinguished R&D staff in the
Mobility and Energy Transitions Analysis Group at Oak Ridge
National Laboratory (ORNL). He also holds a joint faculty
appointment at the University of Tennessee’s Baker School of Public
Policy and Public Affairs in Knoxville. David’s work focuses on the
critical intersections of energy systems, transportation, and
sustainability, bringing valuable insights into the challenges and
opportunities of transitioning to a low-carbon future. His
expertise bridges research and policy, making him a key voice in
addressing global energy and climate issues.
Charles Sims is an expert in energy and environmental policy,
currently serving as the director of the Center for Energy,
Transportation, and Environmental Policy at the University of
Tennessee (UT) in Knoxville. He holds the TVA Distinguished
Professorship of Energy and Environmental Policy at UT's Baker
School of Public Policy and Public Affairs and is also an associate
professor in the Department of Economics. Charles' work focuses on
the economic and policy implications of energy systems and
environmental challenges, offering valuable insights into the
complex relationship between energy, transportation, and
sustainable development.
Show Highlights
(2:49) When scientists realized that climate was changing and
human activities were the major cause
(4:35) The Keeling Curve
(7:18) Why the public’s perception of climate change has
shifted over the years
(17:14) Eisenhower’s introduction to climate change and its
impact on Atoms for Peace
(20:49) JFK’s awareness of the climate change issue
(26:38) How climate change factored into decisions made during
LBJ’s Great Society
(31:20) President Nixon and climate change
(38:23) The failed marriage between climate science and nuclear
power
(41:36) Facing climate change on an international scale
(48:42) How to test sources on climate change and the
importance of good communication
(54:16) Are there any positive outlooks on climate change at
this point in time?
Produced from the American Museum of Science and Energy, AMSEcast invites guests from the world of science, literature, and technology to share unique perspectives from the realm of the highly trained and curiously minded.