As we face the consequences of climate change, it may surprise some to learn just how long scientists—and denialists—have been talking about this problem. On this episode, Dr. Patrick Spero talks with two leading scientists and APS Members, Dr. Walter Munk and Dr. Charles Kennel, about the oceans and climate change. They explore how their interest in climate science grew out of work in oceanography (in Dr. Munk’s case going back to World War Two), reflect on the state of the oceans, climate, and what it all means for policymakers today.
Dr. Walter Munk, described as the “Einstein of the oceans,” was professor emeritus of geophysics and held the Secretary of the Navy/Chief of Naval Operations Oceanography Chair at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego. He gave a talk at the APS in April 2013 titled, “Corrigendum: Where the Swell Begins.”
Dr. Charles Kennel is Distinguished Professor, Vice-Chancellor, and Director emeritus at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego. He gave a talk at the APS in April 2014 titled, “The Hiatus in Global Warming.”


Full Recording of Dr. Munk’s talk at the April 2013 APS Meeting


Full Recording of Dr. Kennel’s talk at the April 2014 APS Meeting


Walter Munk, “The Perfect Storm,” Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society, Vol. 157, No. 4 (December 2013): 369-392.


Charles F. Kennel, “‘Hiatus’ in Global Warming: Paradox and Complexity in Climate Science,” Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society, Vol. 159, No. 4 (December 2015): 367-408.