Virtual Field Labs – Searching for Hope on a Warming Planet with Dr. Becky Alexander

Searching for Hope on a Warming Planet

In this three-part virtual field lab series, Dr. Becky Alexander and students Drew and Zayna explore more than a century of atmospheric clues—ice cores, satellite data, and lab measurements—to uncover a surprising story of hope on a warming planet. From the impact of past energy and transportation choices to the remnants of phytoplankton farts recorded in Greenland’s snow and ice, you will analyze real datasets with the team to understand how human decisions shape the air we breathe and the systems that sustain life. Along the way, you will discover how science, policy, and collective action can shift the trajectory of our atmosphere and oceans, and why the choices we make today matter more than ever. Dive in to discover what the data show, what questions remain, and where hope for our climate future can be found.

Episode Links – Coming Soon!

Episode #1:  Looking for Hope in Electricity Generation

Dr. Becky Alexander and her students Drew and Zayna examine how electricity production over the last century has affected Earth’s atmosphere. Using real-world data from power generation, atmospheric measurements, and Greenland ice cores, viewers explore the links between human energy choices, air pollution, and climate. The episode encourages students to investigate how policy, technology, and human decisions can influence the composition of the atmosphere over time.

Episode #2: Looking for Hope in Transportation Systems

In this episode, Drew and Zayna investigate how the rise of automobiles over the last century has influenced Earth’s atmosphere. Using historical data, ice core samples from Greenland, and hands-on laboratory techniques, viewers explore the connection between transportation, air pollution, and environmental policy. The episode highlights how scientific analysis can reveal the impact of human choices on the atmosphere and invites students to consider the role of technology and legislation in shaping a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Episode #3: Looking for Hope in the North Atlantic Ocean

In this episode, Drew and Zayna dive into the North Atlantic Ocean to investigate phytoplankton, the tiny organisms that form the foundation of the marine food chain. Using ice core samples from Greenland and hands-on data analysis, viewers explore how scientists track environmental changes over time and interpret complex chemical signals. The episode highlights the process of doing real science.  Dr. Becky Alexander returns to offer her insight on finding hope on our warming planet.