First hour: Discussing the threat of climate change
Second hour: An update on the state of COVID-19
As devastating flooding threatens parts of Europe, new polling shows that the number of Americans who are concerned about climate change is declining. Experts say climate change leads to more severe precipitation and drought, and an increased number of dangerous storms. But public figures like Vivek Ramaswamy are telling voters not to believe it, and instead to believe in the good of fossil fuels. Our guests discuss the data and the threat of climate change:
- Lisa Marshall, advocacy and organizing director of New Yorkers for Clean Power
- Blair Horner, executive director of New York Public Interest Research Group
Then in our second hour, a new school year has begun, and New York State officials say they want to keep students and families healthy. Governor Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday that the state will provide COVID-19 test kits and masks to school districts that want them. The announcement comes following reports of a new COVID variant – BA.2.86 – and a rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations this summer. This hour, we discuss the latest in COVID-19 transmission and treatment, a new vaccine due out this month, and more. Our guests:
- Ann Falsey, M.D., professor in the Department of Medicine (Infectious Diseases) at the University of Rochester Medical Center, co-director of the URMC Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Unit, and infectious disease specialist with Rochester Regional Health
- Jennifer Gutowski, RN, and associate director of infection prevention at Rochester Regional Health
