Past Weather, Future Problems

Past Weather, Future Problems

Author: JOY 94.9 - Rainbow Community Podcasts for our LGBTI, LGBTIQA+, LGBTQIA+, LGBT, LGBTQ, LGB, Gay, Lesbian, Trans, Intersex, Queer Communities January 14, 2026 Duration: 42:31

What if the key to Australia’s climate future is hidden in its past?

When we talk about climate change, we often picture satellites, supercomputers, and graphs stretching into the future. But this week on Science Queeries, we’re turning back the clock, digging into dusty data, early thermometers and rain gauges, handwritten weather diaries, and historical records to understand what’s coming next.

Dr Cat is joined by a climate scientist, Ruchit Kulkarni who’s part historian, part statistician, and part detective. Working at the University of Melbourne and ARC Centre of Excellence for 21st Century Weather, he uncovers how Australia’s past climates help us make sense of today’s extreme weather – especially heatwaves and bushfires.

Explore how historical climate records reveal patterns we can’t see in modern data alone, and how looking back helps us plan for risk. When it comes to preparing for extreme weather, hindsight might just be our most powerful forecasting tool.

*This podcast has been re-uploaded following an audio issue. As much as we want to be vocal about climate change, we don’t want you to have to listen to multiple voices at once. Originally aired 16th December, 2025.

The post Past Weather, Future Problems appeared first on Science Queeries.


Curiosity meets community in Science Queeries, a space where the wonders of the natural world and the vibrant spectrum of human identity intersect. Hosted by Cat, this podcast from JOY 94.9’s Rainbow Community collection approaches learning with a warm, questioning spirit. It’s less a formal lecture and more a series of engaging conversations that unpack scientific concepts through an inclusive, queer lens. You’ll hear explorations that connect the dots between biology, sociology, technology, and lived experience, making complex ideas both accessible and personally relevant. Each episode invites you to consider how science shapes and is shaped by the diverse LGBTIQA+ communities it seeks to understand. The tone is thoughtful and welcoming, designed for anyone who’s ever felt on the outside looking in at traditional science communication. Whether discussing the latest research or the fundamentals of how things work, this podcast consistently centers a perspective that is often overlooked. It’s a place for learning, questioning, and finding connection in the shared pursuit of knowledge. Tune in for a refreshing take that proves science is for everyone, and that some of the most insightful discoveries begin with a simple, open-minded query.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

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