C4E Presents
C4E Presents
Podcast Description
Welcome to C4E Presents, a podcast from Stony Brook’s Collaborative for the Earth. From climate attribution to marine plastics, we confront the difficult questions about climate change head-on. Join us for exciting conversations with Stony Brook University’s environmental scholars and researchers to explore these issues together. Hostedby Heather Lynch, director of Stony Brook’s Collaborative for the Earth.
For more information, visit stonybrook.edu/c4e/
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on a range of climate-related topics, including biotechnology in agriculture, ethical decision-making in environmental humanities, the socio-economic implications of oil, and the role of effective communication in climate science. Episode examples include discussions on the Green Revolution in Ghana, the importance of ethics in environmental decisions, and the challenges posed by misinformation.
From Stony Brook University’s Collaborative for the Earth, C4E Presents explores environmental science, climate change, and actionable climate solutions through engaging talks with environmental scholars and scientists. Host Heather Lynch guides listeners through environmental science issues, including marine plastics and climate attribution, to confront today’s toughest climate challenges. Discover expert perspectives and solutions for a healthier planet. Learn more at stonybrook.edu/c4e/
Jim Hempstead evaluates credit risk for nuclear energy projects. Host Heather Lynch, producer J.D. Allen and Hempstead, managing director of Moody’s Ratings Global Project and Infrastructure Finance Group, discuss how credit ratings focus on default probability and cashflow stability, and expert analysis helps assess large-scale infrastructure and energy projects, including newer technologies like small modular reactors.
This is a director’s cut of America's Nuclear Future, a national radio broadcast special from American Public Media.
Learn more:
- New nuclear technologies can play key role in decarbonization if costs are addressed (Moody’s, 2026)
- Can the US power grid keep up with the data center boom? (YouTube)
- Moody's: Nuclear plant construction poses risks to credit metrics, ratings (Moody’s, 2008)
Skip ahead to the chapter that interests you:
- 01:09 Meet Moody's Jim Hempstead
- 02:38 How Moody's Rates Risk
- 03:48 Assessing New Nuclear Tech
- 05:36 Cash Flow Over Engineering
- 07:55 Nuclear Growth Outlook
- 09:39 Regulated vs Merchant Models
- 12:56 Tech Giants and PPAs
- 15:53 Costs Lifetimes and Labor
- 17:28 Workforce Risk
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You can find all our episodes at www.stonybrook.edu/c4e or wherever you stream audio.
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C4E Presents is a production of Stony Brook’s Collaborative for the Earth.
Host: Heather Lynch
Editor: J.D. Allen
Producer: Jordan Vallone
Program Manager: Jennifer Gilday
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
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