Critical Scientists

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Beyond the Fix - the Podcast by Critical Scientists Switzerland

The belief that science and technology can fix all our problems is widespread - but is it justified? The Beyond the Fix podcast offers a deep dive into commonly proposed fixes to the challenges we face today in areas such as climate, energy, economics, agriculture, food and human health. Our host Thomas Kobel talks to scientists, policy-makers, and practitioners about thought-provoking perspectives that will not leave your view of promised solutions untouched. Listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or here.

03/CHRISTINE VON WEIZSÄCKER on Why Technofixes Won’t Save Us

Christine von Weizsäcker Portrait

In this episode we look at the technofix narrative, its relationship to innovation and precaution, and ask why it has become so prevalent when it comes to addressing (socio-)ecological problems. We also discuss alternatives and why the complexity of living systems requires different approaches.

Our guest, Christine von Weizsäcker, is a biologist and President of Ecoropa – the European Network for Ecological Reflection and Action. She has been involved in the negotiations of the UN Convention on Biological persity, its Protocols and in the follow up to the Earth Summit in Rio for many years. She is a vocal advocate of the Rio principles of precaution, polluter-pays and public participation.

Christine introduces us to the important role that technofixes have played in environmental policy, which is linked to a narrow understanding of innovation. She calls for critical, i.e. differentiating, and multidisciplinary approaches. She also points to importance of considering long-term and far-reaching impacts of scientific and technological proposals that promise to solve singled out aspects of the multiple and interlinked current crises. Christine also shares valuable insights into the power of framing in public perception and politics.

Listen to the episode on your favourite player.

02/JÉRÔME SANTOLINI on Science and Regulatory Policy: The Example of Meat Curing with Nitrite

Jérôme Santolini Portrait

In this episode we look at a relatively old industrial fix: the use of nitrite—a toxic chemical—for curing processed meat on a large scale. It’s a compelling case study to explore how regulatory policies are shaped and the complex role science plays in that process.

Our guest, Dr. Jérôme Santolini, a biochemist and research director at the Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell at the University of Paris-Saclay, heads the Oxidative Stress and Detoxification Laboratory. He tells us about the biotoxicological mechanisms behind using nitrite to preserve meat and uncovers the historical origins of why a known a poison became a key tool in food preservation.

Jérôme sheds light on the intricate roles nitrites (and other nitric oxides) play in the human body, their effects, and their potential carcinogenic risks. He also offers his perspective on how we can approach meat curing—and eating—more thoughtfully. Drawing on the lessons of the failed nitrite regulation in France, he advocates for a more reflective approach to knowledge production: one that prioritises deep understanding over the relentless pursuit of data – a proposition that is relevant far beyond the example of meat curing.

Listen to the episode on your favourite player.

01/JULIA STEINBERGER on Fixing the Economy with ‘Green Growth’?

Julia Steinberger Portrait

In this episode, we look at ‘green growth’, the idea that the problems of our current economy can be solved with green technologies while continuing to grow the economy. Our guest, Prof. Dr. Julia Steinberger, Professor of Ecological Economics at the University of Lausanne, talks about the differences between ecological and environmental economics, and more generally about the problems with dominant economics.

We explore the problems with the idea that growth can be sustained if only technologies change, discuss issues of decoupling or the rebound effect, and ultimately the need to address the neoliberal strategies behind many current policies. Julia explains alternative economic perspectives such as degrowth and postgrowth, which are based on actual human needs and planetary boundaries. She talks about one of her key research projects, 'Living Well Within Limits', which demonstrates the viability of such a needs-based and well-being-centred perspective, and the implications for transformative pathways beyond green growth.

Listen to the episode on your favourite player.