← The Big Story
How a massive solar storm could fry our entire grid artwork

How a massive solar storm could fry our entire grid

The Big Story
E93819:13
Play episode

Show notes

Depending on your mood, it sounds either terrifying, or like a sweet release from modernity. But solar storms hit the Earth all the time, and it's only a matter of time until a truly gigantic one fries us—it's happened before, and will again. We're more reliant on electricity and connectivity than ever before, obviously, and we don't know how the grid will handle the power of such a storm—but we know it won't be good. The problem is, we can't test for it without, well, turning it all off and then back on again. Maybe we should do that? GUEST: Christopher Mims, technology columnist, The Wall Street Journal We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

More from this show

More
  1. Big Headlines: Prime Minister Carney is in Istanbul exploring a new free-trade partnership

    Canada's chief trade negotiator to the United States says Donald Trump will still be U.S. President after the midterm elections and will still drive trade policy. Canada's deepenin…

    E209006:35
  2. The death of the dinner party

    When was the last time you host a dinner party? Not for special occasion, just for the sake of it. How about the last time you went to one? Odds are, it's been awhile. With generat…

    E207924:04
  3. Big Headlines: Carney says trade talks between Canada and the U.S. are still on pause and Stelco could face legal action

    Plus: Carney is warning Stelco that it could face legal action if it fails to meet its employment commitments, the federal government will add $1-billion to help build a road to th…

    E208806:29
  4. Why is Gen Z protesting around the world?

    Protests have erupted across Europe, as activists seek for radical political and societal change. In France, young people are looking to improve school conditions and access to edu…

    E208618:03
  5. Big Headlines: Alberta's separation vote could have lasting impacts and an update on the injured soldiers from CFB Wainwright

    Plus: Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has updated the province on the status of the Canadian Armed Forces soldiers injured during the fire at C-F-B Wainwright, Prime Minister Mark C…

    E208508:13
  6. Danielle Smith's post-referendum problem

    Alberta has decided its fate remains within a united Canada. More than 75% of voters in Monday's historic referendum struck down the idea of separating from the country, a result…

    E207824:07
Now Playing
The Big Story — How a massive solar storm could fry our entire grid | Podcast | Josplay Music