Earth and its neighboring planets Venus and Mars all began with similar temperatures, mineral compositions, and atmospheric gases that could have led to the formation of life. Earth was the only planet to pull off that trick, while climate change took Venus and Mars in less hospitable directions. It was much like the story of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears"; Mars was too cold, Venus was too hot, but Earth was just right. Now experts in global warming and the greenhouse effect are turning to the past skies of Venus and Mars to find the keys to climate change here on Earth. Producer Loretta Williams visits with planetary scientist David Grinspoon, author of Venus Revealed, to discuss the differences between Venus and Earth. James Kasting, a geoscientist at Penn State University who studies the habitability of planets, particularly Mars, tells us about the basic principals at work in Earth’s atmosphere. Claire Parkinson, a renowned climatologist with NASA Goddard, looks at one key to climate change on Earth: the role of melting sea ice.

The Soundprint documentary series features the best work of top radio producers. The award winning documentaries are renowned for drawing the listener into the story with compelling interviews, authentic voices and rich sound. From memoirs to science, health and popular culture, Soundprint creates a powerful experience the listener will not soon forget.

“The Goldilocks Story” was produced with support from the National Science Foundation, as part of a series called Exploring Space Science. Here are some other documentaries in the series:

“Comets, Meteors and Asteroids” Produced by: Dan Grossman

“Einstein's Blunder” Produced by: David Barrett Wilson

Soundprint Executive Producer: Moira Rankin

Technical Director: Anna Maria de Freitas

Science Editor: Ann Finkbeiner

Audio Engineer: Jared Weissbrot

Associate Producer: Katie Gott