This chapter explores why humans are not fearful enough of climate change and why we are not taking enough action to address it. It discusses how our brains prioritize immediate threats over long-term risks, and the psychological biases that contribute to the lack of urgency in responding to climate change.
Humans are great at reacting to mortal danger... but only sometimes. Unfortunately, some risks to our safety and wellbeing don't set off alarm bells in our brains. Climate change falls into that category. Why is that?
Harvard psychologist Dan Gilbert explains how some dangers trigger us, and some don't. In discussion with Dr Laurie Santos, he also outlines ways in which we can be made to care more about threats to the planet and maybe react to them in more positive, happiness-inducing ways.
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