Future Tense
Melting brains and climate anxiety
Oct 31, 2024
This discussion features Clayton Page Aldern, a neuroscientist and author, Dr. Burcin Ikiz, Chair of the International Neuro Climate Working Group, and Professor Joshua Carlson from North Michigan University. They dive into how climate change negatively affects mental health, increasing climate anxiety and altering brain function. The presence of neurotoxins linked to extreme weather is unveiled as a hidden crisis contributing to neurological diseases. The conversation also explores the concept of neuroplasticity, highlighting both the challenges and potential resilience in facing these eco-psychological impacts.
29:08
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Quick takeaways
- Extreme heat negatively impacts human behavior and mental health, leading to heightened aggression and impaired decision-making in various contexts.
- Climate anxiety has a neurological basis linked to a salience network, influencing both motivation for pro-environmental actions and the risk of disengagement.
Deep dives
Impact of Extreme Heat on Mental Health
Extreme heat significantly affects human behavior and mental health, as seen in various studies. Higher temperatures correlate with increased aggression, diminished critical thinking skills, and a higher likelihood of domestic abuse and assault. For example, it has been observed that baseball pitchers are more prone to intentionally hitting batters on hotter days, reflecting a real-time manifestation of climate-induced stress. This highlights the pressing need to consider how environmental conditions can directly shape human interactions and decision-making processes.
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