Navigating Our Future: Data, Optimism, and Sustainability with Hannah Ritchie

Apr 9, 2024

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Hannah Ritchie is the deputy editor at Our World in Data and the author of Not the End of the World, a data-driven guide to solving the climate crisis. A seasoned scientist and a passionate advocate for environmental issues, Hannah brings to the table a wealth of knowledge drawn from her experiences, including her involvement in the Paris Climate Agreement. Her work is deeply rooted in her early awareness of climate change and her subsequent journey through fear, frustration, and ultimately, a resolve to seek out data-driven solutions.

This week, Barrett talks with Hannah Ritchie, diving into a range of topics including the pivotal shift in global climate targets, the emotional toll of being an environmentalist, and the importance of critical questioning in data quality control. Hannah recounts her inspirations, the importance of diverse viewpoints in her learning, and the responsibilities that come with her various public-facing projects. Together, they explore the critical intersection of emotion, logic, and activism within the context of environmental and climate issues. They underscore the significance of optimism, strategic thinking in addressing environmental challenges, and the need for incremental yet transformative progress that combines the pursuit of knowledge with tangible action.

In this episode:

[01:47] - The complexities of communicating science
[07:19] - From NPR mistakes to TED Talks: the journey of public speaking
[11:01] - A personal dive into climate reality
[16:45] - Choosing science over journalism
[21:56] - COP 21: a turning point in climate optimism
[27:42] - From childhood anxiety to global action
[35:39] - Maintaining hope amidst climate anxiety
[37:52] - Understanding context in data and news
[38:50] - Navigating social media with optimism
[39:30] - The power of optimism and solution-oriented thinking
[41:16] - Activism and engagement: a path to overcoming anxiety
[41:53] - Innovative solutions to environmental challenges
[44:06] - The importance of support systems and mentorship
[49:36] - Building a diverse team for problem solving
[57:23] - The challenges and rewards of data analysis
[01:07:32] - The impact of personal and industry viewpoints on research
[01:12:18] - The power of data in environmental solutions
[01:13:38] - The art of changing minds through data
[01:18:19] - Navigating the complexities of environmental data
[01:23:35] - The role of beauty and biodiversity in sustainability
[01:29:12] - Business opportunities in solving environmental problems
[01:34:50] - Personal reflections and future aspirations

Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks.

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