The NPR Politics Podcast The Fight To Keep Climate Change Off The Back Burner
Jan 16, 2023
Critical timelines for climate action are looming, yet short-term concerns dominate public focus. Experts discuss overcoming psychological barriers to make climate urgency feel immediate. The tension between climate activists and commuters highlights the stakes of relying on fossil fuels during an energy crisis. Meanwhile, Germany grapples with achieving carbon neutrality amid political challenges and escalating conflicts between activists and law enforcement. The urgent need for sustained activism is emphasized for the benefit of future generations.
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Climate Change: A Policy Problem
- Climate change is a "policy problem from hell" due to its long-term nature, misaligned with short-term human psychology and political cycles.
- However, humans are capable of overcoming inherent limitations, as seen with behaviors like saving for retirement.
Reframing Climate Change
- Reframe climate change as a present problem, emphasizing current climate-driven disasters and their immediate impact.
- Highlight immediate benefits of climate action, like incentives for electric cars and solar panels.
German Climate Protests
- German climate activists are protesting the country's increased reliance on coal due to the Russia-Ukraine war.
- These protests, including gluing themselves to roads, disrupt commutes and highlight the urgency of climate action.