Many people in the climate movement wonder why it’s so hard to get our message through. Could part of the problem be buried in the very language we use?

In this episode we’re talking to Jeremy Lent, the author of The Patterning Instinct: A Cultural History of Humanity’s Search for Meaning. His work investigates the patterns of thought that have led our civilization to its current crisis of sustainability. In this conversation we discuss the key metaphors that govern how we think and why we need a paradigm shift.

Extinction Rebellion has three demands.

1) Tell the Truth – Government must tell the truth by declaring a climate and ecological emergency, working with other institutions to communicate the urgency for change.

2) Act Now – Government must act now to halt biodiversity loss and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2025.

3) Beyond Politics – Government must create and be led by the decision of a Citizens’ Assembly on climate and ecological justice.

Presenters / Producers – Jessica Townsend, Phil Smith

Editor – Phil Smith

Social Media – Michaela Herrmann