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New Books Network

Debra J. Davidson, "Feeling Climate Change: How Emotions Govern Our Responses to the Climate Emergency" (Routledge, 2024)

Feb 11, 2025
Debra J. Davidson, a professor of environmental sociology at the University of Alberta, dissects the emotional underpinnings of our responses to climate change. She emphasizes the impact of emotions and empathy in driving social change, advocating for their integration into climate discourse. Davidson discusses the urgent need for collective action while navigating the complexities of capitalism and colonialism. She also contrasts democratic and authoritarian responses to climate challenges, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives and grassroots engagement.
32:25

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Quick takeaways

  • Emotions, particularly empathy, significantly influence individual and collective responses to the climate crisis, driving collaboration and cooperative problem-solving efforts.
  • Societal structures like capitalism and patriarchy shape ecological disruption and inequity, creating barriers that hinder the recognition of their oppressive nature.

Deep dives

The Role of Emotions in Climate Action

Emotions play a crucial role in shaping human responses to climate change and can catalyze social change. The discussion emphasizes the significance of empathy, which is identified as a foundational human capacity that drives cooperation and collective problem-solving. This capacity for empathy allows individuals to form connections and work together towards addressing climate issues, yet it often struggles to extend to those outside of immediate social circles. Overall, understanding and leveraging emotions such as empathy can provide pathways to encourage collaborative efforts in combating the climate crisis.

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