Planet: Critical How the Eco-Crisis is Changing Our Brains | Clayton Aldern
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Sep 18, 2025 
Clayton Aldern, a neuroscientist and environmental reporter at Grist, explores the alarming connection between climate change and brain health. He discusses how environmental changes release neurotoxins that can lead to neurodegenerative diseases. Aldern highlights the impact of heat and pollution on aggression and decision-making, linking climate anxiety to interpersonal violence. He critiques policymakers for neglecting these health issues and emphasizes the transformative power of storytelling to inspire action and empathy in the face of the ongoing crisis.
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Brain Health Is Missing From Climate Models
- Brain health from environmental change is massively undercounted in public health and climate models.
- Clayton Aldern argues brain health will be one of the most expensive climate impacts if ignored.
The Brain Mirrors Environmental Change
- The brain models the world and updates expectations when environments change.
- Aldern says rapid environmental shifts force neural and behavioral adaptation with broad consequences.
Heat Raises Aggression And Lowers Thinking
- Heat and air pollution reliably worsen cognition, aggression, and workplace outcomes.
- Aldern cites studies linking hotter days to more harassment, lower productivity, and poorer decision-making.
