#103: Navigating the Polycrisis with the Post Carbon Institute

Apr 3, 2025

Ask episode

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we chat with Richard Heinberg, Senior Fellow at the Post Carbon Institute, about the polycrisis—the convergence of environmental, social, and technological challenges shaping our world today. Richard explains how climate change, economic instability, inequality, and artificial intelligence are interconnected, making this moment in history uniquely complex. He discusses why technology alone cannot solve these crises and emphasizes the need for systemic shifts in behavior, governance, and economic structures. The conversation also explores the importance of community resilience, natural carbon sinks, and rethinking success beyond economic growth.

Restoring our faith in humanity this week is Patricia St. Alms, a leading voice in community resilience and post-carbon living. Drawing on her Haudenosaunee and Quebecois heritage, she empowers communities to embrace a future beyond fossil fuels through self-sufficiency, local economies, and regenerative practices.

Key Points:

Understanding the Polycrisis: Richard breaks down how environmental, social, and technological crises are reinforcing each other, creating unprecedented global challenges.
Building Resilient Communities: Investing in local economies, land access for young farmers, and strengthening social networks can help societies weather the impacts of the polycrisis.
Rethinking Economic Growth: Alternative indicators of success—such as happiness, well-being, and sustainability—are essential for creating a thriving future.

Voices on The Show:

Richard Heinburg, Senior Fellow at the Post Carbon Institute
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-heinberg-78081411/
Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaannpinkerton/
X - @LisaPinkerton
Instagram - @LisiAnni
Technica Communications: https://technica.inc/
Women in Cleantech and Sustainability: https://www.womenincleantechsustainability.org/

Web Resources:

🚀 Calling all Earthlings…

Visit our website for more episodes!

We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be!

Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our website

Thanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page.

Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news:

Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!