Laurie Laybourn, Head of the Strategic Climate Risks Initiative, dives into the mental hurdles we face in grappling with climate change and existential risks. He discusses how our understanding of major threats often falls short, exploring the psychological barriers that hinder action against looming disasters. Laurie draws parallels between pandemic preparedness and climate crisis, stressing the urgent need for governments to address these issues seriously. Humor and inspiration punctuate this enlightening conversation about navigating a complex future.
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Threads Impact
Laurie Laybourn discusses the impact of the film Threads, which depicted the societal collapse after a nuclear war.
This film, alongside cultural memory and protests, shaped public perception of nuclear war beyond just bigger bombs.
insights INSIGHT
Risk Perception
Humans struggle to grasp complex, large-scale risks like climate change due to their evolutionary focus on immediate threats.
The interconnectedness and cascading effects make it hard to comprehend the potential for widespread societal collapse.
insights INSIGHT
Existential Climate Risk Definition
Existential climate risk refers to the potential for widespread societal collapse, not just immediate environmental damage.
Climate change exacerbates existing risks like war and conflict, increasing their potential to become existential threats.
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In 'Going Infinite', Michael Lewis delves into the life of Sam Bankman-Fried, the enigmatic founder of the failed cryptocurrency exchange FTX. The book provides a psychological portrait and a financial roller-coaster ride, tracing Bankman-Fried's trajectory from becoming the world's youngest billionaire to his eventual downfall. It covers topics such as high-frequency trading, cryptocurrencies, effective altruism, and the justice system. Despite criticism for its sympathetic portrayal of Bankman-Fried, the book offers a fascinating insight into the complex world of cryptocurrencies and the character of its central figure.
Threads
Threads
A British Television Film
George Orwell
Threads is a 1984 British television film depicting the aftermath of a nuclear attack on Sheffield, England. The film portrays the devastating consequences of nuclear war, including widespread destruction, societal collapse, and the long-term effects of nuclear fallout. It explores themes of survival, resilience, and the psychological impact of catastrophic events. The film's graphic depiction of the horrors of nuclear war made it controversial but also highly influential in shaping public opinion on nuclear weapons. Threads is considered a landmark film in the anti-nuclear movement and remains a powerful testament to the destructive potential of nuclear weapons.
Don't Even Think About It
Don't Even Think About It
John Lee
George Marshall
George Marshall's "Don't Even Think About It" delves into the psychological barriers that hinder our ability to address climate change effectively. The book explores the cognitive biases, emotional responses, and societal structures that contribute to climate denial and inaction. Marshall uses compelling narratives and scientific evidence to illustrate how our brains are wired to resist accepting the long-term threat of climate change. He argues that effective communication and engagement strategies are crucial to overcome these psychological hurdles and foster collective action. The book offers valuable insights into the human element of climate change, highlighting the need for a more nuanced and empathetic approach to climate communication and advocacy.
We're reasonably good at imagining what nuclear war would be like (although it'd probably be even worse than that).
But it's not the same for most other complicated, really really scary risks. Eg: the UK government is still not taking seriously the risk of another pandemic - and that's despite the fact we LITERALLY JUST HAD ONE, GUYS.
And it's the same for climate change - with knobs on. For sure, our politicians, banks and cultures just aren't ready for the climate-clusterfudge. But if you're anything like me, there's a limit to how much of it you can take into your overloaded little brain as well.
Why? Are we just not evolved for it? Are we doomed to sail merrily into a storm we don't want to see coming? No, says this episode's guest, the fab Laurie Laybourn from the Strategic Climate Risk Initiative. Yes, it's hard to wrap your head around. But Laurie thinks we're very far from doomed - as long as we first understand where we're actually starting from. Listen for a chat that's sometimes vertiginous, sometimes funny, and always inspiring.
Your Brain On Climate 