The Radio National Hour
'Paris is already dead': father of climate science & the business of disappearing people
Feb 14, 2025
Explore the alarming insights of Dr. Jim Hansen on climate change and the cultural nuances of johatsu, where individuals choose to vanish from society. Reflect on how historical moments have shaped climate awareness and the pressing need for balanced energy policies. Delve into the striking intergenerational advocacy for climate justice through legal battles. Uncover the complexities of mental health and justice in high-profile cases, connecting these issues to the experiences of youth and their role in shaping a sustainable future.
54:35
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Quick takeaways
- Dr. Jim Hansen warns that urgent actions are needed to combat climate change, as the impacts are occurring faster than predicted.
- The phenomenon of johatsu highlights societal pressures in Japan, where individuals seek to disappear as a means of coping with overwhelming expectations.
Deep dives
Dr. Jim Hansen's Pivotal Climate Insights
Dr. Jim Hansen emphasizes the pressing reality of climate change, asserting that the scientific evidence indicates it is already impacting the Earth. He recalls his early recognition of the escalating problem when working on climate sensitivity in the 1970s and acknowledges that the warnings were not adequately heeded, particularly during the 1980s. Hansen criticizes the fossil fuel industry's influence on government policies, which diverted attention towards unconventional energy sources instead of supporting carbon-free alternatives. He stresses the necessity of implementing a carbon pricing mechanism to effectively mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
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