Ri Science Podcast
How climate change affects the brain - with Clayton Aldern and Sanjay Sisodiya
Mar 26, 2025
Join neuroscientist-turned-journalist Clayton Aldern and neurology expert Sanjay Sisodiya as they unravel the chilling effects of climate change on our brains. They dive into how extreme heat exacerbates neurological disorders and influences human behavior, including aggression and decision-making. The conversation explores memory’s role in shaping our perception of climate issues, shedding light on how forgetting can help us adapt. Discover the urgent need for research and collaboration to protect vulnerable populations from these escalating challenges.
35:25
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Quick takeaways
- The interplay of memory and expectation significantly shapes individual perceptions of climate change, potentially leading to complacency and misguided responses to environmental urgency.
- Extreme weather conditions exacerbate neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, underscoring the urgent need to identify vulnerable populations affected by climate-induced health risks.
Deep dives
Political Will and Memory in Climate Response
The response to climate change is often hindered by political factors, but the neurophysiology of memory also plays a crucial role. Many individuals lack a direct experience of climate change's tangible effects, relying instead on personal memories and cultural narratives, which can skew perceptions of urgency. The episode highlights how memory may lead to complacency; for instance, people may forget past climate variations and adapt to new norms without recognizing underlying changes. Hence, understanding how memory functions in the context of climate perception is essential for fostering a more immediate response to environmental challenges.
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