Scales of Change - Introduction: A Theory of Change
May 14, 2020
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Robert Gifford, a psychology and environmental studies professor, discusses his 'dragons of climate inaction' framework, exploring psychological barriers to effective climate action. Quetztonat Charlene George, a cultural guide and artist from the Coast Salish First Nations, shares insights on storytelling's role in reconnecting with the land and fostering community. They delve into the urgent need for collective action, reflect on pandemic parallels with climate change, and highlight the importance of individual and systemic approaches to sustainability.
The hosts highlight the psychological barriers, or 'dragons', that prevent effective climate action, emphasizing the need for awareness to overcome them.
The podcast draws parallels between individual behavior in the climate crisis and collective action during the COVID-19 pandemic, stressing the importance of shared understanding to drive change.
Deep dives
Understanding the Climate Crisis
The hosts explore the overwhelming nature of the climate crisis as an existential threat that permeates every aspect of life. They acknowledge the struggle to find new insights and actionable responses amidst a sea of existing literature and activism surrounding climate change. The hosts emphasize the tension between individual actions, which can sometimes feel futile, and the need for larger structural changes to effectively combat this issue. This duality leads to a search for stories that make the climate crisis more tangible and understandable, allowing for a nuanced exploration of both personal and collective responsibility.
The Dragons of Climate Inaction
The concept of 'dragons' serves as a metaphorical framework to categorize the psychological barriers that hinder climate action. These psychological factors, which include social comparison and temporal discounting, create justifications and rationalizations that prevent individuals from engaging in pro-environmental behavior. The hosts explain that the science behind these dragons draws on decades of research, emphasizing that recognizing these barriers is the first step in overcoming them. By naming and understanding these dragons, individuals can start to dismantle the excuses that keep them from taking necessary action.
The Role of Collective Action
The conversation delves into the relationship between individual behavior and collective action within the context of climate change and societal transformation. The hosts draw parallels between the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the necessary shift needed to address the climate crisis, emphasizing the power of shared understanding to drive change. By identifying the lessons learned during the pandemic, they argue that this could inform future climate movements and cultural shifts. Ultimately, they ask listeners to look within themselves while recognizing that personal and communal efforts are crucial for effecting larger societal changes.