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Modern Wisdom

#743 - Hannah Ritchie - Why Does Everyone Believe The World Is Doomed?

Feb 10, 2024
Hannah Ritchie, a data scientist and deputy editor at Our World in Data, tackles misconceptions about climate change. She discusses why the world’s view is skewed towards doom and how actual data presents a more hopeful narrative. The podcast explores the impact of climate anxiety on youth mental health and critiques fear-based messaging strategies. Ritchie also dives into the realities of ocean plastics, extinction events, and population dynamics, advocating for a balanced perspective that encourages optimism and actionable solutions.
01:00:08

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Quick takeaways

  • Addressing climate change is crucial, as there are ways to adapt and reduce its impacts.
  • Misconceptions about climate change can contribute to exaggerated pessimism about the future.

Deep dives

Climate Change Perception and Action

The perception of climate change as an existential threat is fueled by a range of catastrophic problems, such as nuclear war and the rise of AI. However, while climate change is a significant problem, there is a middle ground between believing it is unsolvable and thinking it is not a problem at all. Taking action to address climate change is crucial, as there are ways to adapt to a changing climate and reduce its impacts.

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