People often have a misguided belief in their unique future outcomes, when in reality, certain career paths or actions can lead to predictable results. To promote better climate behavior, it is important to understand the factors that drive future planning and consider institutionalizing change, rather than relying on individual actions. Institutionalizing practices such as retirement savings has proven more effective than relying on individual motivation, as shown by the example of employer-mandated retirement savings resulting in increased savings across America. Systemic changes, like having a grocery store with produce within proximity, have a more significant impact on influencing behavior than trying to change individual habits.
Humans are great at reacting to mortal danger... but only sometimes. Unfortunately, some risks to our safety and wellbeing don't set off alarm bells in our brains. Climate change falls into that category. Why is that?
Harvard psychologist Dan Gilbert explains how some dangers trigger us, and some don't. In discussion with Dr Laurie Santos, he also outlines ways in which we can be made to care more about threats to the planet and maybe react to them in more positive, happiness-inducing ways.
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