What if we get climate change right?
What if we get climate change right?
1Digest
This podcast episode delves into the prevalent feeling of climate despair and argues that it's counterproductive to addressing the climate crisis. The episode emphasizes the importance of focusing on solutions and possibilities for a better future. Ayanna Elizabeth Johnson, a marine biologist and author of "What If We Get It Right?", shares her perspective on climate change and the importance of focusing on solutions rather than despair. She highlights the availability of solutions and the need for a transformative approach. Johnson shares her vision for a better future, emphasizing the importance of nature, sustainable practices, and a shift in cultural values. She encourages listeners to find their role in climate solutions and embrace a sense of purpose. The episode also addresses the challenge of climate skepticism and apathy among the public. Johnson argues that while a significant portion of Americans are concerned about climate change, it often doesn't rank high enough on their list of priorities. She emphasizes the need for effective communication and political engagement. The episode discusses the effectiveness of engaging with climate deniers and argues that focusing on solutions and highlighting the economic benefits of clean energy is more productive than debating the science. The episode explores the role of activism and protest in the climate movement. Johnson acknowledges the value of protest but emphasizes the need for strategic and effective messaging. She believes that protest can open doors for policy conversations and shift public opinion.
Outlines
Climate Despair vs. Climate Action and Solutions
This chapter explores the pervasive feeling of climate despair and argues that it's counterproductive to tackling the climate crisis. It emphasizes the importance of focusing on solutions and possibilities for a better future.
Ayanna Elizabeth Johnson on Climate Solutions
Ayanna Elizabeth Johnson, a marine biologist and author of \"What If We Get It Right?\", discusses her perspective on climate change and the importance of focusing on solutions rather than despair. She highlights the availability of solutions and the need for a transformative approach.
Imagining a Better Future and Finding Your Role
Johnson shares her vision for a better future, emphasizing the importance of nature, sustainable practices, and a shift in cultural values. She encourages listeners to find their role in climate solutions and embrace a sense of purpose.
Addressing Climate Skepticism and Apathy
This chapter delves into the challenge of climate skepticism and apathy among the public. Johnson argues that while a significant portion of Americans are concerned about climate change, it often doesn't rank high enough on their list of priorities. She emphasizes the need for effective communication and political engagement.
Engaging with Climate Deniers and Focusing on Solutions
Johnson discusses the effectiveness of engaging with climate deniers and argues that focusing on solutions and highlighting the economic benefits of clean energy is more productive than debating the science.
The Role of Activism and Protest in Climate Action
This chapter explores the role of activism and protest in the climate movement. Johnson acknowledges the value of protest but emphasizes the need for strategic and effective messaging. She believes that protest can open doors for policy conversations and shift public opinion.
Keywords
Climate Despair
A feeling of hopelessness and helplessness in the face of the climate crisis, often leading to inaction and resignation.
Climate Transformation
A fundamental shift in how we live on the planet, encompassing changes in energy systems, transportation, food production, and societal values.
Climate Action Venn Diagram
A tool for identifying individual climate action opportunities by considering one's skills, the work that needs doing, and what brings them joy.
Climate Solutions
Strategies and approaches to mitigate climate change and adapt to its impacts.
Green Energy
Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower, which are considered environmentally friendly alternatives to fossil fuels.
Overton Window
A concept in political science that describes the range of acceptable political discourse. Protest and activism can help shift the Overton window, making previously unacceptable ideas more mainstream.
Q&A
What is the most effective way to address climate despair and encourage action?
Focusing on solutions, possibilities for a better future, and individual roles in climate action can help overcome despair and inspire people to take action.
How can we convince climate skeptics and deniers to support climate action?
Focusing on the economic benefits of clean energy and highlighting the job creation potential of the green energy transition can be more effective than debating the science of climate change.
What is the role of activism and protest in the climate movement?
Activism and protest can be valuable tools for raising awareness, shifting public opinion, and pressuring policymakers to take action. However, it's important to ensure that messaging is strategic and effective.
What is the most realistic and hopeful scenario for the future of climate action?
A future where we prioritize nature, embrace sustainable practices, and shift cultural values towards a more environmentally conscious way of life.
How can individuals find their role in climate solutions?
By using the Climate Action Venn Diagram, individuals can identify opportunities that align with their skills, interests, and the work that needs doing.
What is the importance of political engagement in addressing climate change?
Political engagement is crucial for influencing policy decisions and ensuring that climate action is prioritized. Supporting climate leaders and mobilizing environmental voters can make a significant difference.
Show Notes
Climate change has become synonymous with doomsday, as though everyone is waiting for the worst to happen. But what is this mindset doing to us? Is climate anxiety keeping us from confronting the challenge? Ayana Elizabeth Johnson thinks so. In part two of our “Reasons to Be Cheerful” series, she talks to Sean Illing about her new book, What If We Get It Right? and makes the case that our best chance for survival is acting as though the future is a place in which we want to live.
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Table of contents
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