Eco-Psychotherapy
Why our brains are wired to ignore climate change
Why, when so many people express concern about climate change, do they find it so hard to talk about or even remember? Drawing on his recent acclaimed book Don’t Even Think About It: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Ignore Climate Change, and his expertise on climate communications, George Marshall explains that climate change speaks poorly to our sense of threat and can only be felt is through the medium socially constructed narratives. These may shape disinterest and denial but, if they speak to people’s core values and identity, can be also be a source of strength and hope. We will examine why and how.
Terrific presentation. George Marshall’s ideas have given me a lot to think about, and act on. I intend to integrate his invite of talking to one person daily about climate change, as well as thinking more about how to bring into practice the idea of talking to people experientially rather than scientifically about climate change, “social proof,” as Marshall calls it. Thank you! Inspiring and actionable!