Published Apr 19, 2016

Episode 27: Losing Alaska

Shankar Vedantam delves into the psychological and cultural barriers hindering climate action, exploring the fear-driven mental blocks and value systems that affect our response. The episode paints a vivid picture of climate change's impact through the retreat of Alaska's Mendenhall Glacier, highlighting the urgent need for shared cultural solutions.

Episode Highlights

Topics covered

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Episode Highlights

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Dexa/Shankar Vedantam

Episode 27: Losing Alaska

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Glacier Conversations

Climate Change and Cognition

Ignoring Climate Change

Climate Change Narratives

Mental Barriers to Action

Glacier Retreat Reality

Glacier Perspectives

Faith and Climate Change

Fear and Motivation

Episode Highlights

Mental Barriers

Glacier Observations

Cultural Narratives

Related Episodes

Losing Alaska

Encore of Episode 27: Losing Alaska

Rewinding & Rewriting

Episode 52: Losing Face

Rewinding & Rewriting

Episode 39: Vacations

Episode 15: Loss and Renewal

Summer Melt

Wellness 2.0: When It's All Too Much

Losing Face

Changing Our Mental Maps

Loss and Renewal

Lost in Translation

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The Conversations that Bring Us Closer

Episode 27: Losing Alaska

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Episode Highlights

Mental BarriersThe episode explores how cognitive psychology and fear influence our ability to address climate change. It highlights the psychological barriers that prevent effective action against this global threat.

Mental Barriers

Glacier ObservationsShankar Vedantam explores the tangible impacts of climate change through firsthand experiences and historical changes observed at the Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska. These insights reveal the emotional and environmental significance of witnessing glacial retreat.

Glacier Observations

Cultural NarrativesThe discussion explores how political values and religious-like belief systems influence the acceptance of climate change science. It highlights the need for cultural solutions and shared values to address climate challenges effectively.

Cultural Narratives

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