Published Sep 17, 2018

The Cassandra Curse

Shankar Vedantam delves into the "Cassandra Curse," examining why crucial warnings in politics and the environment, like the Challenger disaster and Alaskan permafrost melting, are often ignored, highlighting the gap between evidence and action.

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Topics covered

Episode Highlights

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The Cassandra Curse

Topics covered

Popular Clips

The Curse of Prophecy

The Cassandra Effect

Climate Conversations

Warnings and Consequences

Ignoring Warnings

Tragic Blindness

The Cost of Prophecy

Warnings and Responses

Political Persuasion Tactics

Melting Permafrost

Thawing Permafrost Crisis

The Value of Understanding

Episode Highlights

Warnings in Politics

The Cassandra Curse

Environmental Alarm

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Warnings, Warnings Everywhere

You Don't Need a Crystal Ball

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Beyond Doomscrolling

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Episode 27: Losing Alaska

A Conspiracy of Silence

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The Secret Life of Secrets

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A Conspiracy of Silence

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Topics covered

Popular Clips

Episode Highlights

Warnings in PoliticsShankar Vedantam explores the psychology behind ignored warnings, using the Challenger disaster and political persuasion as key examples. He examines why some warnings are dismissed and how effective communication can lead to action.

Warnings in Politics

The Cassandra CurseThe myth of Cassandra serves as a powerful metaphor for the challenges of being heard when issuing warnings. Shankar Vedantam explores how this ancient story parallels modern instances where crucial warnings are ignored, leading to preventable disasters.

The Cassandra Curse

Environmental AlarmThe melting permafrost in Alaska serves as a stark warning of the environmental crises we face, releasing carbon that could accelerate climate change. Despite clear scientific evidence, public misconceptions and skepticism continue to hinder effective climate action.

Environmental Alarm

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