Published Jul 26, 2021

Losing Alaska

"Losing Alaska" dives into the psychological and social impediments to climate change action, with Shankar Vedantam and George Marshall unraveling how cognitive biases, political identities, and cultural beliefs impact perceptions and drive—or hinder—collective efforts, all through the lens of Alaska's retreating Mendenhall Glacier.

Episode Highlights

Topics covered

Episode Highlights

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Dexa/Shankar Vedantam

Losing Alaska

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Collective Action Challenges

Sacred Values and Science

Glacier's Silent Retreat

Perception of Threats

Glacier Reality Check

Glacier Perspectives

Bridging Climate Divides

Value of Connection

Climate Change Psychology

Climate Change and Fear

Episode Highlights

Psychology of Denial

Overcoming Challenges

Alaskan Glaciers

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Encore of Episode 27: Losing Alaska

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Losing Alaska

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Episode Highlights

Psychology of DenialThe episode explores the psychological and social barriers that prevent people from effectively addressing climate change. It highlights how cognitive biases and political identities shape perceptions and hinder collective action.

Psychology of Denial

Overcoming ChallengesThe discussion shifts to the psychological and cultural barriers in motivating climate action. Shankar Vedantam and George Marshall explore how sacred values and cultural beliefs can inspire collective efforts to combat climate change.

Overcoming Challenges

Alaskan GlaciersShankar Vedantam explores the alarming retreat of Alaska's Mendenhall Glacier, a powerful symbol of climate change. He examines how this visible transformation impacts both the environment and the perceptions of those who witness it firsthand.

Alaskan Glaciers

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