Just finished giving the Discovery Lecture at @carleton.ca hosted by @saraheverts.bsky.social and @drkimhellemans.bsky.social this evening! We had tons of great questions and I promised to answer the 8 most up-voted ones here. Here we go! 1/10 🧵
Comments
Log in with your Bluesky account to leave a comment
Being a politician is tough! I so respect those who step up, and the work of groups like 314 Action & Lead Locally who encourage climate-focused candidates.
Personally, I believe my strength lies in helping everyone—regardless of politics—understand why climate matters and what we can do about it.
We found that heat and drought does tend to increase people's concern about climate change (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0959378021000261) ... but since denial is 99.9% solution aversion, it's sadly all too easy to politicize extreme weather disasters. Exhibit A here.
Many do believe others are doing less ... but all too often, that's not true. Look at the growth of solar & wind in China; green jobs in India; emission reductions in the EU + more.
That's why it's so important to share info on climate solutions, including where they are happening!
Yes! In high-carbon-emitting countries, the top driver of climate opinions is political affiliation/ideology. Gender and age also plays a role: women & younger people tend to be more concerned than men & older folks.
In countries with low carbon footprints, education tends to be a stronger factor.
Absolutely. I think the difference between drivers of climate opinions in high versus low emitting countries really highlights how -- if we feel guilty, and we think it's too late, and we add a crippling lack of efficacy to the mix -- avoidance and denial can seem like viable coping mechanisms. 🥲
This really bugs me. What, men aren't concerned about leaving a burning planet to their children and grandchildren? Why does it always fall to women to be compassionate and empathetic, or to just have a little foresight?
I have wondered for a long time if the role of traditionally gendered values plays a role. i.e. it's "strong and brave and manly" to rescue people from a disaster, but "caring, compassionate, empathetic, practical" to reduce vulnerability in the first place.
Comments
Personally, I believe my strength lies in helping everyone—regardless of politics—understand why climate matters and what we can do about it.
That's why it's so important to share info on climate solutions, including where they are happening!
In countries with low carbon footprints, education tends to be a stronger factor.
Here's a phenomenal example from the most politically conservative town in the US. Click on 'check our progress'! https://sustainability.byu.edu/climate-conversations
I have wondered for a long time if the role of traditionally gendered values plays a role. i.e. it's "strong and brave and manly" to rescue people from a disaster, but "caring, compassionate, empathetic, practical" to reduce vulnerability in the first place.
So maybe there’s that everfuckinwheremachobrainwash