Why do we carry on producing large carbon emissions when we know these are damaging the lives of others? Paul explores this question in the context of the university student community – where mobile young people whose flights contribute to climate change are studying alongside those experiencing its devastating effects. Can this paradox be explained by the so-called “bystander” effect?

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As our planet warms, species are migrating to new regions where they can cause damage to the local ecology. How we respond to the arrival of these non-native species may shape our future ecology, with implications for food supplies and human health. In this episode, Paul meets Dr Tanja Straka who has been studying differences in how people react to these new arrivals and revealed some intriguing biases with implications for our future. He also goes "balsam bashing" with local volunteers who are taking matters into their own hands.

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One of the biggest challenges faced by those who care about sustainability is getting others on board. In this episode, Paul helps launch a local initiative to address climate change, powered by cookies and drawing on expert advice from Profs Cindy McPherson-Frantz and Cassandra Troy on how to create persuasive messages.

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To reach net zero, we’re being expected to switch from gas boilers to heat pumps but, with the lowest installation rates in Europe, many consumers in the UK appear wary. Trust is surfacing as a key issue. Can the sciences of mind and brain help us understand what trust is and how it forms? What will help us trust in novel and greener types of heating technology?

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Climate change is now becoming a factor in family planning – but why? Drawing on the latest research and insights from neuroscience and psychology, this episode investigates how the environment might be impacting our thoughts about having children – and we hear from two people who have reached quite different conclusions. 

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How does the way we obtain our food can impact on our relationship with nature?  In this episode, Paul Howard-Jones travels to Berlin to discover a range of food initiatives and interviews Dr Felix Zoll, who has been studying their impact on how we think about food and the natural world that produces it.

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