Margaret Atwood on Climate Change: Anti-Science Can Only Be Surmounted by Economics | Big Think

TL;DR

People are resistant to letting go of comforting beliefs, leading to denial of scientific facts like global warming.

Transcript

If you look at the history of what happened to Darwin when he published, what would you call that? Yes he was hugely attacked at the time. And it's often a case of people do not want to give up their cherished beliefs, especially cherished beliefs that they find comforting. So it's no good for Richard Dawkins to say let us just stand on the bold be... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥹 The resistance to accepting scientific truths stems from the desire to hold onto comforting beliefs and avoid unsettling realities.
• 🤔 Religious thinking is deeply ingrained in human nature and provides a sense of security and reassurance, especially for children.
• 🌐 The denial of global warming has shifted from complete denial to acknowledging the changes but denying human responsibility.
• 💱 Progress in addressing climate change requires a shift towards solutions that offer economic benefits and job creation.
• 🏣 Other countries, like Norway, are already preparing for a post-fossil fuel future, realizing the limited nature of these resources.
• 🚃 Elon Musk's innovations, such as electric cars and home energy storage units, can revolutionize the way we generate and consume energy.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why do people resist accepting scientific truths?

People cling to cherished beliefs that provide comfort and do not want to confront the potentially unsettling reality that scientific truths can present. This resistance is a natural human tendency.

Q: Does religious thinking play a role in this resistance?

Yes, religious beliefs often provide a sense of security and the idea that someone more powerful can help if certain rules are followed. This comfort and reassurance make it difficult for individuals to embrace conclusions that contradict their faith.

Q: How does the denial of global warming illustrate this resistance?

Initially, people denied that climate change was happening. However, as the effects become more evident, they reluctantly accept the reality but choose to dismiss the role of human activity. This allows them to maintain their current behaviors without accountability.

Q: How can this resistance to scientific truths be overcome?

The real tipping point will be when people realize the economic benefits and job creation that comes with developing solutions to global challenges. Additionally, innovative technology such as Elon Musk's all-electric car and Powerwall can make renewable energy more accessible and appealing, leading to a shift in consciousness.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• People often cling to comforting beliefs and resist accepting scientific truths, as seen in history when Darwin published his theory of evolution.

• Religious thinking, the belief in a higher power, is deeply ingrained in human nature and provides comfort, especially for children.

• The resistance to accepting scientific facts, such as global warming, starts with denial but gradually shifts to acknowledging the changes while denying human responsibility.