Protecting the Climate - How the Human Brain Prevents Us From Saving the World

Our brains are wired to prioritize immediate threats over long-term risks, making it difficult to comprehend the urgency of climate change. Psychological biases, such as the availability heuristic (relying on easily accessible information) and the present bias (valuing present over future rewards), further hinder our ability to grasp the severity of the crisis. Additionally, the brain's tendency to seek out information that confirms our existing beliefs (confirmation bias) can lead us to dismiss evidence of climate change that contradicts our personal views. These cognitive barriers collectively prevent us from fully appreciating the catastrophic consequences of inaction, hampering our efforts to protect the planet.