The Unintended Consequences of Technology

CHAPTER 12 Climate: Are Humans the New “Weapons of Mass Destruction”?

Are you tired of hearing about climate change? Are you interested in the topic but increasingly feel jaded and helpless? Is it a question of chronic political fatigue? Or are our brains simply not wired to think long-term?

To understand more about climate change, we need to think about the fight-flight-freeze response in reaction to perceived threats, such as oncoming traffic or a growling dog. Physiological changes—like rapid heart rate, muscle movements, and reduced perception of pain—kick in to quickly defend against a perceived threat. The response is primitive and happens automatically. Sometimes, though, we perceive threat or harm when in reality things are fine. And other times we have a false sense of security when things are not fine.

Fight or flight is most effective when the perceived threat is visible and immediate. It creates that sense of urgency to respond instantly. But humans have a tendency to put off threats that don't seem urgent. They may put off going for a checkup or an oral hygiene visit. Deep down they know if they don't do it, there might be danger down the road, but they have a false sense of security and belief that “there is time.”

When it comes to climate change, the human race is experiencing a delayed fight-flight-freeze (FFF) reaction. Those who care are exhausted with the magnitude of it all and the feeling of helplessness. Others either don't understand the science behind ...