How increasing your happiness can help solve climate change (w/ Jiaying Zhao and Elizabeth Dunn)
Summary
Behavioral scientists Elizabeth Dunn and Jay-Z discuss their book *Leave the Lights On*, arguing that climate action should focus on joy rather than sacrifice. They explain how making sustainable choices enjoyable, like biking or eating well, creates contagious social movements. The episode covers practical tips, such as switching banks to avoid fossil fuel investments and using carbon labels, to help individuals reduce emissions while increasing happiness.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: Toyota and ChatGPT Work
The flossing analogy for annoying but effective habits
Introducing Jay-Z and Elizabeth Dunn's book on joyful climate action
Sponsors: Quince, Toyota, and ChatGPT for Business
Guests introduce themselves and the intersection of happiness and climate
Happiness as an engine for behavior change rather than guilt
Individual vs. collective responsibility and the contagious effect of joy
Sponsors: Olive & June and JBL
Case study: Changing default anesthesia gas in hospitals
Switching banks to avoid fossil fuel investments
Avoiding moralization and the pitfalls of purity culture
Carbon labeling in cafeterias and choosing the 'next best' option
Debunking the idea that you shouldn't have kids due to climate change
The impact of where you choose to live on your carbon footprint
Creativity, toonie parties, and making EVs visible and fun
Outro, listener survey, credits, and final sponsors
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