How Joy Helps Save the Planet
Summary
Host Dacher Keltner interviews scientists Dr. Elizabeth Dunn and Dr. Zhang Zhao about their book, *Leave the Lights On*. They argue that framing climate action through joy rather than fear is more effective for driving sustainable behavior. The episode highlights practical, happiness-boosting choices, such as eating more plants, reducing food waste, and switching to green banks, to help listeners tackle climate change without guilt.
Topics discussed
Introduction: Joy as a tool for climate action
Show intro and guest overview
Ad: How to Fail and Wayfair
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Context: Climate urgency and guest introductions
Origin story: Biking, composting, and joy
Reframing actions: Do more good vs. do less bad
High-impact choices: Travel, banking, and housing
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Food choices: Savoring treats and eating plants
Science of veggies and carbon rankings of meat
Reducing waste: Fridge feng shui and visual crowding
Sustaining change: Community and staycations
Outro: Next episode on forgiveness
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