The Enigma of Climate Inaction with Frédéric Samama

In this Climate Chat episode, we interview author Frédéric Samama about his new book "The Enigma of Climate Inaction." The book explores humanity’s perplexing passivity in the face of the looming climate crisis―despite our having known about it for decades, the fact that we brought it into existence, and the existential threat it poses to our species. We will be discussing and comparing Frédéric's theory of "societal bubbles" with host Dan Miller's theory of limits of human cognition to deal with long-term problems, which Dan covered in his "Barriers to Climate Action" Climate Chat program.

The Enigma of Climate Inaction draws on cutting-edge insights from cognitive science, anthropology, history, economy, finance, and philosophy. Samama argues that our success in accessing resources has bred an overconfidence in the systems that enable it. By uncovering the roots of our inaction, he moves beyond merely identifying the problem and offers a framework for action. He invites readers to experience a jolt in perspective―one that prompts a re-evaluation of our relationship with nature and our sense of responsibility.

Frédéric Samama has built a career at the intersection of finance, research, and the public good. As the inventor of leveraged employee stock ownership plans deployed globally and a pioneer in green finance, he also launched, in 2009, alongside Joseph Stiglitz and Patrick Bolton, a research center dedicated to the role of investors in addressing climate change; initiated innovations such as the first mainstream low-carbon indices; and co-founded the first global coalition of climate-committed investors. He also teaches at Sciences Po. Holding a Ph.D. in economics and a Master’s degree in philosophy, he is the author of The Enigma of Climate Inaction (Routledge), an essay that draws on cognitive science, economics, anthropology, and philosophy to shed light on the mechanisms of collective inaction on climate change. In 2026, Environmental Finance named him “Personality of the Year.”

Summary of Frédéric's book:

https://conference.sciencespo.fr/content/2026-07-06/the-enigma-of-climate-inaction_NYQGjXlJd35MHyQi8WTU

Dan's Barriers to Climate Action program:

https://youtube.com/live/olcYG0LwJlw

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