The world is literally on fire...why aren't we acting?

In this episode, Emma Berlow dives deep into the concept of cognitive dissonance—how it impacts our response to climate emergencies, and why so many people seem immobilized or contradictory in their climate actions, especially amid heat waves and wildfires.

Emma Burlow also shares personal reflections on her recent work with Innovate UK’s Battery Innovation Programme, offering listeners a sense of hope about the ambitious projects and funding happening behind the scenes, even when media headlines can feel overwhelmingly bleak.

Key Topics CoveredPersonal Reflections & Recent Activities

Sitting on a funding assessment panel for Innovate UK's Battery Innovation Programme, which will invest £452 million between 2026–2030Experience in the Mighty Heart course with Rhian Sherrington

Cognitive Dissonance & Climate Inaction

Definition and origins of cognitive dissonance (05:00)Real-life example: the Dorothy Martin “alien flood” case and what it teaches us about entrenched beliefs and resistance to changeWhy facts and evidence often fail to change minds where identity and worldview are wrapped up in old paradigms

How to Spot Cognitive Dissonance

Disconnection between language and action (e.g., ambitious targets without real follow-through, greenwashing) (09:26)Personal and organizational examplesImportance of authenticity and setting an example

Emotional and Societal Barriers

Climate anxiety vs. societal overwhelm (04:01, 15:53)Difference between apathy, stupidity, and psychological overwhelmThe importance of taking manageable, meaningful action—both micro (daily habits) and macro (community initiatives, industry change)

Moving Forward: What Can You Do?

Encourages listeners to have open, nonjudgmental conversations about climate impacts with colleagues outside the sustainability bubble (18:08)Questions to ask: “Are you noticing anything?” and “Is our response proportional?”Listen more than you speak to open new doors for engagement