Dr. Ann-Christine Duhaime is a pediatric neurosurgeon at the Massachusetts General Hospital. She looks at brains. Over the course of a 35-year career, she has looked inside many, many brains.
She knows that the human brain is designed by evolution and that it is remarkably flexible, and that it has transformed the planet entirely.
Lately, Dr. Duhaime has sought to wrap her own brain around a vexing question: “Why can’t we do what we need to do to stop destroying our planet while we still have the chance?”
That question animates her new book, “Minding the Climate: How Neuroscience Can Help Solve Our Environmental Crisis,” published by Harvard University Press.
“First, recognize that pro-environment choices may not feel as rewarding as other choices you’re used to making. The rewards are more abstract and less immediate than getting the goal in soccer or the bonus at work. Use your knowledge of the magnitude of the problem and make those choices anyway.
Second, the choices may be easier if you substitute social rewards for what you’re giving up. If you decide to reduce your gift-giving frenzy, find like-minded people. Think of creative, joyful ways to reinforce this choice together.
Third, recognize that what you do will influence others. You can change what others find rewarding,” [Dr. Duhaime said.]
