“We don't notice climate change because something suddenly falls on our heads.” What researcher Albert Moukheiber means by this is that our brain is wired for immediate reaction, and struggles to deal with threats that are invisible and delayed.
On top of that, we unconsciously select information that confirms our existing beliefs. That explains why even well-informed, concerned people keep behaviors that contradict their own convictions. The key lies in understanding these mechanisms, and analyzing a behavior should be broken into its parts: prior conditioning, immediate environment, and material conditions. And the focus needs adjusting: analyzing a car crash by looking at the bodywork only makes limited sense, but looking at the location of the crash is always relevant.
In his latest book, “Neuromania,” Moukheiber takes apart preconceived notions about our brain in the face of ecological challenges, and reveals how brain function sometimes serves as an excuse for climate passivity. Neuroscience is also frequently instrumentalized to justify harmful behavior.
The book offers a critique of the “neuromyths” that hold back the ecological transition. Albert Moukheiber shows that our brain is far more plastic and adaptable than these discourses claim. That opens up real perspectives for ecological engagement, and highlights the importance of material conditions in our environment: if people keep eating large amounts of meat, for instance, that's also because it's available everywhere.
And there's a media and political tendency to frame individual action as the first line of defense against climate change, even though it's a thoroughly systemic problem.
Change has to happen at the level of politics and institutions. Blaming individuals for not acting on their own at the necessary scale is, in itself, a form of selfishness.
Courier Huile Smith #38 belongs to CROW Courier, which replaces delivery vans with cargo bikes and, in doing so, helps improve quality of life in the city. The car-free Berlin courier service also fosters a cooperative way of working. Info at crowberlin.de