What COVID-19 and Climate Change Have in Common

With cases recorded in more than 140 countries, the novel coronavirus has become a global health crisis. 

In the U.S., bars and offices have been closed, conferences cancelled and kids kept home from school in an attempt to slow the spread. President Trump has declared a national emergency and invoked the Defense Production Act to accelerate the virus response.

So why aren’t we reacting as swiftly to climate change -- another human-propelled global catastrophe that could harm human health and wellbeing for generations to come?

These threats are not the same, but they do share certain attributes. We discuss with risk and behavioral scientist Sweta Chakraborty, founder of Adapt to Thrive and co-host the live weekly radio show “Risky Behavior.”

Recommended reading:

• NBC: Me, worry? For coronavirus, it depends on your politics
• GTM: For Wind and Solar Sectors, Biggest Coronavirus Risk May Be a Damaged Economy
• GreenBiz: COVID-19 and climate change: A healthy dose of reality
• London Real: Jonathan Haidt - Climate Change Ideology

Political Climate is produced in partnership with the USC Schwarzenegger Institute. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play or wherever you get podcasts!

This episode is brought to you by the nonprofit environmental forum EarthX. Looking for a new activity? Challenge yourself to take on the 50 for 50 Challenge — 5 Pledges x 10 Actions = 50 Ways to Protect our Planet in honor of Earth Day's 50th anniversary. Sign up at www.earthx.org!