#155: Losing Earth

We know that climate change, at this point, will likely lead to irreversible catastrophe, perhaps ending human civilization altogether. In this stunning article, Nathaniel Rich argues that we had the chance to prevent calamity but failed to do so. Mr. Rich writes, “In the late 1970s, a small group of philosophers, economists and political scientists began to debate, largely among themselves, whether a human solution to this human problem was even possible. They asked whether humankind, when presented with this particular existential crisis, was willing to prevent it. We worry about the future. But how much, exactly? The answer is very little.” If you don’t have two-plus hours, please consider reading the prologue and epilogue. Also check out critiques of Mr. Rich’s thesis here and here. (133 min)