Prof. Pauline Phemister Part 1: The Philosophical Gap; from Good Intentions to Climate Action.

11/25/21 • 49 min

We know we should be making dramatic lifestyle changes, but why do we not always make those changes? In this episode we interview Dr. Pauline Phemister of the university of Edinburgh on how philosophy can help us developed our emotional connection to our environment, and motivate the personal, radical action we need in order to address the environmental crisis.

Previous Episode

Yuan Pan: Environmentalism in Japanese Animated Film

This episode will take you to a multidisciplinary discussion between RadioNatura team member Kevin Cheung and Yuan Pan, a conservation scientist and Studio Ghibli enthusiast. For her, the Japanese animation house Studio Ghibli is a dynamic way to expose the greater public to the existing complex environmental issues considering the studio can accurately portray conservation-based issues while still retaining appeal to mainstream audiences.

Our relationship with nature can be complex, and a part of natural conservation is about changing our current relationship with nature. Animated movies with meaningful storylines can be a powerful tool to transform audiences and altogether change our opinions about nature.

Hayao Miyazaki, co-founder of Studio Ghibli is acknowledged for his environmentalist movies. His stories transcend cultural and age barriers - providing stories that can question our morality and transform people at their core. As we seek ways to fight climate change, it is essential to remember what Miyazaki has taught us: nature is not just a nice place. Nature can fight back and it's not always tame.

We hope you enjoy!

Next Episode

Prof. Pauline Phemister Part 2: Joy, Community and Climate Change

In the episode two of The Philosophical Gap we are joined by Dr Robert Glasser (of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute / Former UN Assistant Secretary General for Disaster Risk reduction) to contextualise environmental philosophy with his practical experience in climate change policy. In this interdisciplinary discussion, Dr Phemister and Dr Glasser further explore the global, practical importance of strengthening one’s personal relationship with the natural world.