The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens
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435 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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Olivia Lazard: "Peace and Power in the Mineral Age"
15 februari 2023 · 1 uur 30 min
On this episode, environmental peacemaker and mediator Olivia Lazard joins Nate to unpack the relationship between mineral deposits, conflict-vulnerable zones, and high biodiversity areas to create interlocking risks to geopolitical and climate stability. Much like Olivia's research, this conversation covers a wide variety of topics and is jam-packed with information. Will we have to plunder the planet in order to save it? Will we be able to transition to a multi-polar world order somewhat peacefully? And what can we learn from mediators and peacemakers, like Olivia, as we move into a more materially constrained future - where the whole pie is smaller? Lees meer
About Olivia Lazard:
Olivia is an environmental peacemaking and mediation practitioner as well as a researcher and a fellow at Carnegie Europe. Her research focuses on the geopolitics of climate, the transition ushered by climate change, and the risks of conflict and fragility associated with climate change and environmental collapse. She has over twelve years of experience in the peacemaking sector at field and policy levels. In her fieldwork, her focus was to understand how globalization and the international political economy shaped patterns of violence and vulnerability patterns as well as formed new types of conflict systems that our international governance architecture has difficulty tackling with agility.
For Show Notes and More visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/58-olivia-lazard
To watch this video episode on Youtube → https://youtu.be/UNkzGKTjBWM
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Gaya Herrington: "Humanity's Soul: Life or Growth?"
8 februari 2023 · 1 uur 28 min
On this episode, Nate speaks with econometrician and sustainability researcher Gaya Herrington about her new book, Five Insights for Avoiding Global Collapse, a more in-depth and personal telling of her 2021 review of the Limits to Growth (LTG). More than 50 years after the original LTG report was released, the model trajectories remain both relevant and controversial, as we continue with the 'business as usual' scenario, in which the LTG model resulted in collapse. Why are we stuck on this road and how are our growth based economic systems optimized to keep us there? Is it possible to shift our goals to a different path, away from growth, focused on the well-being of all life? Can we plan or mitigate the path to descent? Lees meer
About Gaya Herrington:
Gaya is a Dutch econometrician, sustainability researcher, and women's rights activist. Gaya holds masters' degrees in both econometrics and sustainability studies. After becoming disillusioned by initially working in the financial sector Gaya became the executive director of StoereVrouwen, a non-profit Dutch women's movement promoting sustainable economic policies through activism. In 2014, Herrington became the Director of Sustainability Services of KPMG. Most recently, her study on the projections made in the 1972 Limits to Growth report was widely publicized internationally. She is currently Vice President Sustainability Research at Schneider Electric.
For Show Notes and More visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/57-Gaya-Herrington
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NOT for Sale | Frankly #24
3 februari 2023 · 9 min
Recorded January 30, 2023 Lees meer
Description
This week, Nate reflects on one of the biggest questions humanity is facing - what is and is NOT for sale? The Biden Administration approval of a 20 year ban on mining near the Boundary Waters and the regional 'Not for Sale' movement to prevent selling water from Lake Superior to the West are evidence that perhaps we can see nature's value beyond monetary gain. What have we already "sold" to feed an insatiable appetite for more energy and more materials? And where will we draw the line between what humanity is willing to "sell" and what we decide is sacred and non-negotiable? Have we thought about what might be 'for sale' in our own lives in the future - and what will not be?
To Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Mgf7GyGPt4
For Show Notes and more visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/frankly-original/24-not-for-sale
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David Sloan Wilson: "Chickens, Cooperation and a Pro-social World"
1 februari 2023 · 1 uur 22 min
On this episode, evolutionary biologist David Sloan Wilson joins Nate to unpack how evolution can be used to explain and understand modern human behavior, particularly with respect to cooperation and pro-social behavior. David is a leading scholar in this field, especially on the resurgence of the concept 'multi-level selection'. How can an evolutionary idea, first thought of by Darwin and subsequently ignored until recently, shed light on human's inherent balance between competition and cooperation? And how might our improved knowledge of where we come from inform our behaviors and collective governance in the decades ahead? Lees meer
About David Sloan Wilson:
David Sloan Wilson is one of the foremost evolutionary thinkers and gifted communicators about evolution to the general public. He is SUNY Distinguished Professor of Biology and Anthropology Emeritus at Binghamton University and President of the nonprofit organization ProSocial World, whose mission is "To consciously evolve a world that works for all". His most recent books are This View of Life: Completing the Darwinian Revolution, Prosocial: Using Evolutionary Science to Build Productive, Equitable, and Collaborative Groups (with Paul Atkins and Steven C. Hayes), and his first novel, Atlas Hugged: The Autobiography of John Galt III.
For Show Notes and More visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/56-david-sloan-wilson
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The Mordor Economy | Frankly #23
27 januari 2023 · 13 min
Description Lees meer
This week, Nate walks through the path we are currently on en route to the Great Simplification - a path towards a "Mordor Economy". Based on data from colleagues Art Berman and Carey King, Nate untangles the complex relationship between biology, GDP, and net energy. How is an economic metabolism based on a need for growth creating a pathway for increasing amounts of energy to be directed to the energy sector itself? Why hasn't the rapid growth of renewables satiated our energy appetite? How is the use of credit masking the full energetic-cost of energy? Can we proactively take the necessary steps to reset the balance between energy efficiency and energy consumption to pass through Mordor unscathed and arrive at the Great Simplification?
To Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/HoYg9M8brF4
For Show Notes and More: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/frankly-original/23-mordor-economy
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Erica Thompson: "Models, The Hawkmoth Effect, and the Future"
25 januari 2023 · 1 uur 13 min
On this episode, Dr. Erica Thompson joins Nate to unpack her recent book Escape From Model Land. Erica explores the pitfalls of conventional science models and the opportunities by which models can augment our imagination and collective understanding. What is a model, and how do our worldviews shape the way they're made - and conversely, how do they shape our worldviews? How can we rethink and bring creativity into something as scientific as modeling to create maps of the future that are both more accurate and - most importantly - more helpful to planning responses? Lees meer
About Eric Thompson:
Dr Erica Thompson is a Senior Policy Fellow at the LSE Data Science Institute, where she works on a broad programme of theoretical and practical research about mathematical models, their use, interpretation and social context. She recently authored Escape From Model Land (Basic Books, 2022) which explores the opportunities and challenges of augmenting our imagination about the future with mathematical tools.
For Show Notes and More visit https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/55-erica-thompson
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Arthur Berman: "Peak Oil - The Hedonic Adjustment"
18 januari 2023 · 1 uur 10 min
On this episode, petroleum geologist Arthur Berman returns to unpack the development and drawbacks of 'peak oil'. Art explains how our institutions have redefined what is considered oil, which has created an illusion of constantly growing oil production. The reality is that - circa 2023 - fully 40% of what is called oil is comprised of things that are 'not oil'. What does this imply for global peak oil? Is peak oil, an observation which has been around for decades and repeatedly proven 'wrong', even relevant today? Is a specific 'peak' date even helpful or should we be focusing on the logical implications of a declining primary resource for global economies? And then, what should we do Lees meer
About Art Berman:
Arthur E. Berman is a petroleum geologist with 36 years of oil and gas industry experience. He is an expert on U.S. shale plays and is currently consulting for several E&P companies and capital groups in the energy sector.
For Show Notes and More visit https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/54-arthur-berman
To watch this video episode on Youtube → https://youtu.be/CDBJdQnjE2o
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William E. Rees: "The Fundamental Issue - Overshoot"
11 januari 2023 · 1 uur 59 min
On this episode, Nate is joined by systems ecologist William E. Rees. Professor Rees outlines why most of the challenges facing humanity and the biosphere have a common origin - ecological overshoot. Bill also unpacks "the ecological footprint" - a concept that he co-created, that measures the actual resources used by a given population. Bill also describes his experience as a leading thinker in public policy and planning based on ecological conditions for sustainable socioeconomic development, and the challenges he's faced working in a system which (so far) rejects such premises. Is it possible for a different way of measuring the system to set different goals of what it means to be successful as a society? Lees meer
About Bill Rees:
William Rees is a population ecologist, ecological economist, Professor Emeritus and former Director of the University of British Columbia's School of Community and Regional Planning in Vancouver, Canada. He researches the implications of global ecological trends for the longevity of civilization, with special foci on urban (un)sustainability and cultural/cognitive barriers to rational public policy. Prof Rees is best known as the originator and co-developer with Dr Mathis Wackernagel of 'ecological footprint analysis' (EFA), a quantitative tool that estimates human demands on ecosystems and the extent to which humanity is in 'ecological overshoot.' Dr Rees is a founding member and former President of the Canadian Society for Ecological Economics; a founding Director of the OneEarth Living Initiative; a Fellow of the Post-Carbon Institute and an Associate Fellow of the Great Transition Initiative.
For Show Notes and More visit https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/53-william-rees
To watch this video episode on Youtube → https://youtu.be/LQTuDttP2Yg
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The Simple Story of Civilization with Tom Murphy | Frankly #22
6 januari 2023 · 30 min
This week, Nate invites colleague Tom Murphy, professor of physics at the University of California, San Diego and writer of 'Do the Math', to unpack his recent essay The Simple Story of Civilization. Tom condenses the vast timescale of human life on Earth to an average human lifespan to give us a sense of the anomalous period we're living through. What is civilization and how quickly did it come about? Can technology redirect civilization from its current perilous course? Is optimism näive or is it necessary in order to make the hard decisions within us? A 30 minute overview with Nate and Professor Tom Murphy. Lees meer
For Show Notes and More: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/frankly-original/22-the-simple-story-of-civilization
To Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6yFrh1X6DI
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Giorgos Kallis: "Cultural Surplus and 'Dépense'"
4 januari 2023 · 1 uur 24 min
On this episode, Nate is joined by ecological economist and degrowth scholar Giorgos Kallis. He and Nate discuss the science and philosophy behind the degrowth movement and some of the challenges behind implementing such an enormous task. As a system precariously based on growth becomes more unstable, it is important to turn to those who specialize in 'out-of-the-box' thinking. This doesn't necessarily mean we, as a society, are going to advocate or plan for degrowth - but postgrowth societies are on the horizon, and in many places are already here. Perhaps, the larger purpose of degrowth scholarship (and conversations like these) is to act as Overton Windows - to help people imagine and actualize behaviors and networks that will help us adjust in a post-growth world. Lees meer
About Giorgos Kallis:
Giorgos Kallis is an ecological economist and political ecologist working on environmental justice and limits to growth. He has a Bachelor's degree in chemistry and a Masters in environmental engineering from Imperial College, a PhD in environmental policy from the University of the Aegean, and a second Masters in economics from the Barcelona Graduate School of Economics. He has been an ICREA professor since 2010. Before coming to Barcelona, Giorgos was a Marie Curie International Fellow at the Energy and Resources group at the University of California-Berkeley. He has also written numerous books, including his latest, Limits: Why Malthus was Wrong and Why Environmentalists Should Care.
For Show Notes and More visit https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/52-giorgos-kallis
To watch this video episode on Youtube → https://youtu.be/4VlVqw_BKdU
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Reflections, Predictions, and Interventions | Frankly #21
29 december 2022 · 16 min
As The Great Simplification podcast celebrates its first anniversary, Nate reflects on an incredibly busy year and what he learned from the wide array of guests over 51 podcasts and 21 Franklys. Nate looks ahead into 2023 and the challenges we face geo-politically, socially, technically, and behaviorally. Join Nate as he shares insights, personal intentions and kicks off year two of The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens. Lees meer
To Watch on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-6LTeqOHyg
For Episodes, Show Notes and More go to https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/frankly-original/21-reflections-predictions-intentions
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DJ White: "Ocean Effectivism" | The Great Simplification #51
28 december 2022 · 1 uur 58 min
Show Summary: Lees meer
On this episode, Nate is joined by Eco-interventionist and long time friend DJ White. DJ is not necessarily a household name, but has been instrumental in successful environmental interventions - primarily for the oceans - for the last four decades. The list of his behind-the-scenes accomplishments is long, but today he joins Nate to describe how to be effective in change-making and outline ways that current activist efforts could be improved. He also shares his own profound experiences with some of Earth's most intelligent creatures and how these cetacean friends shaped his life's work.
About DJ White:
DJ White is a co-founder of Greenpeace International and founder of EarthTrust. He has played a leading role in protecting dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and countless other marine animals, including being the driving force behind the transition to more dolphin-friendly tuna, stopping widespread use of ocean drift nets in the 1980s, successfully stopping a national dolphin drive kill, and breaking the deadlock in capping the Kuwait oil fires.
To Listen on Youtube
For Show Notes and Links to Learn more
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Daniel Schmachtenberger: "Bend Not Break Part 5: Criteria and Categories for Response" | The Great Simplification #50
19 december 2022 · 2 uur 21 min
Show Summary: Lees meer
On this 5th and final installment of the Bend Not Break series with Daniel Schmachtenberger, we unpack the framework and mindset needed to begin thinking about responses. This conversation touches on what it means to work on personal development in the light of a polycrisis, and how it is truly a never ending but necessary challenge. Finally, Daniel and Nate break down a 3x3 grid on time frame and category of responses.
Whilst this is the end of this series, there is, of course, much left to be unpacked. If there are any specific topics you want covered in a follow up Daniel/Nate conversation, we encourage you to leave your questions in the comments of the Youtube video, which can be found here -> https://youtu.be/Kep8Fi_rUUI
About Daniel Schmachtenberger:
Daniel Schmachtenberger is a founding member of The Consilience Project, aimed at improving public sensemaking and dialogue.
The throughline of his interests has to do with ways of improving the health and development of individuals and society, with a virtuous relationship between the two as a goal.
Towards these ends, he's had particular interest in the topics of catastrophic and existential risk, civilization and institutional decay and collapse as well as progress, collective action problems, social organization theories, and the relevant domains in philosophy and science.
For Show Notes and More visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/50-daniel-schmachtenberger
To watch this video episode on Youtube → https://youtu.be/Kep8Fi_rUUI
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Staying Warm Data with Nora Bateson | Frankly #20
16 december 2022 · 29 min
Winter has come - and for some people it's colder and more expensive than the recent past. This week Nate reconnects with Nora Bateson to discuss how she and others living in Sweden are responding to the phenomenal spike in their electricity costs, which are currently 35-40x higher than this time last year. What steps are people taking in their own homes to stay warm and reduce energy use, and what tools and support is the government providing its citizens? Is there any single event or person to blame for the drastic increase in energy costs or is the root cause broad and deep within the systems we have created? What can we learn from this dress rehearsal as we anticipate and prepare for The Great Simplification? Lees meer
For Show Notes and More visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/frankly-original/20-keeping-warm-data
To Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WK-WYZ9bOg
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Simon Michaux: "The Arcadians"
14 december 2022 · 1 uur 24 min
On this episode, mining and geology expert Simon Michaux returns to give a preliminary framework for responses to the coming energy and material constraints described in the previous episode. This includes both practical thoughts for how to organize communities around resources and also a shift in mindset from short term to long-term and from competition to cooperation. How do we simultaneously lay out all of the biophysical constraints on the table so that we can begin preparing for and adapting to a changing future? Lees meer
About Simon Michaux
Dr. Simon Michaux is an Associate Professor of Geometallurgy at the Geological Survey of Finland. He has a PhD in mining engineering. Dr. Michaux's long-term work is on societal transformation toward a circular economy.
Show Notes & Links to Learn More
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Tomas Björkman: "The Great Transformation - Metamodernism and The Future"
7 december 2022 · 1 uur 33 min
On this episode, author and social entrepreneur Tomas Björkman joins Nate to discuss his recent projects promoting inner development based on his books The Nordic Secret and The World We Create. Tomas unpacks the philosophical framework of 'metamodernism' and ultimately why having more mindful, engaged, global citizens is so critical to our coming challenges. How can we as individuals contribute to a more positive transition by becoming more thoughtful and resilient? Lees meer
About Tomas Björkman:
After many years in business as an entrepreneur and investment banker, Tomas Björkman is now a social entrepreneur and the founder of Ekskäret Foundation in Stockholm. He is also the co-founder of the research institute Perspectiva in London, the Co-creation Loft, the media platform Emerge in Berlin, the 29k.org personal development platform, and the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) framework. He is a member of the Club of Rome and a fellow of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Science. He is the author of three books: The Market Myth (2016), The Nordic Secret (together with Lene Rachel Andersen, 2017) and The World We Create (2019). He divides his time between London, Stockholm and Berlin.
For Show Notes and More visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/48-tomas-bjorkman
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"Islands" | Frankly #19
2 december 2022 · 11 min
There are some pretty amazing things that can be tracked via analytics on Youtube and other podcast servers - including from where the people tuning into a podcast are watching. For whatever reason, there is a large number of people listening to The Great Simplification from the island countries of Australia and New Zealand - much larger than the population alone would predict. In this Frankly, Nate reflects on why this might be, and what it means to be on an island (geographic or other) during a massive cultural transition. Lees meer
For Show Notes and More visit:https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/frankly-original/19-islands
Video version can be found here: https://youtu.be/oDjxnmZVcNM
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Patrick Ophuls: "Energy, Politics, and The Future"
30 november 2022 · 1 uur 10 min
Today, ecologist, political scientist, and author Patrick Ophuls joins Nate to discuss his new book, The Tragedy of Industrial Civilization and The Future of Politics. As he's been doing for his lifetime of scholarship, Patrick unpacks how energy, ecology and our political arrangements leave us in a predicament with no simple solutions. Before we can even begin to plan for the future, we need to understand the enormity of the biophysical challenges we will have to face - Patrick Ophuls helps us do just that. Lees meer
About Patrick Ophuls:
Dr. Patrick Ophuls (who writes under the pen name William Ophuls) is an American political scientist, ecologist, independent scholar, and author. Patrick has a PhD in political science from Yale University and has been a prominent voice in the environmental movement since the 1970s. His award winning book in 1977 is on the bookshelves of most people I know. He has written 10 books including 'Ecology and the Politics of Scarcity', 'Plato's Revenge', 'Politics in the Age of Ecology', and 'Immoderate Greatness: Why Civilizations Fail'.
For Show Notes and More visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/47-patrick-ophuls
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Energy Gratitude | Frankly #18
24 november 2022 · 6 min
This week, most of the United States celebrates Thanksgiving. As we think about the things we are grateful for - family, food, football, dogs etc. - we don't often remember to recognize energy's role in enabling all this. . In this brief video, Nate reflects on all the things which abundant and cheap energy provide for us, especially in the United States, that we often take for granted. The opposite of energy blindness might be 'energy gratitude', so being more aware of all the magic we are surrounded by everyday is perhaps a first step in conserving it and planning for a less energy intensive future. Lees meer
For Show Notes and more visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/frankly-original/18-energy-gratitude
To Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rUEU-0YlPk
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Vandana Shiva: "Agroecology and The Great Simplification"
23 november 2022 · 1 uur 11 min
Today, ecology activist and regenerative agriculture advocate Vandana Shiva joins me to discuss how her lifetime of work has shaped the way she sees the world. From chaining herself to trees to winning against powerful agriculture giants like Monsanto, Vandana shares the many lessons she's learned in fighting for food systems that are better for the Earth and better for humans. Can we shift away from fossil input intensive agriculture that produces commodities lacking in full nutrients towards one with more labor, more community and more nutritious food? Lees meer
About Vandana Shiva:
Vandana Shiva is a well known activist, author of many books, and is a global champion on regenerative local agriculture, biodiversity and nutritious food. She has a PhD in physics and 40 years ago founded the Research Foundation for Science, Technology and Ecology, an independent research institute that works on the most significant ecological problems of our times.
For Show Notes and More visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/46-vandana-shiva
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Russia - Be Careful What We Wish For | Frankly #17
18 november 2022 · 11 min
We were reminded this week of how precarious and dangerous the ongoing NATO/Russia situation is. An errant missile in Poland on Tuesday nearly started World War III (thankfully - cooler heads prevailed). The situation in Ukraine is horribly complex - but are people in the USA even paying attention? Many naively believe getting rid of Putin or 'winning' militarily vs Russia are valid and reasonable goals. But from a systems vantage there is more going on here than the mainstream narrative - we are in the liminal space between a unipolar and multipolar world order - a time fraught with various risks. Our collective understanding/response is vital to livable futures. Lees meer
For Show Notes and More visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/frankly-original/17-russia-be-careful-what-we-wish-for
To Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jY3QpjxiPk
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Jon Erickson: "Illusions, Power and the Political Economy"
16 november 2022 · 1 uur 22 min
On this episode, Nate is joined by Sustainability Science and Policy Professor Jon Erickson. He and Nate dive into Jon's new book The Progress Illusion: Reclaiming our Future from the Fairytale of Economics, which covers the economic myths that have shaped our modern reality. How can we reshape the narrative and shift the paradigm towards different economic systems that promote human and ecological well-being over material consumption? Lees meer
About Jon Erickson:
Jon Erickson is the David Blittersdorf Professor of Sustainability Science & Policy at the University of Vermont. He has published widely on energy and climate change policy, land conservation, watershed planning, environmental public health, and the theory and practice of ecological economics. He advised presidential candidate Bernie Sanders on economics and energy issues.
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7 Boundaries of Climate Concern | Frankly #16
11 november 2022 · 13 min
In the midst of the COP27 in Egypt and one of the warmest Wisconsin Novembers on record, this week's Frankly is a reflection on the boundaries with which humans use to think about the threat of climate change. The past 26 Climate Conferences have attempted to use the same framing to solve an issue that is both systemic in nature and larger than any one nation or economy. How can we begin to solve such an existential challenge without understanding the scope of the problem and who it will affect most? How do YOU think about climate and the future? Lees meer
For Show Notes visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/frankly-original/16-7-boundaries-of-climate-concern
To Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwwKV3Izm5A
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Arthur Berman: "The Devil is in the Diesel"
9 november 2022 · 1 uur 16 min
On this episode, petroleum geologist Arthur Berman returns to discuss recent diesel shortages and go into depth on the importance of diesel and the complexity of getting it and other products from a barrel of crude oil. He and Nate also talk about the nuances of the global oil market as it shifts from the effects of the Russian/Ukraine war. Is the USA really a net exporter of petroleum and energy independent? And would making every car and truck on the road electric powered free us from needing crude oil? Lees meer
About Arthur Berman:
Arthur E. Berman is a petroleum geologist with 36 years of oil and gas industry experience. He is an expert on U.S. shale plays and is currently consulting for several E&P companies and capital groups in the energy sector.
For Show Notes and Transcript visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/44-art-berman
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7 Realities - No Matter Who Wins
4 november 2022 · 10 min
With the upcoming election, citizens of the USA once again align our beliefs and dreams with our 'favored'' political party, while often showing disdain and ridicule for the opposition. There is an unspoken hope that if all 3 branches of government are unified (with the right flavor!), the issues that we care about will finally be addressed. In this segment of Frankly, Nate reflects on the growing systemic realities that we'll have to face in the coming decade regardless of who wins this November. These realities can only be solved/responded to with a functioning system of governance. How will we work together as a society to overcome these challenges, rather than pitting ourselves against each other and shouting blame? Lees meer
For Show Notes and Transcript visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/frankly-original/15-7-realities-no-matter-who-wins
To Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spnxD4P1gRA
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Betsy Taylor: "Finding Hope in Nature-Based Solutions"
2 november 2022 · 1 uur 22 min
In this episode, Nate is joined by environmental and social activist Betsy Taylor. She and Nate have a wide ranging conversation about climate, consumption, culture, nuclear war, agriculture and the future. How has the environmental movement evolved over the past couple decades and how has it interacted with other social change movements? Why is reconstructing our food system more important now than ever? Lees meer
About Betsy Taylor:
Betsy Taylor has long been an icon in the environmental and culture change fields. She founded the climate network 1Sky, which established the domestic base and ultimately merged with 350.org. She ran the Center for a New American Dream and more recently Breakthrough Strategies and Solutions. Recently, Betsy has moved to supporting the field of regenerative agriculture, promoting the potential of our lands to sequester carbon pollution while boosting food security and habitat protection.
For Episode Show Notes and Transcript: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/43-betsy-taylor
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7 Shades of Jekyll and Hyde | Frankly #14
30 oktober 2022 · 15 min
Its nigh Halloween. Monsters (in costume) and revelry. As humans - we each possess a rational, caring 'Dr. Jekyll' and an atavistic, emotional, reactive 'Mr. Hyde'. This brief (15 minute) reflection shows 7 areas of our life where Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde interact and suggests ways for a stable (and more sustainable) integration might occur. Lees meer
For Show Notes, Transcript, and more visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/frankly-original/14-7-shades-of-jekyll-and-hyde
To Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qU8-SOzUcOs
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Daniel Schmachtenberger: "Bend not Break #4: Modeling the Drivers of the Metacrisis"
26 oktober 2022 · 2 uur 6 min
In this fourth installment of conversations with Daniel Schmachtenberger, we dive deeper into the nuances of humans using energy, materials and technology. Human's ability to develop and use tools is one of our greatest strengths - yet has also led to increasing destruction of the natural world. How does technology intensify the binding effects of a world order based on growth? Is there any way out - or could global solutions just make the problem worse? Lees meer
About Daniel Schmachtenberger:
Daniel Schmachtenberger is a founding member of The Consilience Project, aimed at improving public sensemaking and dialogue.
The throughline of his interests has to do with ways of improving the health and development of individuals and society, with a virtuous relationship between the two as a goal.
Towards these ends, he's had particular interest in the topics of catastrophic and existential risk, civilization and institutional decay and collapse as well as progress, collective action problems, social organization theories, and the relevant domains in philosophy and science.
For Show Notes and Transcript visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/42-daniel-schmachtenberger
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The Quiet Part Out Loud | Frankly #13
21 oktober 2022 · 12 min
Of all the challenges facing our culture, the fact that humans use social sorting mechanisms to solve physical world problems looms as perhaps the greatest. This Frankly is a reflection on the possibility of sharing a socially unpalatable message to a large percentage of citizens and leaders. Our vertical and horizontal social infrastructure isn't built to process, share and address challenges of this magnitude - but instead to ignore, water down, and mitigate. Will the quiet part be spread out loud to large amounts of humans as The Great Simplification becomes more obvious? Or will the quiet part be socially squashed a la George Orwell? Of course I have particular interest in this question, and its resolution. Time is moving very fast… Lees meer
For Show Notes and Transcript visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/frankly-original/13-the-quiet-part-out-loud
To Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wK02HnurhM8
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Marty Kearns: "Building Networks in Uncertain Times"
19 oktober 2022 · 1 uur 18 min
On this episode, Nate is joined by Marty Kearns, a civic organizer and networking specialist. He and Marty discuss why both networks and communities will be critical to the coming challenges we face. How will the social ties we form now influence the outcome of power, peace and new social organization? How can we organize ourselves in order to best meet the future that is coming? Lees meer
About Marty Kearns:
Marty Kearns is the Executive Director of Netcentric Campaigns, leading product design, project oversight, evaluation, development of advocacy network theory and strategic business planning. Prior to that Marty developed communication tools with Green Media Toolshed to help environmental activists. He has also created and organized numerous mass volunteer projects from data collection to wildlife preservation.For Show Notes and Transcript visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/41-marty-kearns
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The Speed Bump | Frankly #12
14 oktober 2022 · 22 min
Despite the improved standard of living that modern finance has enabled, it has also created an unsustainable economic system rife with systemic risk. Recent trends in debt, monetary inflation, interest rates and U.S. dollar hegemony are accelerating us toward a point of biophysical reckoning when the system can no longer function as intended, and nearly everyone's financial comfort level will suffer in the ensuing recalibration back to reality. This week's Frankly is a reflection on the financial industry's history of accelerating through crisis after crisis, each time sowing the seeds of the next, bigger crisis. Is the mother of all speed bumps just ahead? Lees meer
For Show Notes and Transcript visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/frankly-original/12-the-speed-bump
To Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYQDEa99pYU
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Mary Evelyn Tucker: "Religion, Ecology, and the Future"
12 oktober 2022 · 1 uur 3 min
This week, religious scholar Mary Evelyn Tucker unpacks the entanglement of religion and ecology from an academic perspective. She and Nate discuss what the roots of environmental ethics in religions all over the world look like and how they've been evolving in the face of a climate and biodiversity crisis. Could we learn and leverage the uniting power of religion to help us organize and mobilize against impending global crises? Lees meer
About Mary Evelyn Tucker:
Mary Evelyn is a Senior Lecturer and Research Scholar at Yale University where she has appointments in the School of Forestry and the Environment as well as the Divinity School and the Department of Religious Studies, with a specialty in Asian religions. She teaches in the joint MA program in Religion and Ecology and directs the Forum on Religion and Ecology at Yale University. Her concern for the growing environmental crisis, especially in Asia, led her to co-organize a series of ten conferences on World Religions and Ecology at the Center for the Study of World Religions at Harvard, which were highly successful.
For Show Notes and Transcript visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/40-mary-evelyn-tucker
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In Spite Of... | Frankly #11
7 oktober 2022 · 12 min
We are a product of evolutionary processes - certain categories of behaviors made our ancestors more 'fit' depending on the environmental/social circumstances in the past. One of these behaviors - 'spite' - is when an animal (or human) actively does something against their self-interest as long as it hurts their competitor more. In a post growth world I expect - and fear - that this dynamic will become more prevalent at micro scales in our daily lives but also - and of more immediate concern - at the macro scale of nation states. I thought it worth a short video to explain spite, to understand it, as a small thread of awareness in hopes of avoiding it. We are going to need as much pro-social (as opposed to anti-social) behavior in coming decades as possible. A short reflection, on the concept of 'spite'. Lees meer
For Show Notes and Transcript visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/frankly-original/frankly-11-in-spite-of
To Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocoFGelQ3vE
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Ayan Mahamoud: "East Africa and the Poly-Crisis"
5 oktober 2022 · 1 uur 13 min
On this episode, Nate talks with Ayan Mahamoud, a climate and resilience planner from Djibouti. They discuss the growing challenge the poly-crisis poses for the Global South and how climate change is already creating challenges for people (and animals) in East Africa.In many ways, the discussions in our world are not only energy blind but also blind to accelerating threats to nations outside our own. What does managing and coordinating responses look like? What can we learn from communities already dealing with increasing poverty and climate impacts? Lees meer
About Ayan Mahamoud:
Ayan Mahamoud (PhD) is the Head of the Socioeconomic, Policy, Research and Marketing Department of ICPALD. She is an expert in Regional and Transboundary Polycrisis, Climate Security and Climate Fragility and their policy dimensions for sustained coordinated action. She contributes to the IGAD Climate Security Agenda and collaborates with institutions across the IGAD Member States, Divisions, Specialised Institutions, the UN Office of the Special Envoy, UNDP, CGIAR and various independent think tanks such as Adelphi, the Clingendael Institute. She also manages the USAID Programme Portfolio at IGAD and deals with issues related to Resilience/Climate Fragility Risks/Climate Adaptation/Dryland Development, Cross-Border Health, Countering Violent Extremism, and Conflict Prevention/Early Warning.For Show Notes and Transcript visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/39-ayan-mahamoud
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The 7 Stages of Climate Awareness | Frankly #10
30 september 2022 · 14 min
Climate change is often described as one of the single most important and existential issues of our time - that there is no greater threat to humanity. While the effects of climate on our ecosystems and wildlife is one of my greatest concerns, it does not tell the whole story. Lees meer
On this weeks Frankly, I highlight (what was in my case) Seven Stages of Climate Awareness – from recognizing 'there is an environment' to understanding that the systems dynamics of the human economy implies a much different choreography of societal response than is currently being advertised and pursued. Global warming is becoming more obvious to more people, but the interventions look quite different at Stage 7 than Stage 4. It is unlikely we'll find 'solutions' without first understanding the dynamics at its core.
For Show Notes and Transcript visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/frankly-original/frankly-10-the-7-stages-of-climate
To Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDi82plBOh4
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Sebastian Heitmann: "Gigacorns"
28 september 2022 · 1 uur 35 min
On this episode, venture capitalist and entrepreneur Sebastian Heitmann discusses his work in tech innovation towards more sustainable futures. Technology will inherently be a part of any human future - the question is what will this technology be? Sebastian's work focuses on finding what is termed 'Gigacorns' - scalable inventions for low(er) carbon futures. If successful, this could result in large scale reductions in the CO2 emissions for global society. Lees meer
About Sebastian Heitmann
Sebastian Heitmann is a partner at Extantia Capital, a platform to invest in breakthrough technology solutions that address climate crisis mitigation and adaptation. The €300M platform includes Extantia Flagship, backing scalable deep decarbonisation companies, Extantia Allstars, partnering with mission-aligned climate tech venture capital fund managers, and Extantia Ignite, a sustainability hub advancing knowledge and competence in climate innovation and ESG practices. Sebastian is an entrepreneur and has worked in a range of different industries, from sports to community building to software. He received his education from the Harvard Business School and now lives in Berlin, Germany.
For Show Notes and Transcript visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/38-sebastian-Heitmann
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Creatures United | Frankly #9
24 september 2022 · 14 min
This week's Frankly is a reflection in response to (and support of) Gerardo Ceballos' new project Creatures United, launching this week at Stanford University.. Lees meer
The Earth is in the middle of a massive biodiversity and population loss - on the verge of a 6th Mass Extinction. Though most conversations and actions will revolve around the economy, poverty, finance, and geopolitics, the other creatures we share the planet with do not have a voice.
This short video reflection is a reminder that the natural world is a passenger on the human roller coaster ride. It is my hope that (some, many?) humans can unite on behalf of our fellow creatures to preserve and support the amazing variety of life inhabiting the planet. From the great Blue Whale to the humble bumble bee, each animal is a part of our family - and what makes this planet home.
For Show Notes and Transcript visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/frankly-original/frankly-09-creatures-united
To Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgoD9q3A5RU
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Martin Sheringer: "The Growing Threat from Chemical Pollution"
21 september 2022 · 1 uur 17 min
On this episode, Professor of environmental chemistry Martin Sheringer joins Nate. Together, they discuss Sheringer's most recent paper on PFAS - the 'forever chemicals, their ubiquity in waterways all over the globe, and their numerous critical health effects. Lees meer
More broadly, they outline the risks and scenarios of plastic pollution to planetary futures - and what we might do about it. Is it possible to live in a (mostly) plastic free world, and do we really have any other option?
About Martin Sheringer
Martin Scheringer is a professor of environmental chemistry at Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic, and works in the research program on Environmental Chemistry and Modeling at RECETOX. He holds a diploma in chemistry from the Johannes-Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany, and a doctoral degree and a habilitation from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zürich, Switzerland.
For Show Notes and Transcript visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/37-martin-scheringer
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The 6th Pool..? | Frankly #8
17 september 2022 · 13 min
On this segment of Frankly, Nate responds to the predicament of increased use of forests, especially in Europe, for heating fuel in the face of declining availability of Natural Gas and other fossil fuels. Will this be a 'Terminal Deforestation Event'? What does this mean for the future of climate and accuracy of models? The importance of trees cannot be underestimated as we approach the end of cheap energy. Lees meer
Recorded September 14, 2022
For Show Notes and Transcript visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/frankly-original/frankly-08-the-6th-pool
To Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3N-BbsXpyTM
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Douglas Rushkoff: "The Ultimate Exit Strategy"
14 september 2022 · 1 uur 23 min
On this episode, Author and Professor Douglas Rushkoff joins Nate to discuss how human behavior interacts with technology and how we have arrived at a place with enormous wealth and income inequality just as society is rapidly approaching biophysical limits. Lees meer
Rushkoff unpacks parts of his new book, Survival of the Richest: Escape Fantasies of the Tech Billionaires, on the need to collectively break away from a top-down mindset to embrace circularity and resiliency.
About Douglas Rushkoff:
Named one of the "world's ten most influential intellectuals" by MIT, Douglas Rushkoff is an author and documentarian who studies human autonomy in a digital age. His twenty books include the upcoming Survival of the Richest: Escape Fantasies of the Tech Billionaires, as well as the recent Team Human, based on his podcast, and the bestsellers Present Shock, Throwing Rocks at the Google Bus, Program or Be Programmed, Life Inc, and Media Virus. He also made the PBS Frontline documentaries Generation Like, The Persuaders, and Merchants of Cool. His book Coercion won the Marshall McLuhan Award, and the Media Ecology Association honored him with the first Neil Postman Award for Career Achievement in Public Intellectual Activity.
For Show Notes and Transcript visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/36-douglas-rushkoff
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Growth Until Not | Frankly #7
9 september 2022 · 23 min
Earlier this week there was a livestream debate highlighting the key points of the Green Growth and DeGrowth perspectives - this week's Frankly adds a 3rd 'growth critical' perspective - that modern society has a metabolism and momentum and will grow - in non-green ways - until we can't. This is a critical third category that should be included in these discussions, despite its 'tougher sell'. Lees meer
For Show Notes and Transcript visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/frankly-original/frankly-07-growth-until-not
To Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vuCJkI8B2M
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Steve Vavrus: "Arctic Fever? Taking the Arctic's Temperature"
7 september 2022 · 1 uur
On this episode, Climate Scientist Steve Vavrus joins Nate to discuss the Arctic and its critical impact on climate science. Why are the effects of warming so extreme in the Arctic, and what are the implications for weather events and average temperatures on the rest of the planet? Do runaway arctic feedback loops mean disaster 'Blue Ocean' scenarios? Lees meer
Steve explains why the answers to these questions aren't as simple as they may seem and talks about the challenges and hopes he sees for the future of humans and global climate.
About Steve Vavrus:
Steve Vavrus is a Senior Scientist in the Nelson Institute Center for Climatic Research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He uses computer climate models and observational data to understand how our climate is changing across the world, including in Wisconsin. Extreme weather events are an important theme of his research, particularly how they might be affected by climate change. Steve is co-director of the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts (WICCI) and has been a long-time member of its Climate Working Group. Steve received Ph.D. and Master's degrees in meteorology at the University of Wisconsin and a Bachelor's degree in meteorology at Purdue University.
For Show Notes and Transcript visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/35-steve-vavrus
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Kiril Sokoloff: "What's the Most Important Question in Today's World?"
31 augustus 2022 · 1 uur 19 min
On this episode, we meet with legendary financial icon Kiril Sokoloff to take a bird's eye view of the global energy/financial situation. Lees meer
Why is the financial community so complacent about peak oil and the relationship between increasing energy scale and growth? Can we make predictions about the future by looking back at history?
Kiril shares his professional experiences with scenario planning, disruption, and investing as well as his passion for history and the practice of Buddhism to influence and inform decision making and life.
About Kiril Sokoloff:
Kiril is an investor, a researcher, and long-time editor of the highly respected weekly publication "13D – What I Learned this Week". For 50 years he has predicted major inflection points in energy and commodity prices correctly including 1980, 2002, and 2008 and recently stated sanctions on Russia will result in economic suicide for Europe.
Kiril is active in philanthropy in areas of healthcare, education, and the scaling of human consciousness.
For Show Notes and Transcript visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/34-kiril-sokoloff
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The End Of Abundance | Frankly #6
30 augustus 2022 · 9 min
On this segment of Frankly, Nate opines on the significance of French President Macron's statement we are nearing the "end of an era of abundance'. Lees meer
Nate shares what this watershed moment in the global political narrative means for Europe, the U.S. and the world - as we rapidly become less "energy-blind".
For Show Notes and Transcript visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/frankly-original/frankly-06-the-end-of-abundance
To Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5NuN0rqV6s
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Kris De Decker: "Low Tech: What, Why and How"
24 augustus 2022 · 1 uur 8 min
On this episode, we meet with inventor, researcher and author Kris De Decker to understand the concept of "low tech" and its relevance in a high tech society and growth-driven economy. Lees meer
How does low tech differ from high tech and what does it feel like to live a low tech lifestyle? Why do we assume high tech will always be the solution, and could low tech be a feasible path for a sustainable and fulfilling future?
De Decker shares his personal experiences as a low tech advocate and researcher in a high tech urban environment and how freedom from technology provides both challenges and unexpected benefits.
About Kris De Decker:
Kris De Decker shifted from a journalism career covering high tech to exploring low tech through formal and personal research and projects, including the Human Power Plant and the Solar Powered Website.
De Decker is creator and author of Low Tech Magazine and No Tech Magazine, publications which explore low tech solutions to questions society assumes must be solved through high tech.
De Decker has contributed articles about science, technology, energy and the environment to Mother Earth News, Techniques et Culture, Design Magazine, The Oil Drum, Resilience, EOS, Molenecho's, "Knack", "De Tijd" and "De Standaard". De Decker's books "Energie in 2030" advised the Dutch government on challenges related to science and technology and his book "Stralingswarmte: gezonde warmte met minder energie" provided a guide for how heat works.
De Decker was born in Antwerp, Belgium and lives in Barcelona, Spain. De Decker describes himself as "rather inactive" on Twitter and LinkedIn.
For Show Notes and Transcript visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episodes
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Timothée Parrique: "Degrowth: Slow is the New Cool"
17 augustus 2022 · 1 uur 19 min
On this episode, we meet with social scientist and researcher at the School of Economics and Management of Lund University, Timothée Parrique. Lees meer
What is degrowth, and how will it help define our future?
Parrique explains how the path to societal degrowth might unfold and the social and physical obstacles we may encounter on our way there.
About Timothée Parrique:
Timothée Parrique is a social scientist, originally from Versailles, France. He is currently a researcher at the School of Economics and Management of Lund University (Sweden).
He holds a PhD in economics from the Centre d'Études et de Recherches sur le Développement (University of Clermont Auvergne, France) and the Stockholm Resilience Centre (Stockholm University, Sweden). Titled "The political economy of degrowth" (2019), his dissertation explores the economic implications of degrowth.
Tim is the author of Ralentir ou périr. L'économie de la décroissance (September 2022, Seuil), a book adaptation in French of his PhD dissertation.
For Show Notes and Transcript visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/32-timothee-parrique
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Daniel Schmachtenberger: "Bend not Break #3: Sensemaking, Uncertainty, and Purpose"
10 augustus 2022 · 1 uur 18 min
On this episode we meet with founding member of The Consilience Project, Daniel Schmachtenberger. Lees meer
In Part 3 of their series, Schmachtenberger and Hagens explore metanarratives. Why are they threatening to various sections of society?
Further, Schmachtenberger helps us understand how we can take in the systemic metacrisis facing humanity in ways that grant us agency, rather than despair.
About Daniel Schmachtenberger:
Daniel Schmachtenberger is a founding member of The Consilience Project, aimed at improving public sensemaking and dialogue.
The throughline of his interests has to do with ways of improving the health and development of individuals and society, with a virtuous relationship between the two as a goal.
Towards these ends, he's had particular interest in the topics of catastrophic and existential risk, civilization and institutional decay and collapse as well as progress, collective action problems, social organization theories, and the relevant domains in philosophy and science.
For Show Notes and Transcript visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/31-daniel-schmachtenberger
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Steve Keen: "Mythonomics"
3 augustus 2022 · 1 uur 24 min
On this episode, we meet with Economist, Author, and Research Fellow at the Institute for Strategy, Resilience, and Security at University College in London, Steve Keen. Lees meer
Keen discusses how mainstream economics misses the centrality of energy to our economy and to our futures, the naive treatment to the risks of money and debt creation, and the disconnect economic theory has to climate change risks.
About Steve Keen:
Steve Keen is an economist, author of Debunking Economics and The New Economics: A Manifesto, a Research Fellow at the Institute for Strategy, Resilience, and Security at University College in London.
For Show Notes and Transcript visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/30-steve-keen
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Josh Farley: "Money, Money, Money"
27 juli 2022 · 1 uur 20 min
Show Summary: Lees meer
On this episode we meet with ecological economist and Professor in Community Development & Applied Economics and Public Administration, Josh Farley.
Money. What is it? Where does it come from? How is it created? How is it tethered to our biophysical balance sheet? What is on the horizon with our monetary system? How might we create and use money differently in the future during a source and sink contained system? Josh Farley explains it all - and explains how the links between money, energy, and the economy will become more central in our lives.
Click here to listen to Josh and Nate's first conversation.
About Josh Farley:
Joshua Farley is an ecological economist and Professor in Community Development & Applied Economics and Public Administration at the University of Vermont. He is the President of the International Society for Ecological Economics.
For Show Notes and Transcript visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/29-josh-farley
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FAQs from Episodes 1-25 of The Great Simplification | Frankly #5
23 juli 2022 · 55 min
On this segment of Frankly, Nate's former student Lizzy curates and asks some of the most frequently asked questions sent in by listeners during The Great Simplification episodes 1-25. How should we be educating people on energy? What types of fossil alternatives are really feasible? Is a climate disaster the most pertinent and existential risk that we face? Nate gives his answers to these questions, and more. (A trial format for an AMA or live broadcast in future?) Lees meer
For Show Notes and Transcript visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/frankly-original/frankly-05-faqs-on-episodes-1-25
To Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTo0vlLF0JQ