Find your place in the world. Dig in, and take responsibility from there.

-Gary Snyder

When the world faces existential threats like climate change, how do we make ethical choices that matter? In this thought-provoking episode, host Tom Schueneman explores philosopher Thomas Rieder's groundbreaking book "Catastrophe Ethics: How to Choose Well in a World of Tough Choices."

Opening with a powerful scene from Netflix's "Landman," this episode confronts the fundamental ethical dilemma of our time: we're deeply embedded in harmful systems we can't easily escape. As Billy Bob Thornton's character bluntly states, fossil fuels run the world—until they don't. Stop them now, and civilization grinds to a halt.

Travis Rieder's book, "Catastrophe Ethics," presents a compelling framework for navigating our moral responsibilities in the face of existential threats, such as climate change. At the heart of the discussion lies the pressing question of how individuals can act ethically in the face of overwhelming challenges that often render personal efforts seemingly insignificant.

While individual actions may seem insignificant in addressing catastrophic threats, Rieder argues that collective action—the organization and alignment of many individual acts—creates meaningful change. Instead of succumbing to cynicism or denial, we need new moral tools for reasoning through unfamiliar ethical challenges.

In this episode, I explore Rieder's insights, which encourage us to shift from a duty-bound sense of obligation to a more authentic, value-centered approach to our actions. By embracing ongoing reflection and adaptation, we can cultivate a more meaningful connection to our choices, even when the stakes feel impossibly high. Ultimately, the episode invites us to find our place in this complex world and take responsibility—no matter how small—because every action counts in the collective fight against climate change and other global crises.

Rieder's investigation of climate change action within 'Catastrophe Ethics' reveals a profound and often frustrating reality: the ethical choices we face are frequently clouded by a sense of impotence against the larger backdrop of global crises. As we navigate through the complexities of individual agency versus collective action, we find ourselves grappling with the paradox that while our personal contributions may seem negligible, they are nonetheless crucial to the broader movement toward change.

Rieder's call for a new ethical framework—one that prioritizes authentic values over rigid duties—invites us to rethink our approach to environmental stewardship. We reflect on how to cultivate a mindset that embraces adaptability and reflection in our daily choices, rather than succumbing to a sense of futility.

By acknowledging the noise and distraction of modern life, Rieder encourages us to sift through the chaos and find actionable paths forward, all while sharing a few witty anecdotes about our attempts to navigate this moral labyrinth without losing our collective sanity.

The Puzzle of Individual Action

- Why individual actions feel meaningless against collective threats

- The disconnect between moral imperatives and personal impact

- How 8 billion people acting independently create informs "The Puzzle"

Beyond Traditional Ethics

- Why ancient moral frameworks struggle with modern polycrisis challenges

- The limitations of duty-based ethics in addressing climate change

- Moving from obligation to authentic, value-centered action

The Statistical Insignificance Paradox

- Individual carbon...

It's 3:00 AM. All is quiet, the world is asleep.

But is it?

In this illuminating episode, we journey into the darkness to explore the vibrant and often overlooked world of nocturnal creatures, guided by the passionate insights of naturalist Charles Hood. His book, Nature at Night, serves as our compass, leading us through a landscape where life thrives under the stars.

Hood paints a vivid picture of the night as a time of transformation and activity, challenging the commonplace notion that all is quiet when darkness descends. Instead, he reveals a dynamic ecosystem full of sounds, movements, and interactions that awaken our sense of wonder.

From his unexpected path through academia to his extensive travels documenting wildlife in remote corners of the globe, Hood's extensive experiences as a naturalist and writer inspire us to appreciate even the most overlooked aspects of our environment, from the familiar raccoons in our backyards to the mesmerizing vertical migrations of oceanic creatures.

Hood maintains an optimistic outlook, reminding us that nature will persist, adapt, and thrive, regardless of the challenges it faces. His insights serve as a call to action for all of us to cultivate curiosity and appreciation for the natural world, urging listeners to step outside, explore, and connect with the life that surrounds us, especially in the magical hours of the night.

• Nature at Night: Discover the World That Comes Alive After Dark, From Timber Press
• A Salad Only the Devil Would Eat: The Joys of Ugly Nature, From Heyday Books
• Double Hyenas and Lazarus Birds: A Sideways Look at the Pacific Ocean and Everything in It, From Heyday Books
• More books by Charles Hood

• Nature is a dynamic cycle, thriving at night when the human world is asleep, highlighting the unseen beauty that flourishes in darkness.
• Charles Hood's exploration of nocturnal life encourages us to appreciate the often overlooked aspects of nature that exist right outside our doors.
• The concept of ugly nature, as expressed by Hood, challenges our perceptions and invites us to find beauty in the mundane and forgotten places.
• Understanding the vertical migration of ocean creatures reveals a complex, interconnected web of life that continues to inspire curiosity and fascination among nature lovers.
• Hood's journey through his unconventional educational path illustrates that persistence and a willingness to embrace the unexpected can lead to incredible experiences in life and nature.
• The podcast emphasizes the importance of supporting local bookstores, as they play a crucial role in keeping our literary culture vibrant and accessible.

• timberpress.com
• heydaybooks.com
• Monterey Bay...

Protests and social movements are often seen as spontaneous eruptions of public sentiment. What drives people to take to the streets? What motivates them to take their anger and frustration offline, out in the open?

In this insightful conversation with sociologist Dana Fisher, we explore the motivations behind collective action, especially in today's political climate of rising authoritarianism under the Trump administration.

Dr. Fisher, a leading voice in climate sociology, examines how various social issues intersect, particularly how the current political environment has galvanized protests surrounding climate change, civil rights, and the decimation of federal services.

Fisher's extensive fieldwork provides a nuanced understanding of how communities respond to crises. Her books and articles provide a roadmap for how individuals can contribute to meaningful change from the ground up, within their communities. She argues it is up to us, not outside forces, to shape our desired future. But we have to participate. "There are no free riders."

Fisher shares her latest research and insights into the motivations of protesters, drawing parallels between the current resistance movements and historical precedents. Climate change, she argues, is not just a standalone issue but is intertwined with broader struggles for justice and equality.

Social movements can coalesce around shared grievances, revealing that while climate may not always be the primary motivation for protestors, it is nevertheless a significant part of a larger narrative of resistance. As Fisher articulates, understanding these connections is crucial for fostering solidarity among diverse activist groups, and she encourages listeners to engage deeply with their communities to effect change.

Books by Dana Fisher

• Buy Saving Ourselves at this link and get 20% off with the code #COP20.
• Use the same code for 20% off on American Resistance

TED Talk

• How to Be an Apocalyptic Optimist