At this week's Thursday morning meeting, Tom Bateman, organizational psychology researcher, writer, teacher, and semi-retired business professor at the University of Virginia, entertained and inspired us with his stories of how to get things done, how to move people to action in leadership and motivation, and how to make a difference and change the world for the better. Then he focused in on how he applies that to climate change.   Bateman says the key to understanding climate change is understanding the psychology of human behavior, or “the human element” in climate change. He pointed out how we are susceptible to biases, whether mythical and irrational or scientific and rational, that keep us debating the issue and restrain us from action.   Another habitual way of thinking that needs to be changed is “short termism,” thinking only in in terms of the immediate terms which yields shortsighted myopic solutions. Instead, he says we should be thinking of the future and long-term solutions.   Finally, we don’t talk about it, people are afraid to talk about climate change, as if it is a religion rather than fact or science. One expert says the most important thing to do now is to talk about it. Ninety-eight percent of scientists know climate change is serious; the disagreement is on what to do about it.   He adds that we know what we need to do, we know the big picture, but the human element is getting in the way of doing what needs to be done. We need to develop a behavior of action, individual and organizational. There is no silver bullet, but there should be movement on every front.   Bateman finds hope in seeing how climate change is becoming more accepted, therefore less mysterious which makes people feel safer talking about it. And for the younger generation, it is the number one priority, and they ARE demonstrating, loudly, and providing real leadership and action.

 

About West Bay Rotary

West Bay Rotary is celebrating its 38^th year of manifesting its mission of “service above self” here in the Midcoast. The club undertakes dozens of community projects as well as fundraising (and “fun-raising”) events, including its annual “Duck Derby,” Chowder Challenge, Christmas Trees, Chili Challenge, Toboggan Nationals parking, and more. The door for prospective members is always open. The club meets on Thursday mornings from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., also via Zoom. For more information, go to: www.westbayrotaryofmaine.org.