Mind, Brain and Planet

Paul Howard-Jones
  • 0.0 (0)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

The investigations of neuroscientist and psychologist Prof Paul Howard-Jones as he explores how our minds and brains are responding to climate change and environmental issues.

  1. MAY 1

    S2 EP7: UK to Sahara by public transport - can a train take you further (mentally) than a plane?

    Paul explores how surface travel may effect the brain in different ways compared to flying. Could the sciences of mind and brain help reduce carbon emissions due to flying? Paul spends 3 days travelling from Bristol to the Sahara desert by public transport, and reports on how that feels compared with a 3 hour flight from his local airport. On a cycle tour around Marrakesh, we meet Yessir who explains what it's like to live in a country where droughts are becoming more common, and we find out why scary public information campaigns may not always change public behaviour.   More info on mindbrainplanet.com

    17 min

  2. APR 1

    S2 EP6: Is climate activism good for the activist?

    What's it like to be a climate activist and can it be good for you? Protest and civil disobedience have won many of the benefits and freedoms we enjoy today, but  what about the activists themselves? Is it all about hardship, risk and stress, or can activists benefit too? Paul interviews research Robyn Gulliver (University of Queensland, Australia) about her research on the wellbeing of activists, and hears again from climate activist Rosie about her first-hand experience of getting involved, organised and arrested. Armed with Robyn's advice, Paul steps out with his local Extinction Rebellion group.  More info on mindbrainplanet.com

    20 min

  3. MAR 2

    S2 EP5: Why do people become climate activists?

    Why invest all that time, energy and emotions – even risk your personal freedom – when the impact of your efforts on the earth’s temperature will be, at best, invisibly small? Paul interviews climate protester Rosie about her motivation to take action - and asks researcher Ans Verkammen (Curtain University, Perth) about the emotions that drive us to speak out and act up for the environment. Paul signs up to protest with Extinction Rebellion. More info on mindbrainplanet.com

    15 min

  4. FEB 2

    S2 EP4: Eco-anxiety - how should we respond?

    After a brief update on Episode 6 from Season 1 "Flying, climate change and the bystander effect", we continue exploring eco-anxiety. Expert Panu Pihkala explains how eco-anxiety can be viewed as a process involving emotional engagement, self-care and action. Paul considers the educational implications of the link to action, and meets climate activist Rosie, who explains how she has experienced climate anxiety and responded to it.     More info on mindbrainplanet.com

    18 min

  5. JAN 2

    S2 EP3: Eco-anxiety - what is it?

    Do you lie awake at night thinking about food shortages, conflicts over vanishing resources, nature loss and mass migrations? If so, you may be suffering from eco-anxiety.  But how prevalent is eco-anxiety, who is most at risk and is it a disorder? Paul meets experts Ans Vercammen and Panu Pihkala, and talks to Fenella Lloyd about her experience of eco-anxiety amongst young people at Black Mountains College.   More info on mindbrainplanet.com

    23 min

  6. 12/01/2025

    S2 EP2: Can Last Chance Tourism help us think more about the environment?

    Quick, book a trip to see polar bears, glaciers, rainforests before they disappear forever! Can "last chance tourism" help sensitise us to environmental issues or is it just about self-gratification at any cost? Paul interviews geographer Dr Salim Emmanuel and tries to find out what last chance tourism is really all about. More info on mindbrainplanet.com

    16 min

  7. 10/31/2025

    S2 EP1: Melting glaciers and our aversion to ambiguity

    Climate change is melting our glaciers at an alarming rate, dramatically changing landscapes. That might suggest visitors to popular glacier sites would leave with better environmental intentions. Paul visits the Rhône Glacier in Switzerland and discovers not everyone is making the connection. Does our adversity to ambiguity help us avoid connecting glacial melting with our personal lifestyle?  More info on mindbrainplanet.com

    18 min

  8. 08/22/2025

    S1 EP6: Flying, climate change and the "bystander effect"

    Why do we carry on producing large carbon emissions when we know these are damaging the lives of others? Paul explores this question in the context of the university student community – where mobile young people whose flights contribute to climate change are studying alongside those experiencing its devastating effects. Can this paradox be explained by the so-called “bystander” effect? More info on mindbrainplanet.com

    22 min
See All (13)

About

The investigations of neuroscientist and psychologist Prof Paul Howard-Jones as he explores how our minds and brains are responding to climate change and environmental issues.

Information

  • Creator
    Paul Howard-Jones
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mind, Brain and Planet
  • Show Website
    Mind, Brain and Planet