Australia can take great strides forward in climate policy and action. A reactionary, incremental approach to adaptation will fall short. Now is the time to think big.
How might a house that comes on the market today affect what you think of this one?
fstop123/E+ via Getty Images
Psychological research presents some unsurprising wisdom about how to make big decisions without regret: focus on people, don’t miss opportunities, and stay true to yourself.
The pandemic has made many of us acutely aware of the daily risks we need to take. The ancient Greeks often did not leave risky choices up to individuals alone.
Are you feeling more ‘soul mate’ or ‘k bye’ about your relationship?
Christine_Kohler/iStock via Getty Images Plus
People have plenty of individual reasons to stick with or end a romantic relationship. But researchers have identified some common themes that influence this big decision.
Eight months later, it’s unclear what the government’s strategy actually was when it imposed the strict lockdown.
Shutterstock
Scientists and policymakers need to be more humble in their claims of what they know.
These psychological tendencies explain why an onslaught of facts won’t necessarily change anyone’s mind.
Francesco Carta fotografo/Moment via Getty Images
Cognitive shortcuts help you efficiently move through a complicated world. But they come with an unwelcome side effect: Facts aren’t necessarily enough to change your mind.
During Mental Health Week, let’s look at why some people, such as those experiencing depression or substance dependency, struggle to make decisions like everyone else.
Have you ever watched something because YouTube recommended it to you? You’ve probably been influenced by an algorithm. But at the end of the day, underneath all the algorithms are people.
People learn racism from the culture that surrounds them and media they consume, but that doesn’t need to be the end of the story.
Gavriil Grigorov\TASS via Getty Images
President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised inclusive decision-making informed by scientific evidence. Such an approach would serve to depoliticise and rationalise decision-making.
The science to policy process that was developed to guide climate mitigation decisions can be applied to the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, without having to be reinvented.
Is it safe to nip out for milk? Should I download the COVIDSafe app? Is it OK to wear my pyjamas in a Zoom meeting? All these extra decisions are taking their toll.
Don’t sleep on the job.
Matthew Jacques/Shutterstock.com