We Are Not Doomed

Professor Dame Henrietta Moore and urban designer Arthur Kay, co-authors of "Roadkill: Unveiling the True Cost of Our Toxic Relationship with Cars," challenge the myth that cars represent freedom while offering practical solutions for reducing car dependency. The conversation explores how the "car industrial complex" has shaped our cities and lives, from the surprising history of electric vehicles in the 1890s to the hidden costs of car-centric urban planning. Moore and Kay reveal that 60-70% of car-related air pollution doesn't come from tailpipes, discuss how parking requirements increase housing costs, and examine innovative transportation solutions emerging from cities in the Global South. Rather than being anti-car, they advocate for expanding transportation choices and reimagining urban spaces around people instead of vehicles. The authors present over 100 actionable ideas for creating more livable cities while reframing 21st-century freedoms around clean air, walkable neighborhoods, and reduced car dependency.

Mike Berners-Lee, author of "A Climate of Truth," discusses how radical honesty in politics, media, and business represents our highest leverage point for addressing the interconnected global crises we face. Berners-Lee explains how his work evolved from carbon accounting to identifying truth as the most powerful tool for collective action amid climate destabilization. Despite acknowledging the gravity of our situation, particularly amid political challenges, he offers practical steps individuals can take—from supporting ethical media to making conscious consumer choices—while maintaining a surprisingly optimistic perspective on human capacity for transformation. The conversation provides a clear-eyed framework for staying engaged with difficult truths while finding meaning in community action and personal responsibility.

Andy De Silva, CEO of Hotel Emporium, shares his journey from growing up in Sri Lanka to becoming an eco-friendly hotel amenities innovator. He discusses how his childhood experiences shaped his commitment to sustainability and his mission to reduce plastic waste in the hospitality industry. Through his company, Andy has developed innovative products like the Eco Pod and is continuously working to create more sustainable solutions. Hear how one entrepreneur is making a difference in the fight against environmental challenges.

Sanders Lazier, CEO of Carbonhound, shares how businesses of all sizes can measure and reduce their carbon emissions while turning climate action into profit. Through practical examples and expert insights, Sanders breaks down complex topics like scope emissions and regulatory requirements into actionable steps for companies. Drawing from his personal journey and industry experience, he illustrates how climate reporting is rapidly becoming a crucial business differentiator rather than just a compliance requirement. His optimistic perspective shows how every role in every company can become a platform for meaningful climate action.

What does it take to future-proof humanity in the face of climate change? In this episode of We Are Not Doomed, Brett Jenks, CEO of Rare, shares his journey from producing Dunkin' Donuts commercials to leading global conservation efforts that are helping to reshape our relationship with nature. From empowering coastal fishing communities to leveraging behavioral science for large-scale environmental change, Brett explains how Rare is building a global movement that combines conservation, innovation, and community-led action to fight climate change. Tune in to hear how these efforts are creating real change—and why Brett believes we are better at adapting than we think.

Greg Robinson, co-founder and CEO of Aston, joins We Are Not Doomed to discuss how clean energy can meet the growing power demands of AI data centers. Greg shares his journey from working in solar energy to founding Aston, a company focused on providing firm power service through renewable sources like solar and geothermal. Greg is a wealth of knowledge on the future of clean energy, independent power networks, and how climate change is shaping the way we power technology.

In this episode, Jonah sat down with Carissa Carter and Scott Doorley from Stanford's d.school to explore the intersection of design, technology, and future possibilities. Carissa, the Academic Director, and Scott, the Creative Director, share their perspectives on how emerging technologies like AI and synthetic biology are reshaping design education and practice. They discuss their book, "Assembling Tomorrow: A Guide to Designing a Thriving Future," and highlight the critical role of design in addressing global challenges such as climate change. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation about the power of design to inspire innovation and build a sustainable future. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:07:08 - Describing the Book: A Designer’s Perspective 00:07:52 - Histories of the Future: Speculative Fiction in Design 00:10:24 - Mammoth De-extinction: Exploring Future Ecosystems 00:14:59 - AI in Design Education: Tools and Implications 00:16:40 - Emerging Technologies: Beyond Traditional Mediums 00:24:34 - The Role of Designers: Healing Gaps in Systems 00:31:53 - Climate Change Impact on Food Systems 00:32:42 - Optimism in Technology and Human Ingenuity

In our first episode, Jonah talks with Dana R. Fisher, Director of the Center for Environment, Community, and Equity at American University. Dana shares insights from her book Saving Ourselves and her journey from environmental policy work to becoming a leading voice in environmental sociology. She emphasizes the power of individual and collective action in pushing against entrenched power structures and advocates for a massive systemic transformation to address the root causes of climate change. Their conversation explores the concept of 'apocalyptic optimism' and the idea that significant environmental disasters might be necessary to catalyze global societal shifts towards serious climate action. They also talk about personal stories of climate impact and the potential for societal change through what is termed 'Anthro-Shift'.