Ecological Intelligence

Daniel Goleman, Author, Ecological Intelligence
Joshua Freedman, COO, Six Seconds; Author, Inside Change
George Lakoff, Professor of Linguistics, UC Berkeley; Author, The Political Mind

Though ecological awareness is on the rise, environmental depredation continues at alarming rates. While many people cognitively understand that behavior has to change to save the planet, that knowledge isn’t often enough to trigger change. People hear about “the Great Pacific Garbage Patch,” but they still buy bottled water and throw away plastic bags. The disconnect is rooted in understanding the human brain – and the way our brains actually process danger.

On the one hand, the long-term, slow threats that are destroying the planet don’t activate the human threat-response system. On the other, ringing alarm bells push people into short-term, survival-oriented, self-protective reactions.

Could the neuroscience of change and the role of emotion be the missing links to reducing carbon pollution? Can feelings bring people into action?

Join us for a conversation with the person who popularized emotional intelligence, a linguist who has explored the human mind and our political system, and an author using EQ to pursue positive change in companies and society.

May 1, 2014