Why our imaginations are the key to solving climate change | Dr. Simon Donner | TEDxSurrey

The science is clear: humans are responsible for recent climate change. Why then is it so hard for people to believe - and even harder for us to solve? “The problem lies with being rooted in old ways of thinking,” says climate scientist Simon Donner. In this engaging and pragmatic talk, Donner shows how embracing our imaginations can help people overcome doubts about climate science, climate impacts and climate solutions.
We can make a better future for ourselves and for future generations,” he says. “To get there, we need our imaginations. We need the courage to see a different future, and chart the path there.” Simon Donner is an interdisciplinary climate scientist and professor at the University of British Columbia, where he teaches and conducts research at the intersection of climate change science and policy. He holds appointments in the university’s Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, Geography Department, and Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries. He is a lead author on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s recent Sixth Assessment Report and is a member of the Canada’s Net-Zero Advisory Body, which advises the federal government on pathways to eliminating climate-warming emissions.
Simon is passionate about telling stories about science to a variety of audiences. He volunteers his time to relate climate change science for media, government, and communities, which includes appearing regularly on radio and television, speaking to groups ranging from villages in Pacific Island countries to North American pension boards, and filming videos about climate change while cycling to work. For these efforts, he is a recipient of a UBC’s Public Award for Education through the Media, a Google Science Communication Fellowship, and a Leopold Leadership Fellowship.
The longtime water sports enthusiast has been described by his family as an aquatic plant - needing sun and water to thrive. Starting in 2020, Simon dipped into the cold ocean near his Vancouver home every day for over a year. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx