Wildfires are devastating communities and ecosystems, but your actions can make a difference. Our article shares practical steps to support wildfire relief and prevention while tackling the root causes of the crisis.
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Wildfires raging across California, including Los Angeles, reveal the destructive legacy of fire suppression and the urgency to balance immediate relief with long-term solutions.
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This article explores the ethics of cetacean captivity (such as orcas), the empathy and compassion necessary to acknowledge their suffering, and the importance of ethical alternatives.
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Young leaders are redefining society with clarity, courage, and a sense of urgency. From Kaliko in Hawai’i demanding climate accountability to Malala Yousafzai championing girls’ education, these activists are breaking through apathy and inspiring systemic change. Learn how their voices are shaping a more just and sustainable future.
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Slow risks like climate change and rising sea levels are accelerating rapidly. Learn why urgent action is needed and how you can help reframe these threats as immediate priorities.
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Cydni’s story, as told in Ruby Cramer’s article for The Washington Post, shines a light on the power of individual action in an era of deep divides. Her efforts to foster empathy and cooperation echo themes from the Arithmetics of Compassion blog, including the singularity effect, overcoming compassion collapse, and confronting biases like the prominence effect.
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How does gender shape our perception of risk? Biases in risk perception—rooted in societal structures—impact vulnerability during disasters, health crises, and everyday risks. From the white male effect to inequities faced by women and LGBTQ+ communities, understanding these dynamics is essential for fostering inclusive policies and equitable resilience.
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Scott Slovic explores Sabrina Masud’s analysis of Abu Sayed’s martyrdom in Bangladesh, highlighting how birdshot dehumanizes victims and how art challenges compassion fatigue from mass suffering.
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Paul Slovic explores the deadly arithmetic of compassion, revealing how psychic numbing and pseudoinefficacy hinder our response to mass suffering. Reflecting on Assad's brutal war in Syria and the global reaction to Alan Kurdi's tragic image, this piece underscores the need for sustained action to overcome apathy and save lives.
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A single photograph can shatter indifference, revealing the human cost of injustice and suffering. Iconic images inspire empathy, challenge apathy, and drive action, reminding us of our shared humanity and the power of bearing witness.
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Social media algorithms create personalized content that keeps us engaged but limits exposure to diverse perspectives. This fosters polarization and contributes to compassion collapse—diminished empathy for those outside our bubble. Discover practical steps to break free and build a broader, more compassionate worldview.
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Cognitive biases obstruct public understanding of climate change, blocking meaningful action. By using strategies like framing, visualization, and narrative empathy, we can bridge the communication gap and motivate change.
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Image by Edward Kimmel, Wikipedia
Discover how denialism spreads misinformation and fuels division, and learn how education, legal frameworks, and compassion can effectively combat its damaging impacts.
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Robert Smithson’s Spiral Jetty symbolizes slow violence, serving as a barometer of environmental changes in the Great Salt Lake. Its transformation reflects the creeping degradation threatening this fragile ecosystem.
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Disaster risk reminders, like preserved ruins and high water markers, confront psychological biases and raise awareness of future threats, encouraging proactive preparedness and resilience.
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In a world of urgent challenges, why do we struggle to care about future generations? This article explores two major psychological barriers—our preference for immediate rewards and difficulty empathizing with those we’ll never meet—and offers insights on building compassion for tomorrow.
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This article explores powerful 'risk reminders' from around the world—visual symbols that raise awareness of potential threats and their lasting impact.
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The conflict between northern spotted owls and invasive barred owls highlights a conservation dilemma, where ethics and environmental priorities collide. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s barred owl culling strategy underscores complex questions about species management and human responsibility in disrupted ecosystems.
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