We fell in love with a catastrophe

Updated Monday, 24th June 2013

Joe Smith explains the need to move away from catastrophe narratives when discussing climate change, and looks for something more positive to inspire the public.

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Dr Joe Smith argues against academics and commentators who say we have a population problem, and who are drawn to fear-based arguments that scare people into action against global environmental change. Joe says we've been guilty of falling for these 'catastrophe narratives'.

Instead of population, Joe sees it as a problem of consumption. He argues that we should consume less. that our voting intentions should be influenced by environmental policies, and that we should be enchanted by and express our love for nature.

This is an extended interview from BBC Radio 4's Shared Planet.