{"id":461,"date":"2020-06-08T18:10:54","date_gmt":"2020-06-08T17:10:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/research.reading.ac.uk\/engagement-and-impact\/?p=461"},"modified":"2025-04-23T15:25:52","modified_gmt":"2025-04-23T14:25:52","slug":"getting-better-connected-for-the-climate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/research.reading.ac.uk\/engagement-and-impact\/getting-better-connected-for-the-climate\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting better connected for the climate"},"content":{"rendered":"
A lack of connectedness \u2013 to others and to nature \u2013 is contributing to poor mental health and the climate crisis. Through a popular science book, public engagement, and government-level influencing, Tom Oliver is working to restore our sense of connectedness and encourage the development of planet-friendly policies and behaviours.<\/div>\n
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Depression is on the rise in many modern societies. Climate and biodiversity crises are deepening. The issues might seem disparate, but research suggests that our mind sets are key to both problems. Increasing individuals\u2019 sense of connectedness, with other people and with nature, has been shown to reduce depression and increase environmentally-friendly behaviours.<\/p>\n

Tom Oliver is on a quest to embed that connectedness. His book\u00a0The Self Delusion\u00a0<\/em>– published in January 2020 – explains how we are far more connected to each other and the world around us than we realise. He surprises the reader with scientific evidence that explains all atoms are recycled between organisms, trillions of germs colonise us, and our attitudes and ideas are shaped by others.\u00a0The Self Delusion<\/em>\u00a0has received rave reviews and sparked follow-up media coverage and invitations to speak at literary festivals, extending its reach and influence.<\/p>\n

Professor Oliver has also taken connectedness and systems thinking into the corridors of power, working with Defra to design a Systems Research Programme. The programme aims to achieve more effective and joined-up environmental policymaking. In this role Tom is helping galvanising government, pressure groups and the public to identify how to shift mind sets and change behaviour for the good of the planet.<\/p>\n

In partnership with\u00a0<\/strong>DEFRA, HM Cabinet Office, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council<\/p>\n

Shortlisted for the University Research Engagement and Impact Awards 2020<\/p>\n

First published: June 2020<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Find out more<\/strong><\/p>\n

Understanding and acting on the causes of biodiversity<\/a> (YouTube film, 1,52s, Aug 2019)<\/p>\n

How studies in butterflies led to a paradigm shift in conservation<\/a> (research highlight, Feb 2019)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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