The one where the deer terrorises a troop of Boy Scouts

‘On Pedantry’ by Arnoud S.Q. Visser review James Hoare Mon, 01/12/2026 - 08:18

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM A sweeping new report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) lays out an ambitious, but achievable, economic transformation: investing in the health of the planet could generate at least $20 trillion in annual benefits by 2070. Released during the United Nations Environment Assembly, the Global Environment Outlook, Seventh Edition (GEO-7), is the most comprehensive environmental assessment yet, drawing on the work of 287 scientists across 82 countries. The report makes the case that stabilizing the climate, protecting ecosystems, and reducing pollution are not just moral imperatives; they are essential economic strategies. Left unchecked, environmental degradation will not only harm public health and biodiversity, but could also erode global prosperity. “A simple choice stands before humanity,” said Inger Andersen, UNEP Executive Director. “We can either face a future shaped by disruption and rising costs, or choose one of lasting prosperity through decisive investment in planetary health.” Five systems that must change The report identifies five key global systems: economy and finance, materials and waste, energy, food, and the environment. Each of these systems must undergo deep, coordinated reform. It calls for governments to shift away from traditional economic indicators like gross domestic product and adopt metrics that reflect both human and natural capital. These new measures would help guide policies toward long-term well-being, not just short-term growth. In addition to system reform, the report outlines two core transformation pathways. One emphasizes behavioral shifts, such as reducing material consumption and demand for high-impact goods. The other centers on technological innovation and efficiency improvements. Both approaches are designed to work in tandem and could begin delivering macroeconomic benefits by 2050. By 2070, those benefits could total $20 trillion annually. By the end of the century, the report estimates that figure could rise to a staggering $100 trillion per year. The costs of inaction are higher Without significant policy change, the GEO-7 warns that global temperatures will exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels in the early 2030s and likely surpass two degrees by the 2040s. On that path, climate change could reduce global GDP by 4 percent by 2050 and up to 20 percent by 2100. Environmental degradation is already exacting a high toll: 9 million people die each year due to pollution. Health damages from air pollution reached $8.1 trillion in 2019, or 6.1 percent of global GDP. Land degradation now affects up to 40 percent of global land, impacting more than 3 billion people. One million species face extinction. Plastic waste totals more than 8 billion tonnes, with health losses from associated chemicals exceeding $1.5 trillion annually. Extreme weather disasters attributed to climate change cost an average of $143 billion per year over the last two decades. In contrast, the report estimates that achieving net-zero emissions and halting biodiversity loss would require $8 trillion in annual investment through mid-century—less than the mounting cost of climate-related damage. Economic and environmental wins go hand in hand The GEO-7 envisions a world in which healthier ecosystems directly improve human and economic well-being. Some of the projected benefits by 2050 include: Avoiding 9 million premature deaths due to air pollution. Reducing undernourishment for nearly 200 million people. Lifting over 100 million people out of extreme poverty. Expanding natural lands and restoring ecosystems. These gains are only possible, the report says, through coordinated, systemwide change. Among the key recommendations: In economics and finance Move beyond GDP and embrace inclusive wealth metrics. Correctly price the environmental costs and benefits of economic activity. Phase out harmful subsidies and redirect incentives to support sustainability. In materials and waste Support circular product design and supply chain transparency. Shift consumer behavior toward reuse and regeneration. Invest in business models that reduce waste and extend product life cycles. In energy Accelerate the decarbonization of supply chains. Improve energy efficiency at all levels. Ensure a just transition that includes energy access and poverty reduction. In food systems Shift toward healthy, sustainable diets. Boost efficiency in production and cut food waste. Strengthen resilience and food security. In the environment Scale up biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration. Embrace nature-based solutions for climate adaptation. Strengthen climate mitigation efforts to curb long-term warming. A call for global cooperation The report concludes that tackling climate change, nature loss, and pollution must be approached as an interconnected challenge, not as isolated issues. It calls for integrated policy frameworks and urges collaboration among governments, multilateral institutions, businesses, civil society, academia, and Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous and local knowledge, in particular, is emphasized as a crucial element for guiding just and effective transitions. Modeled after the scientific rigor of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and other major UN science bodies, the GEO-7 presents both a warning and a roadmap. “We already have the tools, the science, and the momentum,” said Andersen. “What we need now is the will to act at scale and in solidarity.” In short, the path to global prosperity and climate resilience may no longer lie in business as usual but in bold, coordinated investment in the health of the planet.     Did this story stand out? Share it with a friend or support our mission by becoming an Emissary.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM A new year often comes with new intentions, new goals, and new calendars waiting to be filled. But before jumping into resolutions or performance-based productivity, it might be worth pausing to ask a deeper question: What’s actually driving you? Is the motivation rooted in personal joy and meaning? Or is it more about proving something, keeping up, or satisfying someone else’s expectations? Understanding the difference and making room for more intrinsic motivation could be the key to building a year that feels more fulfilling, aligned, and sustainable. What is intrinsic motivation, really? Psychologists generally group motivation into two categories: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation is powered by curiosity, joy, or a sense of purpose. It’s what drives people to learn a new language, paint for fun, or train for a marathon just because it feels good. “Intrinsic motivation is driven by our curiosity, what brings us joy, or what feels meaningful and important to us,” says Arati Patel, a licensed marriage and family therapist. Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, comes from outside sources. Think things like praise, rewards, approval, or social pressure. That’s not inherently a bad thing. External incentives can be useful, especially when they offer structure or accountability. But over time, if extrinsic motivation becomes the main engine, the results can include burnout, disconnection, and even physical symptoms. “When you’re driven mainly by the external,” Patel explains, “it tends to leave [you] burnt out or [feeling] disconnected.” Aura E. Martinez, an empowerment coach, adds that excessive reliance on external validation can show up as anxiety, low self-worth, insomnia, or chronic stress. It can also leave people questioning their identity, especially after achieving a goal that felt more obligatory than joyful. How to tell the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation It’s easy to assume that we always know what we want. But cultural conditioning, family expectations, and social comparison can cloud our judgment. Sometimes we chase goals without realizing they weren’t truly ours to begin with. Martinez suggests getting curious about why a goal exists in the first place. “I help clients distinguish [between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation] by asking them not only what they want but why they want it,” she says. Another clue? Language. If a sentence starts with “I should” more often than “I want,” that may point to extrinsic motivation. Perhaps the most reliable indicator, however, is energy. According to both Patel and Martinez, exhaustion can be a red flag. Goals fueled by internal drive can still be tiring, but they don’t tend to leave people feeling drained or emotionally depleted. A soul-deep fatigue, on the other hand, may be a sign that something is off. How to reconnect with your internal compass To realign with intrinsic motivation, start with an “energy audit.” Martinez recommends tracking which activities leave you feeling energized and which leave you drained. Over time, this simple practice reveals patterns, and those patterns point toward what actually matters. She also suggests asking questions like: What would I be doing if no one were watching? What would I choose if I weren’t trying to be the “good” daughter, partner, employee, or friend? Am I making this decision out of love or out of fear? Another helpful tool is unscheduled time. Patel advises carving out blank space in the day and observing where the mind and body naturally gravitate when obligation isn’t steering the wheel. Our bodies often know before we do. Tense shoulders, a clenched jaw, or a heavy feeling can be subtle signs of a disconnect between our actions and our deeper desires. “Authentic choices often feel lighter,” Patel notes, “while performing tends to feel tense or heavy.” Navigating guilt and external pressure Even when the desire to shift is clear, letting go of external motivation can be difficult, particularly if it’s tied to the expectations of people we care about. “Letting go of external validation can stir guilt, shame, or fear of disappointing others,” Patel says. And those feelings are natural. But that doesn’t mean we’re stuck. The key, Martinez explains, is self-compassion. We don’t have to overhaul our lives overnight. Start small. If people-pleasing at work is a challenge, maybe that means logging off at a reasonable hour once a week instead of staying late every day. These micro-boundaries help build confidence and self-trust. A few practical ways to strengthen intrinsic motivation If part of your New Year intention is to make decisions that come from within, here are a few starting points: Name the source. When you feel pulled toward a goal, ask: Whose voice is this? Is it mine, or does it belong to a parent, boss, or friend? Do a values check. Does this goal align with your core values? If not, is there a way to reframe it? For instance, maybe the drive to “stay fit” is externally motivated by beauty standards, but reframed as a way to feel strong and energized, it can align with deeper personal values. Take baby steps. You don’t have to quit the job or ditch the commitment immediately. Try softening your attachment to it. One small shift can lead to greater freedom over time. Set boundaries gently but firmly. Boundaries aren’t about shutting others out. They’re about giving yourself space to be who you are. And if you need support navigating them, reach out to a coach or therapist who can help you build that muscle. The seasonal invitation to slow down While the New Year often comes with a push to be more, do more, and accomplish more, it can also be a time for slowing down and tuning in. The truth is, taking time to reassess what drives us is part of creating a more intentional, meaningful year. “This seasonal rhythm reminds us that it’s natural and healthy to pause, release, and reset,” says Martinez. Whether that means letting go of a draining goal or making space for something new, the beginning of the year is a powerful time to realign. Final thoughts Choosing intrinsic motivation isn’t about ignoring responsibility. It’s about grounding action in joy and purpose rather than pressure and performance. That’s how resilience is built. Not by gritting through burnout, but by connecting to something real. This year, instead of chasing outcomes that look good on paper, try tuning into the things that feel good in your body and spirit. Let that be your compass.   Did this story stand out? Share it with a friend or support our mission by becoming an Emissary.

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