Climate Advice You’ve Never Heard | Liz Dunn & Jiaying Zhao

Climate change conversations often start with sacrifice. Liz Dunn and Jiaying Zhao argue there’s a better way. This week, we’re taking a happier look at a global problem with the authors of Leave the Lights On to explore why joy might be one of the most powerful climate solutions we have.

Is copying your neighbors more effective than reading another alarming climate report? Could our biggest environmental wins be surprisingly simple? Our conversation with Liz and JZ explores the intersection of behavioral science, happiness, and climate change to uncover which actions actually make a difference. We also discuss the power of social influence, scarcity, and the surprising impact of where we keep our money.

We’ve all felt overwhelmed by climate change and wondered whether our individual choices really matter. We hope this conversation offers a refreshing alternative. Instead of asking us to do more, Liz and JZ explain how smarter, happier decisions can create positive ripple effects for ourselves, our communities, and the planet.

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Topics

[0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Liz Dunn & Jiaying “JZ” Zhao 

[9:03] Why Your Neighbors Influence You More Than Climate Facts 

[13:09] High Impact Climate Choices That Actually Matter 

[17:05] Scarcity, Happiness, and Enjoying More by Having Less 

[24:00] Leave the Lights On: The Carbon Math That Changes Everything 

[27:05] Why Where You Live Matters More Than You Think 

[31:17] Remote Work, Happiness, and Carbon Emissions 

[37:34] Everyday Climate Decisions That Make the Biggest Difference 

[42:10] Creating Upward Spirals of Joy 

[44:49] Why Sharing Your Choices Influences Others

[47:57] The Environmental Cost of AI 

[50:58] Desert Island Music Picks 

[53:42] Grooving Session: Show Don’t Tell Leadership 

©2026 Behavioral Grooves

Other Episodes for Grooving

Ep. 479 – Our Best Hope for Global Change | Faisal Naru

Ep. 299 – Changing The World with Persistent Optimism | Dr. Paul Zeitz

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