Slow Burn

Thinking "statistically" -- rather than relying on apocalyptic headlines, personal experience, or intuition -- is vital if humanity wants to mitigate the harms of climate change, economist R. Jisung Park writes. There are many subtle ways that a slowly warming planet affects social and economic well-being, including reduced learning outcomes, lower productivity, and exacerbated socioeconomic inequity. Problem-solvers and policymakers must consider these less catastrophic "hidden costs" and seek locally focused solutions that allow people to adapt to a slowly warming planet.