Climate change conversations often focus on sacrifice, but what if the path to a healthier planet also made us happier? We sit down with Leave the Lights On authors Liz Dunn and Jiaying Zhao to explore how behavioral science can help us focus on the environmental choices that matter most, why social influence is more powerful than guilt, and how small, joyful decisions can create lasting change.
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
Links
Leave the Lights On by Liz Dunn and Jiaying Zhao
About Liz
About JZ
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Music Links
Taylor Swift - Look What You Made Me Do
Counting Crows - Round Here
Justin Bieber - Daisies
Mozart - Symphony No. 40