As a staunch advocate for the environment and a nonpartisan pragmatist, Michael Shellenberger was dismayed to see many other leaders within the environmental movement engaging in apocalypticism while forgoing advocacy for tractable, evidence‐​based solutions to climate change, such as the adoption of nuclear power. In fact, many environmentalists actively oppose humanity’s only scalable green energy source even while painting an apocalyptic picture that has contributed to rising anxiety among adolescents. Join us for an online forum where Shellenberger examines the rise of apocalyptic environmentalism and shows how parts of the environmental movement have become mired in misunderstanding and partisanship. He also gives reasons to oppose a despairing outlook and makes a strong case for rational optimism that humanity will be able to rise to the occasion and effectively tackle environmental problems such as climate change.

The world is doomed, many people argue, citing poverty, dwindling natural resources, and an allegedly unsustainable rate of population growth. They say there are just too many problems to overcome. But is that really the case? In his book Fewer, Richer, Greener: Prospects for Humanity in an Age of Abundance, Laurence Siegel shows that the world has improved―and will likely continue to improve―in almost every dimension imaginable. That includes access to more food, better health, greater longevity, and higher levels of education. He argues that we live in the safest and most prosperous time in all of human history. Siegel makes a convincing case for showing gratitude for today’s world and optimism about the bountiful world of tomorrow. During this forum, Bryan Caplan provides constructive and critical comments. Hosted by Cato Policy Analyst and Managing Editor of Human​Progress​.org, Chelsea Follett.