Finding Joy in Fighting Climate Change.
Join us for a special evening with UBC Psychology professors Dr. Elizabeth Dunn and Dr. Jiaying Zhao as they discuss their new book Leave the Lights On: How Joyful Decisions Can Save Our Species.
While most climate advice demands self-denial—eat less, travel less, want less—this groundbreaking book offers a counterintuitive view: you can make your life better while saving our species at the same time.
At this event, the authors will share how to make an impact on climate change by taking actions that bring you joy. Learn to reimagine climate action not as a burden, but as an opportunity to build a brighter future – without guilt, without gloom, and without giving up the things that make life worth living.
This event is moderated by City of Vancouver Councillor and Deputy Mayor—and UBC Psychology alumnus—Sarah Kirby-Yung.
Sarah Kirby-Yung
Councillor Sarah Kirby-Yung is committed to a liveable and vibrant Vancouver. Her priorities have included advancing housing, investing in neighbourhoods, infrastructure and community amenities, improving city services, supporting small business, economic development, and arts and culture. She is serving her second term on Vancouver City Council, and prior to that she was elected to the Vancouver Park Board where she served as Chair. Sarah believes that vibrant and liveable cities come from more housing options, thriving businesses, people-focused public spaces, advancing patio culture, supporting events, prioritizing infrastructure, and healthy neighbourhoods. Sarah sits on the Board of the regional federation Metro Vancouver and Chairs the region’s Zero Waste Committee, the Mayors Council for Translink, Vancouver’s Auditor General Committee, the Boards of the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Zero Emissions Innovation Centre, and Co-Chairs Vancouver’s UNDRIP Table. Previously she sat on the Executive of the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) and served as Chair of the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE). Prior to public service, Councillor Kirby-Yung’s experience included senior management roles in the tourism and hospitality sector. She holds an MBA and BA.
This UBC Dialogues Homecoming event is presented by alumni UBC, the UBC Department of Psychology and the UBC Faculty of Arts.
About the authors
Dr. Elizabeth Dunn is a Professor of Psychology at the University of British Columbia and coauthor of HAPPY MONEY. She directs UBC’s Happy Lab, which focuses on how to optimize valuable resources including time, money, and carbon to maximize human well-being.
Dr. Jiaying Zhao (JZ) is a Professor of Psychology and Sustainability and founder and director of the Behavioral Sustainability Lab at the University of British Columbia, which designs and tests innovative behavioral solutions to encourage sustainable actions.
