Cet-6-1.9-Exercise 01D) Part of the fault lies with our inner caveman. Evolution has programmed humans to pay most attention to issues that will have an immediate impact. “We worry most about now because if we don’t survive for the next minute, we’re not going to be around in ten years’ time,” says Professor Elke Weber of the Centre for Research on Environmental Decisions at Columbia University in New York. If the Thames were lapping around Big Ben, Londoners would face up to the problem of emissions pretty quickly. But in practice, our brain discounts the risks – and benefits – associated with issues that lie some way ahead.

A. Teenagers of today often turn to their parents for advice on such important matters as career choice.
B. In their evolution, humans have learned to pay attention to the most urgent issues instead of long-term concerns.