Pnewsology

The week’s news with a dash of psychology!

Jane Ogden (Professor in Health Psychology, Emeritus; email janeogden509@gmail.com; based on a conversation with James Cannon at Radio Surrey; 8.40 am 14/08/2026)

Week ending 14/08/2026

All opinions are those of Jane Ogden

This was the week of ‘A’ level results and the airwaves have been full of celebration for those who got what they needed for their next stage in life.  But we have also heard many stories of those whose grades weren’t up to scratch and are thinking through what comes next.  Maybe go through clearing to find another Uni place? Maybe resit? Maybe take a gap year to have a think?  Maybe find an apprenticeship? Or maybe decide higher education is not for you and get a job.  From my listening and reading 18-year-olds seem pretty good at having a rethink, changing direction and finding their plan B.

But the rest of the world – not so much!

We are now living climate change every day – an earthquake in Colombia, wildfires in Canada, The New Forest and Wonersh and a very obvious drought across the UK and it is just SO HOT!  But at the same time we are still planning to drill and burn oil in Surrey and the North Sea.  Why no plan B?

We have an ongoing war between US / Israel and Iran with the US bombing Iran, and the Strait of Hormuz being opened and closed at random intervals as Trump declares the war on or off.  Its clearly not a good strategy yet still no plan B (although maybe having to hide in a catering truck whilst leaving your team on a threatened plane could be a wake up call?!).

We have more bombs from Russia in Ukraine even though a Russian peace prize winner says Putin can’t ever beat Ukraine, just destroy it.

And yet again, Netanyahu rejected the peace plan for Gaza and there is ongoing settler violence in the West Bank (and they are not settlers – they are invaders!).  BUT nothing changes!

Basic psychology tells us that we behave, there are consequences, when these consequences are bad, we change our behaviour.  Teenagers get this! They have a rethink!  But world leaders don’t.  They have a plan A – fossil fuels, drilling, bombs and violence and they stick to plan A regardless.  What is wrong?

Well, they could all be a bit thick and unable to learn! Not even pigeon level! OR there are consequences and they like them! They like the money from the fossil fuels, there are benefits to the bombs, they enjoy the killing and NOTHING bad ever happens to them personally!

So well done teenagers!  But all those powerful people who are stuck on plan A really need some proper consequences to make them think about a plan B!  Having to hide in a catering truck is a good start!  But the rest of the world needs to do something!  I chose where I buy my vegetables from – I have a boycott app! But we really need other powerful people to make these powerful people have to find a plan B. Soon please!