In today’s economy, people are being guided to move back home or take on roommates to make housing affordable. This may seem strange and unwelcome after decades of it being normal to live apart. But some people argue that living with others can be deeply rewarding, if we approach it right.

All this has deep connections to the climate and ecological crisis. As nuclear families and single-occupant homes became normal, consumption was boosted by the proliferation of households. For the same number of people, more households means more stuff and more energy, which means more pollution, climate change, and habitat destruction.

This episode we speak with Dr. Tanya Gee on the importance of love and empathy. These traits are not only important if you’re hoping to live with others; they’re also key to being a small-planet hero. Overcoming the division and polarization that surrounds environmental and social issues will take a hippo’s dose of love and empathy.