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The start of a new year is a time to look both forward and back. On this week\u2019s On the Media, hear how facing our climate\u2019s fragility could inspire hope, instead of despair. Plus, a physicist explains how creation stories help us understand our place in the universe.

1.\xa0Luke Kemp [@LukaKemp], a Research Associate at Cambridge\u2019s Centre for the Study of Existential Risk, on a new study that says we need to\xa0put more attention on the possibility of human extinction and other climate\xa0catastrophes. Bryan Walsh [@bryanrwalsh], editor of Vox\u2019s \u2018Future Perfect,\u2019 also explains why our brains have a hard time processing catastrophes like climate change. Listen.

2.\xa0Mark Blyth [@MkBlyth], professor of International Economics\xa0and Public Affairs\xa0at Brown University, on how the economy is ultimately a mirror of our accomplishments, advances, fears, and mistakes. Listen.3. Guido Tonelli, a particle physicist at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, on the importance of creation myths,\xa0and what scientists can tell us about\xa0the fragility of the universe. Listen.

Music in this week's show:Merkabah - John ZornCarmen Fantasy - Anderson & RoeThe Stone - The ChieftainsSuite for Solo Cello No. 6 in D Major (Bach) - Yo Yo MaSentimental Journey -\xa0The Sydney Dale OrchestraPeace Piece (Bill Evans) - Kronos QuartetLove Theme from Spartacus - Yusef Lateef