Climate change
Psychology is the study of human thought and behaviour which embraces all aspects of experience. Accordingly psychological science has identified solutions to many of the challenges associated with human factors related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which includes SDG 13 which aims to combat climate change.
Psychological issues underlie much climate inaction and scepticism. Climate change can be perceived as psychologically distant, uncertain, and complicated. It can be profoundly threatening and requires extensive change to our way of doing things. It requires taking personal responsibility and prioritising long-term well-being over short term gains.
Psychological science offers tools to address these challenges. These include:
01
The importance of communicating via local, trusted messengers. When people engage in local solutions in their community, they often feel a greater ability to make a difference and more optimism about the future.
02
Rather than a demoralising emphasis on an overwhelming problem, we must stress accessible, actionable solutions that make people feel empowered.
03
We must draw on people’s need to belong to create a shared vision for action and a set of social norms that guide behaviour. People are social creatures, and align our behaviour with others around us.
04
We know climate change harms mental health, both through general ecoanxiety and more severe harms in response to living through climate-related disasters. Addressing climate change through behavioural insights is vital for mental health especially for young people who are particularly concerned about climate change.
Climate Change resources
Climate Crisis and the Human Factor: 10 Psychological Keys to Unlocking Climate Action
EFPA Expert Reference Group Climate Change and Psychology – Glossary
News
EFPA opinion paper – Climate Crisis and the Human Factor: 10 Psychological Keys to Unlocking Climate Action
Commission sets out key steps for managing climate risks to protect people and prosperity
The Global Psychology Alliance publishes a population climate action framework
European Federation of Psychologists’Associations AISBL