Psychology and Global Climate Change

The American Psychology Association published a study in which it identifies the causes for people doing so little to tackle climate change:

- Uncertainty – Research has shown that uncertainty over climate change reduces the frequency of “green” behaviour.

- Mistrust – Evidence shows that most people don’t believe the risk messages of scientists or government officials.

- Social comparison - People routinely compare their actions with those of others and derive subjective and descriptive norms from their observations about what is the “proper” course of action. i.e. Al Gore’s large residence has been used as a justification for inaction.

- Undervaluing risks – A study of more than 3,000 people in 18 countries showed that many people believe environmental conditions will worsen in 25 years. While this may be true, this thinking could lead people to believe that changes can be made later.

- Lack of Control – People believe their actions would be too small to make a difference and choose to do nothing.

- Perceived behavioural control - Because climate change is a global problem, many individuals understandably believe that they can do nothing about it. This is the well-known collective action problem.

- Habit – Ingrained behaviours are extremely resistant to permanent change while others change slowly.

Read more: The Ecologist has a more detailed article on this issue.