Psychology and Global Climate Change | American Psychological Association
Despite warnings from scientists and environmental experts that limiting the effects of climate change means humans need to make some severe changes now, people don't feel a sense of urgency. The task force said numerous psychological barriers are to blame, including:
Uncertainty – Research has shown that uncertainty over climate change reduces the frequency of "green" behavior.Mistrust – Evidence shows that most people don't believe the risk messages of scientists or government officials.
Denial – A substantial minority of people believe climate change is not occurring or that human activity has little or nothing to do with it, according to various polls.
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.
Habit – Ingrained behaviors are extremely resistant to permanent change while others change slowly. Habit is the most important obstacle to pro-environment behavior, according to the report.
[Update: Let me add a little context, below.]
I chose the above excerpt from the press release to a 225-page report (pdf), and I wrote about this topic a few months ago in a piece on "The Green Mind." Hat tip: Dot Earth.
APA Task Force on the Interface Between Psychology and Global Climate Change:
Chair: Janet K. Swim, Pennsylvania State University
Susan Clayton, College of Wooster
Thomas Doherty, Lewis and Clark College
Robert Gifford, University of Victoria
George Howard, University of Notre Dame
Joseph Reser, Griffith University
Paul Stern, National Academies of Science
Elke Weber, Columbia University
[Update: Living on Earth interview with Robert Gifford (mp3)]
