Class notes
Lecture notes: PS1810: The Psychology of Climate Change
- Course
- Institution
Semester 1 PS1810 notes. Written in 2020/21
[Show more]
Seller
Follow
olkaaa
Content preview
PS1810 – WEEK 7 – The psychology of climate changeWhat is climate change?
Global warming = increase in earth’s temperature causing climate patterns to change
Climate change = major changes in temperature, precipitation, or wind patterns during
several decades or longer
Cause? Fossil fuels combustion for humans’ everyday life and natural causes
How can psychology help?
Examine how people think and feal about climate change
Understand what motivates or inhibits environmentally-friendly behaviour
Analyse patterns of decision-making
Provide directions for effective communication
Facilitate a shift in social norms
Why is climate a controversial topic?
Global warming and climate change are controversial topics (in the US more than abortion,
gun control, death penalty and GM crops)
Human responsibility in global warming and climate change is controversial
Do we believe in climate change? US research
1 in 4 Americans is sceptical about climate change
50% US population believe that climate change is cause by humans
57% US population is worries about climate change
US: Climate change was the second least important issue out of 22 options (2011)
Only 26% US population rated climate change as a top priority (the lowest since 2007)
Do we believe in climate change? Worldwide research
26-nation survey:
Question: what is the top international threat?
Options: Climate change, ISIS, cyberattacks, North Korea’s nuclear program, global economy,
US power & influence, Russia’s power & influence, China’s power and influence
Findings: Climate change (13), ISIS (8), cyberattacks (4), Russia’s power (1)
Since 2013 worries about climate change have significantly increased in 13 of the countries
Do we believe in climate change?
97% climate change scientists support that climate change is a reality
Why do people not believe in climate change?
But… isn’t it science? Does the term “believe” apply?
The climate change paradox
97% of climate scientists support the existence of climate change and we have the
technology to fix it but many of us do not take action and/or deny it
Why?
Difficulty of understanding the relationship between greenhouse gasses and climate change
Climate change is psychologically distant to us:
1. Abstract consequences
2. Temporal: long term consequences
3. Spatial: far away consequences
4. Social: dissimilar to us
5. Uncertainty: unlikely to happen?
The climate change message is not working…
What do scientists and governments do?
More facts and images
Why will more of the same change our behaviours?
For most people the climate change message is uncomfortable to live with
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller olkaaa. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $10.08. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
78834 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy study notes for 14 years now