Climate Change: What Psychology Can Offer in Terms of Insights and Solutions

Paul A.M. Van Lange*, Jeff Joireman, Manfred Milinski

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

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Abstract

Can psychological science offer evidence-based solutions to climate change? Using insights and principles derived from the literature on social dilemmas and human cooperation, we discuss evidence in support of three solutions: crossing the borders of thought, time, and space. First, borders of thought could be crossed by using persuasion that is concrete and tailored to local circumstances and by highlighting information about people’s efforts as evidence against the myth of self-interest. Second, borders of time could be crossed by using kinship cues, which can help make the future less distant, and relatively uninvolved advisors, who may help make the future salient. And third, borders of space could be crossed by showing group representatives how they might benefit from a frame of altruistic competition—focusing on the benefits of being seen as moral and global in orientation. Our overall conclusion is that psychological science can offer evidence-based solutions to climate change.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)269-274
Number of pages6
JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science
Volume27
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2018

Keywords

  • climate change
  • human cooperation
  • public policy
  • social dilemmas
  • trust

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