Psychological, Social, and Cultural Barriers to Public Engagement With Climate Change
Psychological, Social, and Cultural Barriers to Public Engagement With Climate Change
- Nathaniel Geiger, Nathaniel GeigerIndiana University
- Brianna MiddlewoodBrianna MiddlewoodPenn State University
- , and Janet SwimJanet SwimPenn State University
Summary
Given the severity of the threat posed by climate change, why is large-scale public engagement with the topic not more widespread? The following are categories of barriers to accurate risk perceptions and action. First, many - especially in the Global North - underestimate of the threat posed by climate change. Second, many lack knowledge and perceive they do not have the ability contribute to addressing the threat. Third, there exist social barriers that discourage climate change engagement such as anti-climate action social norms. Finally, some common types of worldviews, such as market fundamentalism, can conflict with climate change engagement.
Subjects
- Communication
Updated in this version
Changes were made for three reasons. First, new literature has been published; we updated sections to reference recent work. Second, we made wordsmithing changes to improve readability. Third, we added new sections to ensure a more comprehensive review.