Psychology of climate change (Psicología del cambio climático)

Abstract

ABSTRACT Anthropogenic climate change, caused by the uncontrolled emission of greenhouse gases, is perhaps the greatest global challenge facing humanity. Psychology is the science of behaviour, so it takes on the task of studying and proposing coping strategies with regard to CC. Two strategies are possible: to mitigate the consequences of CC; and to adapt to those consequences. This article summarizes the main findings of psycho-environmental research related to psychological and situational predictors of coping responses to CC. It reviews the role of cognitive-rational determinants, affective-emotional factors, behavioural capabilities, personality traits and situational factors that facilitate mitigation and adaptive actions to CC. The paper concludes by discussing the role that psychology could play in global CC coping strategies, recognizing that there is a need to increase interest within the psychology community in the pressing problems of climate change.