Work

The evolutionary psychology of climate change behaviors: Insights and applications

Year: 2021

Type: review

Abstract: We examine climate-related activities through an evolutionary psychology lens, zooming in on factors that motivate or discourage people to behave sustainably to mitigate climate change. Complementing current knowledge, we discuss five core ancestral psychological motivations that shape people's environmental decisions in fundamental ways. We review recent studies that explore how evolved psychological mechanisms related to self-interest, status, sensing, discounting tendencies, and social imitation can be used to promote proenvironmental behavior. We discuss the potential strengths and limitations of evolutionary-based behavioral interventions and briefly reflect on outstanding research questions that can further the integration of evolutionary approaches into mainstream environmental psychology.

Source: Current Opinion in Psychology

DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.03.006

Authors: Gonzalo Palomo-Vélez, Mark van Vugt

Institutions: University of Groningen, University of Oxford, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Language: English

Topic: Pro-Environmental Behavior and Attitudes

Subfield: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,920