Work

The relevance of behavioral patterns in dealing with human-induced climate change: Results from a survey with 1,510 researchers

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This paper presents the findings of a global survey involving 1,510 researchers regarding climate change, focusing on behavioral patterns perceived as relevant to adaptation and mitigation efforts. Similar behavioral tendencies can be observed across both areas: inequity aversion, guilt aversion, and climate anxiety are seen as primary drivers (positive effects), while status quo bias, information avoidance, and mass numbing are regarded as considerable barriers (negative effects). Additionally, the paper finds that researchers’ diverse backgrounds partly explain differing perceptions, indicating the potential for intersectional collaboration in academia to address climate change.

Source: PLOS Climate

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pclm.0000967

Authors: Sven Grüner, Oliver Mußhoff

Institutions: Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Language: English

Topic: Climate Change Communication and Perception

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,496