Human Psychology and the Environment
Different psychological mechanisms influence how motivated we are to engage in pro-environmental behaviors. These mechanisms contribute to the intention-action gap: why our beliefs and preferences are not reflected in our everyday behavior.
Cognitive sciences help us understand why we act the way we do, and what interventions can be put in place to bridge the gap.
For example, our tendency to discount the future can be a liability when it comes to the ecological transition. Yet careful design can offset these effects, and even help us create a friendlier world.
Perhaps most importantly, our social psychology plays a determining role for our pro-environmental behavior. We might be motivated to eat less meat because our friends are doing it. Or we might want to buy a big car to keep up with our neighbors. Even the way we seek and understand information depends on powerful social forces.