Climate Change Psychology & the Impact of Cultural Norms
Climate change does not pick and choose who it affects. It affects us all. Currently, there is a variety of innovative technological solutions to alleviate anthropogenic climate change, from renewable energy to sustainable farming, but that alone will not be enough. It is people who are the ultimate forces in global change. Climate Change Psychology studies the psychological components of climate change, including perception, cognition, anxiety, and behavior. What encourages or discourages people from participating in pro-environmental behaviors? How can we increase climate action?
Ultimately, it is the beliefs and values individuals hold that manifest in their actions and behavior. So the next question becomes, how can we change our beliefs for the greater good of humanity? In a study across 28 countries, Struwig and Roberts [1] discuss the value-belief-norm model (VBN), which analyzes how society’s progress influences the transitional relationship from values to pro-environmental behaviors. To measure societal progress, the Weighted Index of Social Progress (WISP) was used, which measures dimensions like health, environment, women’s status, and cultural cohesion, to name a few. Countries high on the WISP index (higher income nations) would report greater belief in their ability to make positive impacts on environmental issues [1].
European countries like Switzerland and Norway are known as some of the greenest countries, and rank among the top WISP scores. This is not a coincidence. As the natural environment is tightly connected to Switzerland’s identity, pro-environmental behavior, climate action, and policy are encouraged and enforced through its culture and, consequently, its Federal Council [2]. Similarly, Norway uses both culture and art to integrate sustainability practices into citizens’ way of life [3]. By examining both the history and cultural environment of Norway, Norwegians can also respectfully preserve and integrate their traditions and values into combating the climate crisis [4].
So how do we draw inspiration from these leading green countries? We must integrate sustainability into the fabric of national identity and everyday values. In discussing research at the 2025 Western Psychological Association Conference with both students and faculty, I asked, “What would provide you with the most hope in alleviating climate change?” To which most replied: “I would like to see others publicly participate in pro-environmental actions.” Seeing others be green empowers and encourages people to do the same: seeing is believing. So, make it a friendly competition to be greener with your neighbors, make your own paint for your next art piece, and thrift next year’s Halloween costume. By understanding Climate Change Psychology and fostering a culture where environmental belief is the norm, we can finally unlock the full potential of collective action.
Special thanks to Dr. Gregory Feist, my mentor and professor at SJSU, for his support and review of this article!
Resources:
● https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272494421002012
● https://www.conceivablefuture.org/
● https://www.multisolving.org/
● https://climatesolutions-careers.org/
References:
[1] http://tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00207659.2024.2420498
[3] https://www.norwayinla.com/?p=101
[4] https://moretocome.net/2022/06/15/norways-rich-and-changing-cultural-environment/
