Human Behavioral Contributions to Climate Change: Psychological and Contextual Drivers

Janet K. Swim; Susan Clayton; George S. Howard

doi:10.1037/a0023472

Human Behavioral Contributions to Climate Change: Psychological and Contextual Drivers

Janet K. Swim, Susan Clayton, George S. Howard

Psychology

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

126 Scopus citations

Abstract

We are facing rapid changes in the global climate, and these changes are attributable to human behavior. Humans produce this global impact through our use of natural resources, multiplied by the vast increase in population seen in the past 50 to 100 years. Our goal in this article is to examine the underlying psychosocial causes of human impact, primarily through patterns of reproduction and consumption. We identify and distinguish individual, societal, and behavioral predictors of environmental impact. Relevant research in these areas (as well as areas that would be aided by greater attention by psychologists) are reviewed. We conclude by highlighting ethical issues that emerge when considering how to address human behavioral contributions to climate change.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	251-264
Number of pages	14
Journal	American Psychologist
Volume	66
Issue number	4
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1037/a0023472
State	Published - May 2011

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

General Psychology

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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10.1037/a0023472

Cite this

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Human Behavioral Contributions to Climate Change: Psychological and Contextual Drivers

Abstract

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

UN SDGs

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