Psychologists argue behaviour change can help halt climate change

Tackling misconceptions and changing our behaviour are just some of the ways that psychology can help shape climate-change policy. These and other issues were discussed at a one-day conference at The Royal Society of Arts, London, in conjunction with The British Psychological Society on 27th October 2009. The conference was organised by Professor David Uzzell, Chair of the British Psychological Society’s Climate Change Working Party. The audience largely comprised key policy makers and influential government advisers.

The keynote presentation was given by Professor Paul Stern, Director of the Committee on the Human Dimensions of Global Change of the U.S. National Academies of Science. And was followed by presentations on three influential UK psychology research projects which are currently informing policy makers on climate change and sustainability issues.

• Resolve: Lifestyles Values and Environment
  Dr Birgitta Gatersleben, University of Surrey
• Public Perceptions of Climate Change and Energy Futures in Britain
  Professor Nick Pidgeon, University of Cardiff & BPS climate change working party
• Beyond Nimbyism: A multidisciplinary investigation of public engagement with renewable energy technologies
  Dr Patrick Devine-Wright, University of Exeter

Professor David Uzzell said: “The UK Government has set extremely challenging targets for the reduction of carbon emissions and the forthcoming United Nations climate change conference in Copenhagen in December may set even higher targets. Technological innovations will obviously play a major role in reaching these targets. But it is clear that changes in values, norms, attitudes and behaviours will also be essential - not only to reduce energy demand in the domestic and transport sectors, but also to ensure public acceptability and uptake of technological innovations as well as climate adaptation measures. Many disciplines are contributing to Government and international climate-change policies and initiatives. Psychologists, who have been researching areas of human behaviour vital to tackling and adapting to climate change for over a century, have much to contribute to this debate.”