Last year I signed up for an environmental psychology class with Professor Jeffrey Kiehl at Pacifica Graduate Institute. We looked at WHY the science is so easy to ignore. Professor Khiel has a book called Facing Climate Change where you'll find more info, but in a nutshell:
The last few centuries of progress have been shaped by the idea that nature is separate from us, inferior to us (as we’ve moved away from seeing Spirit in nature), and that it can be tamed and exploited. The Age of Reason led to humans thinking of ourselves as superior because the intellect was deemed superior. We have also developed big egos 😅
Apparently, climate denial is more common among educated groups. It’s like the confidence in our ability to think for ourselves outweighs scientific research. There is also a breakdown of trust in the collective - we trust ourselves more than we trust others, even if we don’t know what we’re doing.
To solve climate change, we need more empathy and less intellect (weird, huh?)
The scientific community identified fossil fuels as a problem almost 140 years ago! But their warnings fall on deaf ears. Data doesn’t lead to action because the parts of the brain that are involved in decision making and resolution are emotional, not rational. Decisions involve the Limbic System - in one case, a person’s amydgala is activated (a fearful trauma response) which happens if they are scared of losing security or being threatened. Others are aligned with action, empathy and problem solving; the "anterior cingulate cortex" is activated in this group's brain.
Those who fall into the 2nd neurological response tend to be community-focused rather than individualistic, which makes the prospect of solving a crisis less daunting. They are more likely to do something about climate change, and to feel connected to others / nature.
Denial + inaction are linked to the fear response. Professor Khiel points to storytelling and archetypes as a vital tool in climate action. It's what makes us connect with and care about the planet. I’m sharing this now because I watched Don’t Look Up. Loved the movie, but we need to shift our awareness efforts away from alarm and facts, towards empathy & community building. It’s neuroscience. This is a taster of what we saw in class - sign up for a session to know more.
As a former brand manager, I’d also look at advertising campaigns, which are probably quicker to produce than movies. Ads generate tons of awareness. They’re pricey though, and I don’t know if public perception is where we need to focus those ressources. A change of heart is needed.
Planting trees also helps a ton by bringing down temperature levels 🌤️
We can do it together 🌴🌴🌴
Reiki hugs,
Regina
I
> Also from class: Do Spiritual Beliefs Influence our Mental Health.
FYI - I'm not a psychologist; I just love learning and reading.
***
image: canva. com