From values to climate action
Thijs Bouman, Linda Steg, Goda Perlaviciute
Abstract
To mitigate anthropogenic climate change, it is important to know what motivates individuals to support and take climate action. Values reflect universal, general, desirable goals which guide individuals' preferences and actions. Stronger biospheric values (caring about the environment), in particular, predict stronger engagement in climate action. Although many individuals have strong biospheric values, contextual barriers can inhibit their climate actions. Notably, policies and contextual changes that reduce contextual barriers can motivate and enable individuals to act on their biospheric values. In addition, public participation may better engage public values in climate policies and actions as to increase their acceptability. Finally, correcting biases that others have weaker biospheric values than oneself may also motivate individuals to support and take climate action.