Why Sustained Climate Change Mitigation Doesn’t Stand a Chance: A Conspiracy of Natural and Psychological Forces

Almost 90% of Americans are avoiding climate change activism.

Recent research shows that at least 40% of Americans are concerned or even alarmed about global warming, But only 13% say they have called their elected officials or joined an activist group. One question on many minds is, despite saying they are alarmed and concerned, why aren’t the other 87% of Americans demanding policy changes that would curb greenhouse gases?

Apathy

It is easy to attribute climate activism avoidance to apathy. By definition, apathy is indifference, lack of interest, concern, or enthusiasm. That would seem to explain it. Yet the same survey, done by YPCC shows that 29% say they are indeed concerned about global warming. If they are concerned then that would mean that they shouldn’t be apathetic. Maybe they are concerned and they behave as if they are apathetic because something else is going on.

Per Espen Stoknes, in his book, What We Think About When we try not to Think About Global Warming, says that a lot of people are depressed about climate destabilization and environmental damage. Apathy can be one symptom of depression and maybe people are concerned and alarmed but depressed about it and therefore act apathetic.

Read the Medium story by Glenn Fray Jnr - “Why Sustained Climate Change Mitigation Doesn’t Stand a Chance: A Conspiracy of Natural and Psychological Forces.”