Climate models are inaccurate, because psychologists are not consulted – Watts Up With That?
Essay by Eric Worrall
According to Nature, “Human behavior is an overlooked factor in climate science.”
Climate change and human behavior
Nature Human Behavior (2022)
Climate change is a huge challenge. Human behavior is crucial in mitigating climate change and addressing its consequences. In this issue of common focus between Nature Climate change and Nature Human Behaviorwe take a closer look at the role of human behavior in the climate crisis.
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Human behavior is a neglected factor in climate science
In light of the empirical evidence on the role of human behavior in climate changes, it is curious that ‘human factor’ is not always taken care of in key research areas, such as climate modeling. For a long time, climate models to predict global warming and emissions did not take it into account. This oversight means that the predictions made by these models have varied widely in their expected temperature rise.8,9.
Human behavior is complex and multidimensional makes it difficult – but very important – to explain it in climate models. in one ReviewThus, Brian Beckage and colleagues reviewed existing socio-climate models and made recommendations on how these models might better incorporate human behavior into their forecasts.
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The psychology of climate change
The complexity of people is also reflected in their psychology. Despite overwhelming scientific consensus on human-caused climate change, research shows that many people underestimate its effects, doubting or completely denying its existence. in one ReviewMatthew Hornsey and Stephan Lewandowsky examines the psychological origins of such beliefs, as well as the role of political affiliations and advisory organizations.
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To keep global warming to a minimum, behavior change at the system level and at the individual level is needed. Several sections in this Focus discuss how to facilitate that change.
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Read more: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-022-01490-9
There’s a fun ’90s sitcom Frasier. The main character, Frasier Crane, has a radio talk show in which he tries to help people with psychological problems. A consistent theme of the sitcom is the contrast between the psychotic protagonist’s theoretical psychological knowledge and the practical skills of those around him, such as his father. ta, a former police officer, and his unscrupulous showbiz agentwho ruthlessly manages to manipulate Frasier and everyone around her to do exactly what she wants.
I would love for psychologists to be more involved in climate modeling, especially the kind of psychologist who thinks our old friend’s research efforts Stephan Lewandowsky add value to the process. In my opinion, the resulting real-life sitcom will warrant plenty of exciting new material for WUWT to write about.
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