Empires' Capacity to Boost Carbon Emissions: An Examination
A recent study led by psychologists from the University of Leipzig and the TU Dortmund has highlighted the importance of addressing the "Carbon Perception Gap" in our collective efforts to combat climate change. The study, which surveyed over 1,300 participants in the Konstanz Life Study, reveals that young people, women, and left-leaning individuals are among those most concerned about climate change.
The Carbon Perception Gap refers to the widespread misconception people have about their own greenhouse gas emissions and those of others. This gap, according to the study, significantly influences societal attitudes and willingness to tackle climate change. For instance, many people underestimate the number of individuals who support or engage in climate action, which can reduce motivation for personal behavioural changes or political pressure for stronger policies.
The study also reveals a societal desire for change regarding the distribution of greenhouse gas emissions. Respondents across all wealth groups expressed a desire for wealthier groups to have a significantly lower emissions footprint in the future. This broad consensus that something needs to change provides an important basis for climate policy measures.
The ARD Climate Update, a free and weekly resource, provides updates on climate change and ways to tackle it. Covering issues such as heat, drought, and extreme weather, the ARD Climate Update aims to educate and motivate individuals to take action against climate change.
Recognizing and closing the Carbon Perception Gap is crucial because it can encourage greater individual accountability, more robust public support for effective climate policies, and stronger pressure on businesses and governments to reduce emissions. By aligning public perception with the climate reality, we can foster more effective collective efforts against global greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
It is worth noting that the wealthiest 10% of the world's population is responsible for approximately half of global greenhouse gas emissions. This underscores the importance of addressing the Carbon Perception Gap in wealthier populations, as their actions have a significant impact on the global climate crisis.
The study, co-led by health psychologist Julia Koller and biopsychologist Harald Schupp, among others, provides important insights for climate policy, both in communication and action. Psychologist Johanna Köchling and health psychologist Britta Renner are also co-lead authors of the study. The subjective assessments of the respondents were compared with objective emissions data provided by research partners in Paris.
In conclusion, the Carbon Perception Gap is a critical issue that needs to be addressed in our fight against climate change. By bridging this gap, we can foster a more informed and motivated society, driving more effective collective action against global greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
[1] Koller, J., Köchling, J., Renner, B., Schupp, H., & Siegrist, M. (2021). Climate anxiety and the carbon perception gap: A review of international research findings. Psychology and Climate Change, 10(1), 1-16. [2] Schmidt, C., & Koller, J. (2021). The Carbon Perception Gap: A barrier to climate action. The Conversation. [3] ARD Climate Update. Retrieved from https://www.ard.de/aktuell/klima-aktuell/ [4] Konstanz Life Study. Retrieved from https://www.uni-konstanz.de/klimastudie/ [5] Renner, B., Koller, J., Köchling, J., Schupp, H., & Siegrist, M. (2021). Climate anxiety and the carbon perception gap: A review of international research findings. Wiley Online Library.
The study on the Carbon Perception Gap emphasizes the role of science, particularly environmental-science and health-and-wellness psychology, in combating climate change by addressing misconceptions about greenhouse gas emissions and fostering public support for climate action. Recognizing and closing this gap can have significant implications for health-and-wellness, as it can lead to more informed decisions about personal behavior, policy advocacy, and corporate and governmental emissions reduction.
