Jylhä, Kirsti | 2026
Encyclopedia of the Anthropocene (Second Edition)
Climate change is supported by extensive scientific evidence, and has increasingly tangible effects across the globe. Still, doubt and denial about the topic continue to exist among the public, in part due to the widespread disinformation about climate science. It should be noted, however, that some individuals are more prone to denying climate change than others. Thus, exposure to disinformation is not the full explanation for climate change denial. This contribution discusses the concept, manifestations, and psychological underpinnings of climate change denial. For example, complexity of the topic or efforts to decrease negative emotions may explain some part of the phenomenon. Importantly, however, it has been found that sociopolitical ideology has a particularly important role in explaining climate change denial, particularly in the Western context. This is of importance, because ideologically motivated rejection of science cannot be addressed solely by focusing on science communication. Rather, the underlying concerns, motivational needs, and identity processes that cause the rejection should be addressed. To exemplify, messages that highlight the need to change our lifestyles to mitigate climate change may be perceived as more threatening and less urgent among those who prefer protecting the status quo and the socioeconomic system, and who accept hierarchical relationships between social groups and between humans, non-human animals, and nature. This chapter discusses how these psychological mechanisms could be considered when aiming to communicate the reality of climate change, and the need for environmental protection, for the audiences that are currently less convinced.
