Motivation and climate change: A review

Area of Science:

• Social Psychology
• Environmental Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Traditional approaches to climate change communication often focus on fostering environmentalist beliefs or identities.
• These methods may overlook fundamental human motivations that drive behavior.
• Understanding the root causes of climate-related thoughts and actions is crucial for effective intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and integrate current research on human motivations concerning climate change.
• To propose the BUCkET model, which links climate change motivations to core social goals.
• To identify more effective intervention targets for climate action.

Main Methods:

• Systematic database searches were conducted to identify relevant research on motivation and climate change.
• Findings were synthesized and integrated into the existing BUCkET (Belongingness, Understanding, Control, self-Enhancement, Trust) model.
• The model was used to analyze previous approaches and suggest new intervention strategies.

Main Results:

• Environmentalism is not the primary driver of climate change thoughts or behaviors.
• Core social needs—Belongingness, Understanding, Control, self-Enhancement, and Trust—are more significant motivators.
• The BUCkET model highlights the limitations of solely focusing on environmental values.

Conclusions:

• Interventions targeting fundamental social needs (Belongingness, Understanding, Control, self-Enhancement, Trust) are more practical than promoting environmentalism.
• Leveraging existing social motives is more effective than trying to instill new environmental values or worldviews.
• The BUCkET model provides a framework for developing more impactful climate change strategies.