The psychology of climate change science rejection
As an environmental management consultant over the past 30 years or so, and a practitioner in energy efficiency, climate change risk management, greenhouse gas management and sustainability, I, like so many others, have been frustrated by the lack of global action and agreement on greenhouse gas abatement mechanisms and policy. Even more than frustration, I have been fascinated and intrigued by a number of behavioural patterns in those who reject climate change and the recurring questions in my mind: Why do some people reject the science of climate change?
It is important to analyse the global community’s (and in particular, the leaders’ responses) to the threats of climate change as it may teach us a few lessons, and tell us how we should in future address such major global policy issues. The context of my analysis is this: many studies have shown that the demographic of climate change denial has a significant peak for the ‘white, male, and over 50’ group. As this group dominates those in power, those making decisions on climate change policy, it is well worth looking at.
I have come up with a number of thoughts and theories, some quite unusual. These will be presented over a number of posts.
