· climate change · 6 min read
Review of What We Think About When We Try Not to Think About Global Warming
What We Think About When We Try Not to Think About Global Warming explores the psychological barriers to climate action and offers a new approach to engaging the public on climate change.
What We Think About When We Try Not to Think About Global Warming by Per Espen Stoknes is a book that explores the psychological barriers to climate action and offers a new approach to engaging the public on climate change. Stoknes argues that the traditional approach to climate communication, which focuses on guilt and fear, is ineffective and can actually lead to disengagement and inaction. Instead, he proposes a new approach that focuses on hope, creativity, and the power of collective action.
Overview
PROS
- A well-written and thought-provoking book that offers a new perspective on climate change.
- The author provides a wealth of information about the psychological challenges of dealing with climate change.
- The book offers practical advice for how to overcome these challenges and take action on climate change
CONS
- The book can be a bit dense and academic at times.
- The author's focus on the psychological aspects of climate change can sometimes lead to a lack of focus on the political and economic dimensions of the issue.
In What We Think About When We Try Not To Think About Global Warming, author explores the complex relationship between climate change and psychology. The book argues that our inability to face the reality of climate change is a major barrier to taking action to address the crisis. She draws on a variety of psychological research to show how climate change can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and hopelessness. She also discusses the ways in which we use denial, avoidance, and procrastination to cope with these feelings.
Toward a New Psychology of Climate Action, the author argues that we need to develop a new psychology of climate action. This new psychology would be based on hope, resilience, and a willingness to face the reality of climate change. She offers a variety of practical tips for how to develop this new psychology, including practicing mindfulness, building relationships with others who are committed to climate action, and engaging in activism. She believes that by facing our fears and taking action, we can create a better future for ourselves and for generations to come.
PROS
- Empowers readers with a comprehensive understanding of the psychological barriers to climate action.
- Provides practical strategies for overcoming cognitive biases and emotional resistance to climate change.
CONS
- Some readers may find the scientific explanations too technical.
- The book's focus on psychology may overshadow the urgency of the climate crisis.
In the face of the overwhelming crisis of global warming, psychologist Per Espen Stoknes challenges us to confront the psychological barriers that prevent us from taking meaningful action. With meticulous research and poignant storytelling, Stoknes unveils the intricate web of denial, fear, and apathy that holds us captive.
Through the lens of cognitive psychology, Stoknes dissects the ways in which our minds grapple with the complexities of climate change. He reveals how cognitive biases, such as the ostrich effect and the sunk cost fallacy, hinder our ability to perceive and respond to the urgency of the situation. By connecting the dots between our psychology and climate inaction, Stoknes empowers us with a profound understanding of our own resistance.
Stoknes draws on a wide range of research in psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral economics to explain why people often avoid thinking about climate change and why traditional forms of climate communication are often ineffective. He argues that climate change is a threat to our identity, our sense of control, and our sense of hope. As a result, many people simply choose to ignore it rather than confront it. Stoknes offers a new approach to climate communication that focuses on hope, creativity, and the power of collective action. He argues that we need to find ways to talk about climate change that are inspiring, empowering, and engaging. We need to show people that there is hope for the future and that we can make a difference. We need to help people find ways to take action, even if it is just a small step.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main argument of the book?
The main argument of the book is that the traditional approach to climate communication, which focuses on guilt and fear, is ineffective and can actually lead to disengagement and inaction.
What does Stoknes propose as a new approach to climate communication?
Stoknes proposes a new approach to climate communication that focuses on hope, creativity, and the power of collective action.
Why do people often avoid thinking about climate change?
People often avoid thinking about climate change because it is a threat to our identity, our sense of control, and our sense of hope.
What can we do to overcome the psychological barriers to climate action?
We can overcome the psychological barriers to climate action by finding ways to talk about climate change that are inspiring, empowering, and engaging. We need to show people that there is hope for the future and that we can make a difference.
What is the role of collective action in addressing climate change?
Collective action is essential to addressing climate change. We need to work together to find solutions and to create a more sustainable future.
