Improving environmental decision making: what social science can tell us

Abstract:

Scientific information about climate change and other human impacts on the environment is increasingly available and sought, often in the form of probabilistic forecasts or technical information. However, it is apparent that there are barriers to the use of this information by decision makers, either from its lack of application altogether, its usability for people without scientific backgrounds, or its ability to inform sound decisions and widespread behavior change. While the argument has been made that an information deficit is to blame, there is also a motivation deficit contributing to a lack of understanding of information about climate change impacts and solutions.

In 2009, the Center for Research on Environmental Decisions (CRED) published the popular "Psychology of Climate Change Communication: A Guide for Scientists, Journalists, Educators, Political Aides, and the Interested Public" which outlines eight principles for improved climate change communication based on insight from over thirty years of social science research, including social and cognitive psychology. Since its publication, new CRED research continues to inform our understanding about how people make decisions under conditions of uncertainty like climate change or natural hazards preparation.

The proposed presentation will build on the foundation laid out in the 2009 Communication Guide and share new insights about how people make decisions, perceive risks, and what psychological biases and effects inhibit good environmental decision making. The presentation will also outline methods for improving decision making across a range of environmental issues including energy reduction, preparation for natural hazards, resource allocation, and more. These examples and insights from the social sciences will move beyond the basics of communication to showcase success stories about improving risk communication and overcoming the motivation deficit in environmental decision making.