DSOC 25A36 - Psychology and the sustainable transition

Humanity is facing an unprecedented ecological crisis for which it is the main driving force. Although globally, people report high levels of concern for climate change and a high willingness to act, this concern is often not reflected in people’s actual behavior. What can explain this gap between people’s reported desire to protect the environment and the lack of collective action around the environmental crises?

In this course, students will explore the many factors that can act as barriers to climate action, such as people’s tendency to favor short-term outcomes over long-term outcomes, the tension between seeking a high social status and reducing one’s carbon footprint, the feeling that it may be too late to act, or the feeling that taking action is only worth it if others are also taking action.

Three in class quiz (40%). This is an in-class, closed book exam.

Group presentation (30%). Students will make presentations of academic papers in small groups.

Mini research project 30%