A recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said that the average global temperature will exceed pre-industrial levels by 1.5°C by 2024. This limit, which is key under the Paris Agreement, could lead to fundamental changes in ocean and atmospheric systems. Despite the seriousness of the situation, the report did not become a central topic of public debate or provoke mass protests, and went largely unnoticed.

The psychological aspects of ignoring climate change

According to experts, the problem lies in a psychological and evolutionary disconnect from the reality of the problem. Although human intelligence is advanced, it often leads us to irrational behavior that threatens our existence.

Climate change is often presented as an abstract scientific problem, which prevents people from feeling personal responsibility. The lack of emotion and concrete impacts in scientific communication fails to evoke the necessary response, leading to feelings of helplessness and lack of confidence in one's own ability to change the situation.

Responding to climate disasters and human behavior

The year 2024 witnessed extreme manifestations of climate change, from devastating heatwaves in southern Europe to massive floods in Asia. Yet political and social resistance to climate action persists, fuelled by disinformation spread by the fossil fuel industry.

Disinformation and echo chambers on social media provide a comfortable refuge from acknowledging an existential threat. This phenomenon, known as “motivated reasoning,” strengthens the emotional attachment to denying scientific facts.

Possible solutions and hope

Although many people feel powerless, psychologists suggest that active engagement can ease anxiety associated with the climate crisis. Studies have found that young people who participate in climate action have better mental health and a sense of control.

Experts recommend starting at the local level and not avoiding your own “climate grief.” The ecological transformation of technology and society is our only hope for survival.

Climate change is not a distant problem, but an imminent threat to our civilization. The only way to avert catastrophe is to turn concerns into concrete actions and to exert collective pressure on political and economic institutions. If we can combine scientific communication with emotional appeal, we can still shape future developments. Spring