An individual–collective–systemic behavioral climate intervention framework

Abstract

Given the urgency of climate change, a rapidly growing body of research across the behavioral sciences has tested interventions aimed at stimulating proclimate behaviors. Here, we propose a framework conceptualizing this body of work at three levels of analysis, ranging from individual cognition to collective action and systemic change. At the individual level, interventions primarily target cognitive or affective processes to increase climate beliefs and stimulate pro-environmental behaviors. Effective interventions at this level include the decreasing of spatial, temporal, and social psychological distance of climate change. At the collective level, interventions aim to stimulate climate advocacy and civic engagement, overcoming social or political barriers to climate mitigation. Promising interventions at this level include emphasizing the efficacy and emotional benefits of collective action. At the systemic level, climate action can be facilitated through structural interventions overcoming behavioral barriers, interventions including policy innovations, infrastructure development, and algorithmic, entertainment, or educational deployment.