Something Happening 7 CHAPTER 3 : Climate Change Denial, Psychological Barriers

Something Happening 7 CHAPTER 3

Despite overwhelming scientific consensus, climate change denial remains a significant obstacle to meaningful action. The refusal to accept the reality or seriousness of climate change is not simply due to a lack of information. Rather, it is rooted in a complex web of psychological barriers that influence individual and collective responses to climate science. Understanding these psychological dynamics is essential for crafting effective communication and policy strategies.

One major psychological barrier is cognitive dissonance. People experience discomfort when new information conflicts with their existing beliefs or behaviors. Accepting the reality of climate change often requires acknowledging that one’s lifestyle—driving gas-guzzling vehicles, flying frequently, or supporting fossil-fuel-reliant systems—contributes to the problem. To reduce this discomfort, many choose to deny or downplay the issue rather than make difficult personal changes. This self-protective response is not always conscious but plays a powerful role in shaping attitudes.

Another important factor is confirmation bias—the tendency to seek out and interpret information in ways that confirm existing beliefs. Individuals who are skeptical of climate science are more likely to consume media that reinforces their…