Psychology & global climate change – addressing a multifaceted phenomenon and set of challenge

In order to better understand public opinion around the topic climate change the report pulls together the contributions from the field of psychology.  In this report the authors specifically note the aim, which is, “to engage members of the psychology community (teachers, researchers, practitioners, and students) in the issue of climate change” (APA, 2010, p. 1). More completely, they have set out to assess the contributions of the psychological field, build recommendations for future research, and develop policies to assist people in the field to engage with the issue of climate change (APA, 2010, p.1-2). 

In the group discussion Tuesday we assessed that the paper was framed around the concept of control and this seemed to be quite in line with the statements made in the executive summary.  For example, in the suggested policies to encourage engagement with the topic of climate change there was no mention of personal changes or modifications that can be made to further the cause.  All the suggested interventions mentioned were to be implemented upon others, this authoritarian stance left me with an unsavory taste.  

Tonight, upon re-review of the reports specific policy recommendations pdf, I have found that they do in fact suggest personal methods of limiting the impact of the research community as well.  They do so with suggestions such as “When selecting goods to purchase, buy products that minimize impact on the environment such as buying Energy Star equipment, biodegradable products, and locally grown food for events” (APA Policy Recommendations, 2010, p.5) and “Encourage psychologists to understand and alter their own behaviors to reduce emissions in their personal lives as well as in their places of work” (APA Policy Recommendations, 2010, p. 3). I recognize that the paper is still framed in a place of control, but by recognizing that their audience of psychologists are also people who could improve their habits and practices lightens the air of superiority that I had initially sensed.  Further, by encouraging their frontline workers to adopt more environmentally ethical practices it adds to the validity of the messages and policies that they promote. 

APA. (2010). POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS of the APA Task Force on the Interface Between Psychology and Global Climate Change. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/science/about/publications/policy-recommendations.pdf

APA. (2010). Psychology and Global Climate Change - addressing a multifaceted phenomenon and set of challenge – Executive Summary. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/science/about/publications/executive-summary.pdf