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Why We Believe in Climate Change but Fail to Act
– and How We Can Change That

Why We Believe in Climate Change but Fail to Act – and How We Can Change That

Sometimes, climate change feels like a movie playing in the background while we are busy with our daily lives. We know it is real. We hear about heatwaves, floods, and melting ice. Many of us trust the science and say, „Yes, climate change is man-made.“ And yet, we hardly change our lives. This isn’t a sign of stupidity or malice. It simply shows how human we are.

The Numbers are Clear

Over 99 percent of all scientific studies on climate change confirm: humans are causing global warming. In society, most people agree with this statement. And yet, little is happening, especially at the political level. In the 2015 Paris Agreement, nations set clear goals: to limit global warming to 1,5° deg. and definitely keep it well below 2,0° deg. Now, in 2025—ten years later—we have already reached or exceeded the 1,5° deg. mark in individual years and months.

Scientists warn:

If emissions do not drop drastically, we will permanently exceed the 1,5° deg. limit in about three years—meaning as a long-term average climate, not just a peak value. We actually need to act drastically—not just to save a single country, but to protect all of humanity from extreme weather, rising sea levels, and further consequences.

Now for the good news:

This contradiction—believing but not acting—is not your fault. Psychologists and climate scientists have come to understand why we act this way. And once we understand the „why,“ we can take targeted action.

Why Our Brains Hit the Brakes on Climate Change

Our brains are specialized in detecting immediate dangers—anything that happens suddenly and demands an instant reaction. However, they hardly respond to slow, abstract, or distant risks. They weren’t built for that. A loud bang makes us flinch instantly, but we accept the increasing frequency of extreme weather events with relative calm.

Not because it isn’t dangerous, but because this danger doesn’t emerge in split seconds; it develops over years and decades. Thus, it falls under the radar of our ancient alarm mechanisms. That is why climate change feels abstract to many—not a mistake in thinking, just human nature.

Researchers call this „Psychological Distance.“

There are several ways climate change feels distant: Temporal: It happens in the future. Spatial: It happens far away. Social: It affects others, not me. Hypothetical: It could happen, but doesn’t have to.

In addition, there is another problem.

Each of these distances makes it harder for us to act. Additionally, there is the „diffusion of responsibility.“ When everyone is responsible, no one feels solely responsible. Among 8 billion people, many think: „What can I change on my own?“ This question is understandable—but it is paralyzing.

Climate Science vs. The Fossil Fuel Lobby

Most people know climate change exists. Fewer know what it specifically means for them. And even fewer understand the whole story. Climate science is complicated because so many different factors interact. However, that isn’t the only reason we aren’t fully informed.

As early as the 1970s, climate researchers warned of warming. By the 1980s, international conferences were already being held. Since then, the science has only become more certain.

The fossil fuel industry—oil, gas, coal—was also informed about the danger of global warming early on. Companies like ExxonMobil and Shell conducted their own scientific studies that clearly confirmed man-made warming. But instead of making these findings public or supporting measures, most corporations chose a different strategy: they specifically funded doubt, counter-arguments, and campaigns designed to question the science—to protect their business models and profits.

This tactic isn’t new. The tobacco industry acted similarly for decades. Although it was long known that smoking causes cancer, tobacco companies deliberately spread misleading information and used massive advertising and lobbying to downplay the danger. The same pattern occurred with fossil fuels. This strategy worked for decades: scientists debated publicly while the fossil fuel industry sowed further doubt. The media presented „both sides,“ and large parts of the population remained unsettled. Necessary political action was successfully delayed.

That era is over. The scientific consensus is overwhelming—over 99 percent of experts agree. And the public is beginning to understand this. Belief in man-made climate change is rising every year. But why do we still doubt?

Where Does the Doubt Really Come From?

Part of the problem is still misinformation. Many media outlets continue to report on „both sides“ of the debate, as if a scientific consensus and a small minority of skeptics were of equal weight. This creates artificial uncertainty, even though the science has been clear for decades.

Another part runs deeper: identity and morality. For many people, believing in climate change means questioning the current system—cars, meat, flying, and abundance. This threatens their identity and their values. Therefore, it is not „stupid“ people who deny climate change, but rather people whose worldview is being threatened.

This is important to understand: You are not a bad person for having doubts. You are simply trying to make sense of your world. However, that world is sometimes being explained to us incorrectly on purpose—driven by financial interests, not by science.

Social Norms: The Key to Change

So, why do we believe in climate change but fail to act? It certainly isn’t because we are lazy or stupid. Rather, psychological barriers are holding us back. As long as we recognize these barriers, we can overcome them.

Here is a concrete example that works: When your neighbor adopts a new technology—whether it’s solar panels or something else—25 to 30 percent more neighbors will install it as well. Why? Not because they were persuaded. But because it suddenly feels normal.

Here is an example of where this has already worked.

In the past, nobody wore seatbelts in cars. It was seen as unnecessary, excessive, or a nuisance. That perception changed slowly. Today, everyone knows that buckling up saves lives. Personally, it actually feels strange to even move my car quickly on my own property without a seatbelt. I grew up with a completely different norm than my parents and grandparents.

The key is not to wait for politics to force a change upon us. The key is for sustainable decisions to feel natural and self-evident. Small actions change the perception of what is „normal.“ One neighbor starts. The others see it. Suddenly, three people inspire the next three. That is exponential growth.

"Belief" vs. "Understanding"

What is the difference?

Belief means: “Yes, climate change exists.” Understanding goes deeper: “I understand why it is happening, who it affects, what I can do, and why my actions make a difference.”

And who has this understanding? People with more education. But education doesn’t automatically mean a university degree or a PhD. Education is much simpler and closer to us than ever before. Education is information. Education leads to understanding. Education happens in the exact moment you read this article and ask yourself: “Ah, now I understand why we humans hesitate. Now I understand how I can change my behavior and why.”

Education also means being critical. Perhaps you read some sections and wonder: “Is that true? Where did she get this information?” Then you scroll down to the sources and read up on it. That is exactly what education is. Not just believing everything, but questioning it: “How do you actually know that?”

The most important thing: You too can inform others. You don’t need an academic degree for that — just understanding. You explain it to a friend, they pass it on, and in this way, knowledge spreads like a conversation that keeps growing.

What you can specifically do

Concrete steps you can take

Be visible.

When you do something for the climate—no matter what it is—talk about it. Not in a moralizing way, but as something normal. Maybe someone compliments you on your great style, and you can say: „I bought this outfit second-hand because…“ People don’t see your inner convictions; they only see your behavior. And when they see your behavior, they change their perception of what is „normal.“ One neighbor sees that it works. The others see two people doing the same. Suddenly, it becomes the norm. (Recall the example of wearing seatbelts in cars.)

Start within your own circle.

You can’t save the entire world, and you don’t have to. But you can inspire the people around you. Your family. Your friends. Your neighbors. Tell them why you believe taking action is important. Share what you have learned. People listen to those they trust far more than they listen to statistics.

Be politically active.

Vote for people who take climate change seriously. Write to your representatives. Sign petitions. It might sound small, but governments listen to their voters. When enough people say, „This matters to me,“ policy changes. A great example of this is the ban on CFCs in the 1980s. When it became clear that these substances were destroying the ozone layer, citizens began to exert pressure: they wrote to politicians, organized campaigns, signed petitions, and consciously bought CFC-free products.

This suddenly made the issue a priority for political parties because voters had shown: „This affects us.“ This public pressure eventually led to the Montreal Protocol—one of the most successful environmental agreements in history. Without the many small political actions of individual people, this change would never have happened.

Share information.

Whenever you’ve learned something new—a fresh thought, a new skill, or a facts—share it. Whether with one person or many. On social media or over coffee with a friend. Personally, I see this as my preferred way to contribute to climate protection. I believe there is a wide gap between science and society, and I try to bridge this gap by explaining scientific findings in a way that reaches the people they actually affect.

There are many ways you can exert influence. People act differently—some through leading by example, some through conversation, some through politics, and some through information. The most important point isn’t which path you take. The most important point is: Start. Choose a way that feels right for you. Not the one that sounds the best, but the one you actually want to and can do. Because when you start, you inspire others. And then, exponential growth happens all on its own.

You are not alone

Worldwide, the majority of people believe in climate change. This may vary in some countries, but it remains the majority of the world nonetheless. And this majority knows: something has to change. It has to change now. We are living in a critical window. In three years, the 1,5° deg. goal will be out of reach. But three years are also an opportunity. In three years, we as humans can change our perception and our actions, because we know how.Here is your first small task: Think of one person—a friend, a family member, a colleague—who trusts you. Tell this person one thing you learned from this article. Not everything. Just one thing. “I learned that climate change feels abstract because our brains are hardwired for immediate dangers.” Or: “I learned that if you try something new, your neighbor will likely do it too—because it seems normal.”

Hier ist deine erste kleine Aufgabe: Denke an eine Person — einen Freund, ein Familienmitglied, einen Kollegen — der dir vertraut. Erzähle dieser Person eine Sache, die du aus diesem Artikel gelernt hast. Nicht alles. Eine Sache. „Ich habe gelernt, dass Klimawandel sich abstrakt anfühlt, weil unser Gehirn auf sofortige Gefahren ausgelegt ist.“ Oder: „Ich habe gelernt, dass wenn du etwas Neues ausprobierst, dein Nachbar es wahrscheinlich auch tut – weil es normal wirkt.“

And personally?

I am confident. In my work as a diving instructor, I am seeing a shift. Where a few years ago we only talked about fish, today I get many questions about marine conservation and climate change. I try to give every one of my divers a message to take away with them. And I believe that is the first step in the right direction. A change of heart needs to happen within us—and it is happening. Unfortunately, it’s still a bit slow, but it’s not impossible. In that spirit, let’s talk more about the climate. Because it affects us all.

Your task is small. You don’t have to change the world. You only need to inspire three people. Or two. Or one. That is the first domino. And then the next one will fall.

Yours, Lea

Public Opinion & Surveys

Public Opinion on Climate Attribution: Majorities of Americans think global warming is affecting extreme weather events

Public understanding of climate change has grown in the U.S.

https://www.cleanenergywire.org/factsheets/global-surveys-show-peoples-growing-concern-about-climate-change#eight

https://www.ipsos.com/sites/default/files/ct/news/documents/2025-04/People&ClimateChange2025.pdf

Scientific Consensus (99%)

https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ac2966/pdf

1.5-Degree Limit & IPCC

GTP Report 2025 – https://global-tipping-points.org/

https://essd.copernicus.org/articles/17/2641/2025/essd-17-2641-2025.pdf

Psychological Barriers

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20190304-human-evolution-means-we-can-tackle-climate-change

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.568899/full

The Diffusion of Responsibility for Active Transportation

Fossil Fuel Industry & Misinformation

https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2025-05/Decades-of-Deceit-report-f.pdf

Exxon’s Climate Denial History: A Timeline

https://www.climaterealityproject.org/blog/climate-denial-machine-how-fossil-fuel-industry-blocks-climate-action

Social Norms

How Social Norms Drive Sustainable Behavior (And Why They Matter for Climate Action)

Education & Action

https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/developmenttalk/untapped-potential-education-battle-against-climate-change

All sources and websites were last accessed on December 10, 2025.

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