inaction…

People continue to pollute for several reasons:

• Pollution “doesn’t affect people’s everyday lives.”

• “Fear of…consequences.” “Will it cost me?”

• “‘It’s…hard to get people to change their way of life’.”

• “People tend to overweigh the potential negatives.”

• “Worry that [we] will be judged by others.”

• Avoidance: “Somebody will think of something.”

While we rationalize our addiction to pollution, the weather worsens.

• “There’s a time lag.” “We’re adjusting to…‘shifting baselines syndrome’…
   
      Little by little, a hotter, more chaotic, and more dangerous world is becoming normal to us.”

• “We…unknowingly accept an increasingly degraded…planet as normal.”

If you changed your life-style, would you put close relationships at risk?

• “Being a good…citizen…butts up against…tendencies to prioritize…families/friends.”

• “People learn…facts…through discussion with friends and family.”

When people quit a polluting life-style, it’s often because:

• “We have a positive view of [the new] behaviour, and have a strong sense of personal obligation.”

• “We believe the action will ‘matter’.” And we “feel inaction will compromise [our] values.”

How can we encourage more people to create less pollution?

• By sharing inspirational stories

• “Take an empathetic approach.”

• “The best antidote to climate anxiety is…action!”

• “Support networks are springing up.”