From Denial to Acceptance—Leveraging the Five Stages of Grief to Unlock Climate Action

Ivo Baselt (), Sabine Erber, Laurence Monnet, Frédéric Berger, Fabio Carnelli, Lydia Pedoth, Andrea Moro, Elena Bazzan and Rogelio Bonilla
Additional contact information
Ivo Baselt: Research Group Alpine Streams and Natural Hazards, University of the Bundeswehr Munich, Werner-Heisenberg Weg 39, 85577 Neubiberg, Germany
Sabine Erber: Energy Institute Vorarlberg, Stadtstrasse 33, Campus V, 6850 Dornbirn, Austria
Laurence Monnet: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Énergie Environnement, Le Stratège-Péri, 18 Rue Gabriel Péri, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
Frédéric Berger: French National Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment (INRAE), Rue de la Papeterie–BP76 2, 38402 St-Martin-d’Hères, France
Fabio Carnelli: EURAC Research, Center for Climate Change and Transformation, Viale Druso 1, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
Lydia Pedoth: EURAC Research, Center for Climate Change and Transformation, Viale Druso 1, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
Andrea Moro: iiSBE Italia, International Initiative for a Sustainable Built Environment, Energy Center, Via Borsellino 38/16, 10138 Torino, Italy
Elena Bazzan: iiSBE Italia, International Initiative for a Sustainable Built Environment, Energy Center, Via Borsellino 38/16, 10138 Torino, Italy
Rogelio Bonilla: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Énergie Environnement, Le Stratège-Péri, 18 Rue Gabriel Péri, 69100 Villeurbanne, France

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 19, 1-30

Abstract: Climate change is not only a technical and environmental challenge but also an emotional and psychological one that affects public engagement, policy acceptance, and long-term sustainability. This study presents a conceptual framework based on the Kübler-Ross model from psychotherapy to explore emotional responses to climate change: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Based on a thematic analysis of the interdisciplinary secondary literature and illustrative cases, we analyse how these emotional dynamics influence climate mitigation and adaptation efforts. Each stage reveals specific psychological barriers and entry points for communication, resilience-building, and policy design. We argue that emotional readiness is a critical yet underacknowledged factor in sustainable development and societal transformation. Addressing emotional dimensions can support mental health, increase acceptance of climate measures, and improve the alignment between sustainability strategies and public responses. Our findings emphasise the importance of tailoring sustainability communication and policies to different emotional stages to foster inclusive, effective, and lasting climate action.

Keywords: climate grief; emotional responses; climate change communication; Kübler-Ross model; adaptation; sustainability engagement; climate psychology; thematic analysis; eco-anxiety; public acceptance (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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