The relevance of behavioral patterns in dealing with human-induced climate change: Results from a survey with 1,510 researchers

Sven Grüner and Oliver Mußhoff

PLOS Climate, 2026, vol. 5, issue 8, 1-14

Abstract: This paper presents the findings of a global survey involving 1,510 researchers regarding climate change, focusing on behavioral patterns perceived as relevant to adaptation and mitigation efforts. Similar behavioral tendencies can be observed across both areas: inequity aversion, guilt aversion, and climate anxiety are seen as primary drivers (positive effects), while status quo bias, information avoidance, and mass numbing are regarded as considerable barriers (negative effects). Additionally, the paper finds that researchers’ diverse backgrounds partly explain differing perceptions, indicating the potential for intersectional collaboration in academia to address climate change.

Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pclm00:0000967

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pclm.0000967

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