Abstract
Climate change is one of our times most important and complex challenges. It will lead to large scale changes such as higher temperatures, water scarcity, more unpredictable precipitation and intense storms, which in turn will increase drought, flooding, infrastructure damage, forest fires and more. Possibly, we might also face tipping points such as ice sheet collapse, permafrost thawing, collapse of vital sea currents, and Amazon dieback. Although we know quite well what causes climate change and that both mitigation of greenhouse gases and increased adaption to cushion unavoidable changes are necessary, policy responses have so far not been sufficient and efficient enough. This paper addresses why climate change is so difficult for us human beings to handle politically as well as psychologically, with a minimum of formal terminology. It takes its point of point of departure in distinguishing between intuition and strategy, which in many ways match differences in the left and right brain hemispheres (McGilchrist 2019). Intuition comprises everything we do without much thought. Our brains delegate as much as it can to functions beyond our temporary or permanent control and awareness to save energy and increase efficiency. Thus, intuition guides us via hardwired circuits, sensor inputs, emotions and feelings towards the ultimate objective of survival. However, we also have an ability to act strategically, typically using our conscious awareness to make simulations of alternative futures.
Presenters
Björn HasslerProfessor, Department of Environmental Studies, Södertörn University, Stockholms län, Sweden
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2026 Special Focus—Unseen Unsustainability: Addressing Hidden Risks to Long-Term Wellbeing for All
KEYWORDS
Climate Change, Challenges, Politics, Psychology
