'Because climate change is a collective problem, taking action hinges on not just what we believe we personally can do, but on what we think others will do[7]. This is known as collective efficacy.'[1]
People work better when they have group to consider[1,2]. Personally, my collective efficacy comes from MIT Alumni for Climate Action (MACA), my network of climate activists, and the journal articles that I read. I learn much from each. I then share what I learn. I have confidence in what I learn because I am a chemical engineer and have the education to understand the science of climate change. So, I am prepared for debates with climate deniers.
As [1] states, people are less likely to engage if they think the majority is against the idea. This is where mavericks come into the picture. Leaders can emerge, but the sources the leaders use must be trusted. Because I used my education, as a chemical engineer, to optimize greater than 25 processes, I know that education works. I have first hand experiences. I also know that literature research works as well, which gives me confidence in most literature. Many less educated people lack these experiences. Let us face reality. Many had to take algebra in high school and don't use it in their daily lives. So, they don't develop experiences that education works. I argue that this is the average North American.
So, the key is to quickly educate the average population on climate change. I feel this can be done by reading articles like [1,2]. Still, I did not come up with this idea on my own. It was borne from interacting with National Academies experts on climate change. The National Academies are some of our nation's greatest thinkers. They are a trustworthy source, and the literature can be had free of charge.
References:
[1] Frantz, C.M. To create serious movement on climate change, we must dispel the myth of indifference. Nat Commun 13, 4780 (2022). https://lnkd.in/ekDD4Drt
[2] Hornung, J. Social identities in climate action. Clim Action 1, 4 (2022). https://lnkd.in/e2HMnEpC
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