A recent investigation has revealed that an individual’s personality can influence their beliefs regarding climate change, potentially impacting efforts to address climate skepticism. The study, conducted by Dalhousie University in Halifax, discovered that individuals exhibiting higher levels of skepticism towards climate change tend to possess traits associated with narcissism, machiavellianism, and psychopathy – characteristics indicating self-centeredness, manipulativeness, callousness, and social aversiveness. Conversely, those less skeptical about climate change often exhibit pro-social traits such as openness, agreeableness, honesty, humility, and emotionality.
Lead author of the study, Scott Pruysers, an associate professor in the university’s political science department, emphasized that comprehending the personality underpinnings of climate skepticism could facilitate the development of more effective strategies to promote environmentally conscious behavior. By identifying those less engaged with the issue, Pruysers believes that innovative messaging approaches will be essential in fostering greater awareness and concern for climate change.
The study’s methodology involved analyzing data from a survey of 1,725 Canadians conducted in 2020. Participants were asked to express their agreement or disagreement with various statements related to climate change beliefs. Unlike previous studies that focused on limited participant demographics, this study ensured a diverse representation of participants in terms of income, gender, and age distribution, aiming for a more comprehensive understanding of climate skepticism roots. Additionally, the study employed a detailed personality assessment encompassing over 160 descriptors, surpassing the scope of previous research that typically utilized fewer descriptors to evaluate personality traits.
Scientific consensus worldwide affirms that human activity has significantly contributed to climate change, as highlighted by the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Despite this consensus, the study revealed that a notable percentage of participants hold beliefs downplaying the impact of human activities on climate change or question the necessity of government intervention to address climate issues. Recent data indicates a pervasive level of skepticism among Canadians, accompanied by diminishing concerns about climate change.
Demographic and political factors were identified as influential in shaping climate skepticism, with men and individuals leaning towards right-wing ideologies displaying higher levels of skepticism. Conversely, higher education levels, income, and political knowledge correlated with lower levels of skepticism. The study emphasized that openness was a crucial predictor of climate skepticism, surpassing factors such as age, education, income, and political interest in determining attitudes towards climate change.
Acknowledging the role of personality in shaping climate beliefs, Pruysers suggested that diverse strategies might be necessary to engage climate skeptics in adopting eco-friendly practices. While the study refrains from labeling skeptics as narcissistic or psychopathic, it underscores the spectrum nature of personality traits, indicating that most individuals exhibit varying degrees of these traits.
Matthew Hornsey, a professor at the University of Queensland, acknowledged the significance of the study in linking personality traits to climate skepticism. However, he cautioned against overestimating the impact of personality on climate beliefs, highlighting the complexity of predicting individuals’ views solely based on their personality. Despite the challenges in applying these findings practically, advancements in artificial intelligence offer potential opportunities to tailor messages based on individuals’ personalities through media consumption and social media interactions.
