From Knowledge to Action: Motivating Responses to Climate Change

Jonathan Parker

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Title:

From Knowledge to Action: Motivating Responses to Climate Change

Author:

Jonathan Parker: Miyazaki International College, Japan

Download:

Full text (pdf)

Year:

2013

Conference:

Proceedings from the 50th Societas Ethica Annual Conference 2013. Climate Change; Sustainability; and an Ethics of an Open Future. August 22-25; 2013; Soesterberg; The Netherlands

Issue:

098

Article no.:

004

Pages:

41-47

No. of pages:

Publication type:

Abstract and Fulltext

Published:

2014-08-21

ISBN:

978-91-7519-289-5

Series:

Linköping Electronic Conference Proceedings

ISSN (print):

1650-3686

ISSN (online):

1650-3740

Publisher:

Linköping University Electronic Press; Linköpings universitet

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There is abundant literature detailing the decline in biodiversity; the loss of wild places and habitats; and a changing climate with all the attending affects to the health and sustainability of the planet and human populations worldwide. While continued monitoring of the health of our planet is necessary; along with literature conveying the scope of the problem; there is a greater need now for solutions that motivate individuals and communities to respond willfully and optimistically to confronting the staggering challenges raised by global climate change. All too often the response to dire predictions of endangered natural resources; climatic disruption; and ecosystem collapse is a kind of shock-induced paralysis. The problem we face is not that people are unaware of; or unconcerned about the threats posed by climate change (although certainly there are such people); but rather that it is difficult to make the lifestyle changes that are needed to ensure a healthy and secure planet for future generations. This paper brings interdisciplinary literature on the problem of moral motivation to bear on the issue of motivating people to make the transition from simply knowing about climate change to consciously adopting habits and making choices that can facilitate more sustainable lifestyles.

Keywords: Moral motivation; moral responsibility; akrasia

Proceedings from the 50th Societas Ethica Annual Conference 2013. Climate Change; Sustainability; and an Ethics of an Open Future. August 22-25; 2013; Soesterberg; The Netherlands

Author:

Jonathan Parker

Title:

From Knowledge to Action: Motivating Responses to Climate Change

References:

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Rosati; Connie S. 2008. “Moral Motivation;” The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Edited by Edward N. Zalta. Last modified on August 29; 2008. http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/moral-motivation/

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World Public Opinion. 2006. “30-Country Poll Finds Worldwide Consensus that Climate Change is a Serious Problem.” Accessed July 1; 2013.
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World Public Opinion. 2007. “International Polls Find Robust Global Support for Increased Efforts to Address Climate Change.” Accessed July 22; 2013.
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Proceedings from the 50th Societas Ethica Annual Conference 2013. Climate Change; Sustainability; and an Ethics of an Open Future. August 22-25; 2013; Soesterberg; The Netherlands

Author:

Jonathan Parker

Title:

From Knowledge to Action: Motivating Responses to Climate Change

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