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Coping with the climate crisis: How to address climate emotions to galvanize sustainability transformations

Kirkhus, Ragnhild LU (2022) In Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science MESM02 20221
LUCSUS (Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies)
Abstract
Effectively coping with climate emotions has untapped potential to galvanize sustainability transformations. This thesis investigates how individuals cope effectively with climate change, and how to upscale coping for sustainability. First, I used a systematic literature review to define effective coping: coping that ensures emotional wellbeing and climate engagement, encompassing meaning- focused approaches. Next, I used a systematic document review to compare literature to a case study, BeChange, that helps people reduce their emissions and cope with climate emotions. BeChange applied both meaning- and problem-focused coping and demonstrated improved emotional wellbeing and pro-environmental behavior in selfreport surveys. Finally, the... (More)
Effectively coping with climate emotions has untapped potential to galvanize sustainability transformations. This thesis investigates how individuals cope effectively with climate change, and how to upscale coping for sustainability. First, I used a systematic literature review to define effective coping: coping that ensures emotional wellbeing and climate engagement, encompassing meaning- focused approaches. Next, I used a systematic document review to compare literature to a case study, BeChange, that helps people reduce their emissions and cope with climate emotions. BeChange applied both meaning- and problem-focused coping and demonstrated improved emotional wellbeing and pro-environmental behavior in selfreport surveys. Finally, the results from the two reviews were situated in the three spheres of transformation framework to explore the potential for upscaling effective coping, suggesting that effective coping can contribute to sustainability transformations across scales. Actors working towards sustainability, like social innovations, educators, and social movements, can target effective coping to increase sustainability. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Kirkhus, Ragnhild LU
supervisor
organization
course
MESM02 20221
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Climate change, climate psychology, wellbeing, pro-environmental behavior, coping theory, three spheres of transformation framework, sustainability science
publication/series
Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science
report number
No 2022:017
language
English
id
9085096
date added to LUP
2022-06-10 08:59:57
date last changed
2022-06-10 08:59:57
@misc{9085096,
  abstract     = {{Effectively coping with climate emotions has untapped potential to galvanize sustainability transformations. This thesis investigates how individuals cope effectively with climate change, and how to upscale coping for sustainability. First, I used a systematic literature review to define effective coping: coping that ensures emotional wellbeing and climate engagement, encompassing meaning- focused approaches. Next, I used a systematic document review to compare literature to a case study, BeChange, that helps people reduce their emissions and cope with climate emotions. BeChange applied both meaning- and problem-focused coping and demonstrated improved emotional wellbeing and pro-environmental behavior in selfreport surveys. Finally, the results from the two reviews were situated in the three spheres of transformation framework to explore the potential for upscaling effective coping, suggesting that effective coping can contribute to sustainability transformations across scales. Actors working towards sustainability, like social innovations, educators, and social movements, can target effective coping to increase sustainability.}},
  author       = {{Kirkhus, Ragnhild}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  series       = {{Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science}},
  title        = {{Coping with the climate crisis: How to address climate emotions to galvanize sustainability transformations}},
  year         = {{2022}},
}