Rethinking Climate Change Vulnerabilities in light of the COVID-19 Crisis: Illustrations through Conspiracy Theories and Diversity Issues
Abstract
Scholars have noted several connections between the COVID-19 pandemic and the climate crisis, ranging from the material influence of the pandemic on climate change processes (e.g., how lockdowns temporarily lowered climate emissions) to the similar ways the crises have been managed. Both crises are also global in scope, have exerted a significant toll in human lives and require major changes in our lifestyles. However, while collective responses to the COVID-19 were rapid and concerted, efforts to address climate change continue to be met with resistance. In this article, we investigate the social vulnerabilities common to both crises and the lessons that social scientists interested in climate change, and psychologists in particular, can take away from the pandemic. We focus on two broad topics of contemporary interest that lay bare social vulnerabilities of the coronavirus pandemicconspiracy theories and racial and ethnic inequitiesto highlight the ways that understanding psychological processes associated with the pandemic can help inform more efficient climate policies. We end by discussing recommendations as well as a framework to guide the application of psychological science findings to help address climate change.
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