Human Responses and Adaptation in a Changing Climate: A Framework Integrating Biological, Psychological, and Behavioural Aspects

Abstract

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges of our times. Its impact on human populations is not yet completely understood. Many studies have focused on single aspects with contradictory observations. However, climate change is a complex phenomenon that cannot be adequately addressed from a single discipline’s perspective. Hence, we propose a comprehensive conceptual framework on the relationships between climate change and human responses. This framework includes biological, psychological, and behavioural aspects and provides a multidisciplinary overview and critical information for focused interventions. The role of tipping points and regime shifts is explored, and a historical perspective is presented to describe the relationship between climate evolution and socio-cultural crisis. Vulnerability, resilience, and adaptation are analysed from an individual and a community point of view. Finally, emergent behaviours and mass effect phenomena are examined that account for mental maladjustment and conflicts.

On climate anxiety and the threat it may pose to daily life functioning and adaptation: a study among European and African French-speaking participants

“…Thus, our results suggest that similar conclusions might apply to climate anxiety. These results also echo the notion of “eco-paralysis” (Albrecht 2011 ), where people become so anxious about climate change that it inhibits them from taking real behavioral action—a phenomenon, sometimes misinterpreted as apathy (Usher et al 2019 ; see also the notion of “total inertia,” Cianconi et al 2021 ).…”

Assessing Psychosocial Health Impacts of Climate Adaptation: A Critical Review

“…31 Over time, even across many centuries, adaptation by humans has either been limited or strengthened by biological, cultural, or technological resources. 17…”

“…31 Over time, even across many centuries, adaptation by humans has either been limited or strengthened by biological, cultural, or technological resources. 17 While technological, institutional, and financial factors are the main sources of barriers and limits articulated in adaptation literature, [32][33][34][35] there is a growing recognition that psychosocial factors can also represent formidable constraints to effective adaptation. 12,29 Limits are typically viewed as absolute, referring not just the point at which adaptation becomes inefficient, but also ineffective in reducing vulnerability.…”

“…29 In climate adaptation, strategies are needed to address the macro level (i.e., available societal resources and inherent strength of the species involved), the meso level (i.e., cultural and ethnic group capabilities), and the micro level (i.e., family and individual physical, emotional, and psychological abilities). 17 Psychological distancing regarding adaptation to climate change may be hindered by such factors as media coverage and incomplete information. Hindered psychological distancing can lead to helplessness, anxiety, or depression, resulting in inability to act (or react) or even outright rejection of the problem.…”

“…Depending on the nature of the climate event(s), the reactions may be mild to severe. 17 In our critical review and synthesis of the state of knowledge about the psychosocial health impacts of adaptation to climate change, we draw on existing literature to discuss theoretical and practical frameworks that can be used to explain the relationship between adaptation and psychosocial health. Moreover, this paper highlights the need to account for change over time in assessing the psychosocial health outcomes of climate change adaptation.…”