How can psychology help us understand and solve environmental and energy-related problems?
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Do good out loud
The words we use, who we say them to, and how often we say them can be a form of climate action unto themselves. Even if all we are doing is expressing our concern about climate change, and our desire to avoid making it worse, that is already paving the way for others to see that they are not alone.
Research in tandem: dual degree master in sustainability and environmental psychology
Since 2021, the Environmental Psychology research group at University of Groningen and the Institute of Sustainable Psychology at Leuphana University have worked together to offer a Double Degree Master (DDM) in Sustainability and Environmental Psychology.
Recent research video explainer: Climate Action on Twitter (now X) during COP26
Discussion about citizens and local communities demonstrates hope and solidarity in enacting pro-environmental changes from the bottom up, signaling strong public demand for ambitious climate policies and actions.
“Sustainable behavior largely depends on access”: Linda Steg speaks with the Dutch National Citizens’ Assembly on Climate
Our colleague professor Linda Steg was one of the 50 experts invited to speak to the National Citizens' Assembly on Climate and share her insights on what motivates people to behave sustainably and be more accepting of pro-environmental policy.
Local fossil fuel ad ban as a catalyst for global change
Although the ban on fossil fuel ads is restricted to The Hague’s jurisdiction, the decision to implement the ban challenges norms and conventions that drive fossil-fuel consumption worldwide and sets an example for other governments to follow.
Temporal stability of public acceptability of novel and established energy technologies
This study examines how stable public acceptability judgements towards novel and established energy technologies are over time, which is important to consider in decision-making about the transition to low-carbon and energy-efficient systems.
Spring quarterly newsletter is out!
This quarterly edition includes upcoming events, our latest research publications, media appearances, an introduction of our new communications intern, latest news, and what we've been reading from other environmental psychology research groups.
Values at Work: Understanding the Relationship of Individual and Perceived Organisational Values on Employees’ Motivation and Pro-Environmental Behaviour at Work
Organisations have a critical role to play in this process by reducing their environmental impact, so it is essential to understand which factors affect workplace pro-environmental behaviours (WPEBs).
Climate action on Twitter: perceived barriers for actions and actors, and sentiments during COP26
We studied public perceptions of what climate actions are needed, which actors should and can act, and which factors inhibit or enable those actions using the naturally occurring discourse on climate actions on Twitter during COP26.
Can behavior change increase biodiversity?
Environmental psychology research is increasingly showing that behavior change can and should play a crucial role in staving off biodiversity loss, and reaffirming that behavior change is a vital tool to help us preserve the ecosystems and species that keep our planet healthy and beautiful.
People’s perception of biodiversity loss: Validation of a scale in Germany
How do people perceive this urgent but hidden crisis, and what determines their perceptions? To address this question, we developed and validated the Biodiversity Loss Perception Scale (BiLoPS), which measures people’s perceptions of the reality, causes, and consequences of biodiversity loss.
Our most significant environmental psychology research insights from 2024
We asked all of the senior researchers in our group what they felt was the most significant scientific breakthrough from within our department and among our former colleagues from the past 12 months. Here’s what they had to say.
Who we are and what we do
The Environmental Psychology Groningen expertise group investigates how willing people are to make a personal contribution to the cause of combating climate change and which policies can effectively encourage sustainable behaviour.