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Envisaging Mitigation Action Can Induce Lower Discounting toward Future Environmental Gains and Promote Pro-Environmental Behavior

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  • Liang-Chu Ho

    (Institute of Education, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan)

  • Yu-Hsien Sung

    (Institute of Education, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan)

  • Chia-Chun Wu

    (Department of Psychology and Social Work, National Defense University, Taipei 112061, Taiwan)

  • Pei-Shan Lee

    (Institute of Education, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan)

  • Wen-Bin Chiou

    (Institute of Education, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan)

Abstract

Low engagement with climate change may stem from the tendency to discount the distant benefits of mitigation action. Hence, a reduced tendency to discount the future should be associated with increased involvement in climate change mitigation. Prior research has demonstrated that episodic future thinking (EFT; i.e., envisioning future events that involve self-projection) can reduce discounting. In two laboratory studies, we showed that engaging in EFT about mitigation action was associated with a lower discounting tendency toward future environmental gains (Experiments 1 and 2) and a greater tendency to act pro-environmentally, as manifested by using air conditioning in an energy-saving manner (Experiment 1), choosing a meal with less environmental impact (Experiment 2), and willingness to participate in beach cleaning (Experiment 2). The present findings suggest that engagement in EFT about mitigation action may represent a promising strategy for improving personal involvement in climate change.

Suggested Citation

  • Liang-Chu Ho & Yu-Hsien Sung & Chia-Chun Wu & Pei-Shan Lee & Wen-Bin Chiou, 2020. "Envisaging Mitigation Action Can Induce Lower Discounting toward Future Environmental Gains and Promote Pro-Environmental Behavior," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(21), pages 1-12, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:21:p:9289-:d:442036
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    References listed on IDEAS

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