Tech-optimistic scientists are less likely to act on climate

Scientists who expect technology to solve the climate crisis are less likely to change their lifestyles or publicly support environmental causes, according to a study reported by ERR. Researchers surveyed more than 9,000 academics in 115 countries.

Scientists optimistic about technology were 23 percent less likely to sign petitions or take part in demonstrations than colleagues who were more sceptical about technology’s ability to solve the problem. They were also 18 percent less likely to make high-impact lifestyle changes, such as flying less or switching to a plant-based diet.

A little more than a quarter of respondents said technology could solve the climate crisis, while 44 percent disagreed. Confidence in technology was most common among scientists with right-wing political views and those working in natural and applied sciences.

The researchers, led by Fabian Dablander of the London School of Economics, said technology can seem appealing because it offers hope of tackling climate change without significantly changing consumption habits or lifestyles. But relying on solutions that have often not yet been proven could sideline necessary social change, they warned. The findings were published in Environmental Research Letters.