Why Everyone Assumes Someone Else Will Act on Climate

In the late 1960s, psychologists John Darley and Bibb Latané studied why people often fail to help during emergencies. They found that as the number of bystanders increases, each individual becomes less likely to intervene. This phenomenon is known as the bystander effect.

Climate change may be creating a version of the bystander effect on a global scale. 

A Diffusion of Responsibility

Many people assume that governments, businesses, or international organizations will solve climate change. As a result, individuals may feel unqualified or assume that because so many people are working on the issue, their participation isn’t necessary. Psychologists refer to this reaction as a diffusion of responsibility.

Governments and corporations also operate within political and economic systems that can slow ambitious climate action because they may value profit over the wellbeing of people and the planet. Assuming these institutions will solve climate change can create a false sense of security and reinforce the bystander effect.

Some people hope that future technologies, scientific breakthroughs, or artificial intelligence will solve climate change. Innovation will likely play a role, but relying on future solutions delays immediate action. Global warming is accelerating and we need to respond and act with urgency. 

We might also assume that climate activists have the issue covered, but climate activism has high rates of burnout and would benefit from more participation.

What We Can Do

The majority of people care about the Earth and want stronger climate action, but may feel powerless or overwhelmed by the enormity of the issue. We must challenge the belief that we are powerless or that other people will take care of the issue.

The good news is that the bystander effect isn't permanent. Seeing other people take action, believing our actions matter, and joining a local environmental group are all effective ways to overcome it. We can also focus on the actions within our control: supporting local climate initiatives, reducing waste, growing food, installing renewable energy where possible, caring for local ecosystems, and strengthening our communities (see the Articles section for coverage of all these topics and more).

When one person acts, they often make it easier for others to act, as well. Let's work together to create a better world.