The coronavirus has changed our world in a short time. The speed at which people have adapted to stop the spread of the coronavirus is impressive. Individuals, organizations and governments have shown willingness to change their behavior to a great extent. This contrasts with the speed and motivation of individuals, organizations and governments to adjust their behavior when it comes to other global issues, such as climate change.

Insights into one crisis can help battle the other

The corona crisis and the climate crisis are of course different in nature. Still, we can learn from the corona crisis and find ways to deal with the climate crisis. For example, to stop the coronavirus, people are asked to adhere to various guidelines such as keeping a 1.5 meter distance and washing hands. While, for example, to limit the climate crisis, people are asked to fly less or eat less meat. How do people make their choices in following guidelines?

Researchers at the University of Amsterdam will study the reasons why people adhere to the Covid19 guidelines and change their behavior. These insights will be compared to people's reasons for adapting their behavior when it comes to other global issues to learn more about the differences and similarities. This knowledge will be used at a later stage to find ways to encourage people to behave in a more climate-friendly way.