2023-10-24
Photo: Isabelle McAllister.

Maria Wolrath Söderberg, a lecturer in rhetoric at Södertörn University, focuses her research on what drives and hinders Swedes regarding climate change. Her Summer in P1 radio show was among the most listened to segments of the season. She also hosts the podcast "Klimatgapet," examining the motivations behind climate-driven transformations.

Despite 93% of Sweden's population being well aware of the climate crisis, we continue to fly, shop, and discard items. This behavior often stems from self-made arguments like 'I'm a vegetarian, so I'll treat myself to a flight' or 'Yes, I'm driving today – after all, I took the train last time.' These are common arguments we use to deceive ourselves and alleviate our guilty conscience," explained Maria during her Summer in P1 show.

Why are we slow to adapt despite knowing the urgency?
− When asked this question, Maria emphasized, "It's primarily about habit and convenience. Change is difficult, and each alteration tends to be seen as a sacrifice. We tend to avoid changes; it's human nature. Therefore, we cushion our guilty conscience with various arguments, allowing us to continue our habitual patterns and behaviors.

How can we overcome these obstacles and excuses to drive transformation?
− Maria suggests, "By verbalizing it. Often, we're unaware of our reasoning; we simply act. However, putting words to, for example, the 'little-me argument,' minimizing personal impact as insignificant, or comparing our actions to others' worse behaviors, can make a difference. By vocalizing and addressing these excuses, more people become aware of the thought patterns that shield us from change. It becomes a way to debunk the poor excuse. Ultimately, holding onto an argument that most people around you acknowledge as a weak excuse doesn't work to alleviate your own guilty conscience.

Through the summer broadcast, people use my 'talk' as a tool to debunk excuses and the 'little-me' argument at dinner tables. Sharing my show with acquaintances has become a means of challenging excuses. I'm happy to facilitate that," Maria chuckles.

Group support has also been evident in my research. Many seek camaraderie, a sense of belonging, and support from like-minded individuals. This support seems crucial to maintain motivation when risking being seen as a 'party pooper' in other contexts. It appears that group support transforms latent knowledge into actionable change, helping individuals stay committed throughout.

How can we make people and companies truly realize the severity and kickstart the transformation?
− Maria believes, "Firstly, we need to dispel several myths. For instance, the notion that we shouldn't use moral arguments in transformation because it turns people off. That's an oversimplification. Climate change is a moral issue – it's about whether it's okay to encroach on others' or future generations' emission spaces. We've seen that moral arguments matter to those making the switch. People realize their lifestyle might require four Earths or that the emissions they generate now will impact their children. Oddly, in other contexts, we don't hesitate to bring up moral perspectives. Look at the pandemic – no one refrained from moralizing; the focus wasn't solely on ease or fun. History shows numerous instances where people made significant changes and sacrifices when understanding a crisis.

− We need to raise awareness of the crisis; many don't grasp the severity and proximity of the issue, even here in Sweden. They see it as a distant problem, in a different time and place. However, climate changes are happening here and now. Warming is greater closer to the poles than at the equator. Up here in the north, we'll be heavily affected if, for example, the Gulf Stream weakens or permafrost thaws. It's not our grandchildren's issue; it's our children's future. Moreover, we can't keep shifting responsibility elsewhere. It's not just politicians or other countries' responsibility; it's our collective responsibility. We need to work together, and everyone needs to contribute. This conversation needs to happen more," insists Maria.

In conclusion, we can't opt-out of the transformation. Nature doesn't listen to arguments. The longer we wait, the tougher the transition becomes. It's better to address it sooner, even if it's difficult. That way, we can manage it in an orderly and responsible manner. We'll need to support and encourage each other. The interest is enormous; everyone wants to discuss the transformation. I'm surprised by how much and how often people want to talk about this at various social gatherings. Many feel the dissonance between their lifestyle and what needs to be done, and many worry about their children. The more people take the climate crisis seriously, the better," concludes Maria.