Analyzing single-action bias in dynamic climate change environments: insights from feedback and probability

Abstract

Abstract“Single action bias” (SAB) characterizes individuals’ inclination to undertake only one preventive measure against climate change, disregarding potentially more effective alternatives. This bias poses a significant obstacle to comprehensive responses to climate change. While dynamic climate simulators have been developed to raise awareness of climate change and encourage pro-environmental behaviors, the prevalence of SAB within these tools remains unexplored. This study introduces the “Single Action Bias-Interactive Climate Change Simulator” (SAB-ICCS) to investigate SAB’s manifestation in dynamic scenarios. Utilizing the framework of the Interactive Climate Change Simulator (ICCS), known for its efficacy in fostering pro-environmental actions, the SAB-ICCS explores how feedback, probability, and their interplay influence SAB prevalence during climate mitigation and adaptation decision-making. A total of 160 participants were randomly assigned to four conditions in the SAB-ICCS, varying feedback presence and climate change probability. Participants engaged in climate mitigation and adaptation actions, simulating the repercussions of climate change through investment choices in climate mitigation and adaptation (consisting of three insurance plans). The study’s dependent variables were the participants’ actions towards climate mitigation and adaptation. Results revealed a substantial prevalence of single action proportion (42%) compared to other action proportions. Furthermore, the total monetary investment was significantly higher when taking optimal actions than when exhibiting SAB. Moreover, a higher probability of climate change resulted in a higher prevalence of SAB (49%) than a lower probability (35%). Interestingly, feedback availability did not significantly impact SAB prevalence. Though both feedback and the probability of climate change influenced how participants exhibited SAB, and the absolute monetary investment was also significantly affected. This research enhances our comprehension of SAB within educational climate simulations, which is vital for informing climate education and policymaking. It offers insights for policymakers and educators to develop interventions addressing SAB, enhancing climate action strategies by understanding probability and feedback influences.