Behavioral Science Meets the Energy Transition, with Gerdien de Vries, Associate Professor at TU Delft

Ever wondered why we react the way we do to change, especially when it comes to the big stuff like sustainability and the energy transition?

Well, today we're diving into that very topic with our guest, Gerdien de Vries, an expert in climate psychology from TU Delft.

We’ll explore why some people are all in for new energy solutions while others dig in their heels. We'll break down psychological concepts like cognitive dissonance and social identity, revealing how they shape our responses to new energy projects and technologies.

Plus, we'll discuss how our livelihoods impact our openness to change, making it clear that understanding these dynamics is crucial for fostering real progress.

Takeaways:

• Understanding why we react differently to change is crucial, especially in sustainability contexts.
• Psychological concepts like cognitive dissonance can explain our resistance to necessary changes.
• Social identity plays a big role in how we perceive and accept new energy technologies.
• Communication is key in overcoming public resistance to sustainable energy projects.
• Life events often propel us to change when we otherwise might stick to the status quo.
• Engaging people from diverse backgrounds fosters understanding and can lead to effective climate action.

Links referenced in this episode:

• Gerdien's LinkedIn profile
• TU Delft
• vklavenes.substack.com