Collective future thinking and contemporary climate action

Collective future thinking—imagining possible futures for society—plays an important role in shaping responses to climate change. Experimental studies have demonstrated that imagining a sustainable future increases pro-environmental intentions and support for environmental activism. However, the impact of these imagined futures depends on subjective appraisals—individuals who view a sustainable world positively are more likely to act. Additionally, emphasizing “co-benefits” of sustainable futures, such as stronger communities and increased well-being, enhances support for climate solutions. Other key features determining the effectiveness of interventions are a sense of collective efficacy and hope in creating the imagined future, and a sense of identification with a movement striving towards positive change. By highlighting the psychological mechanisms that connect future thinking to action, this work contributes to understanding how visions of the future can be leveraged to inspire climate action.