Leveraging the Social Neuroscience of Prosocial Behavior to Advance Our Understanding of Pro-environmental Behavior

Abstract

This chapter explores the intersection of social neuroscience and pro-environmental behavior to understand how prosocial neuroscientific approaches can inform and enhance climate change mitigation efforts. It emphasizes the critical role of understanding cognitive, affective, and motivational antecedents of behavior to address climate change effectively. By examining the neural underpinnings of prosocial behavior, we highlight how insights from social neuroscience may be used to foster pro-environmental decisions and actions. We first discuss methodologies like functional magnetic resonance imaging and transcranial magnetic stimulation, underscoring their potential to reveal determinants of pro-environmental behavior. Then, we discuss the importance of empathy, social cognition, and the neural mechanisms underlying prosociality, suggesting that these can provide a foundation for investigating and encouraging pro-environmental behavior. In addition, the chapter aims to pave the way for a new subdiscipline, environmental social neuroscience, focusing on the cognitive, affective, and social drivers of environmental decision-making and behavior. Integrating neuroscientific and environmental psychology approaches requires innovative research to understand and mitigate the impacts of climate change, ultimately contributing to a sustainable future.