Motivation Science, Vol 12(2), Jun 2026, 173-183; doi:10.1037/mot0000362
This article examines the climate crisis through the lens of a social dilemma, presenting three key propositions. Proposition 1 posits that climate change involves a conflict between short-term self-interest and longer-term collective interest, influencing both affective and behavioral responses. Our analysis connects social dilemmas with emotion theory to suggest when, how, and which individual and collective-level emotions may arise when facing climate change. Proposition 2 categorizes these emotions into two types: understanding-oriented emotions, which are mental states focused on the broader circumstances and impacts of the climate crisis, and action-oriented emotions, which are moral and social emotions guiding future actions. Proposition 3 asserts that “feeling is for doing,” as we draw on existing research to identify affective states that may promote cooperative, proenvironmental behavior. Acknowledging that evidence is mixed and other factors influence the transition from emotion to action, we hope to highlight key directions and inspire future research on the role of emotions in fostering proenvironmental behavior. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)