Scientists who put faith in technology less likely to take climate action
A study by the London School of Economics indicates that scientists who believe technology will primarily solve climate change are less likely to engage in civic action or make significant lifestyle changes. The research found that these 'techno-optimists' are 23% less likely to sign petitions or protest and 18% less likely to adopt high-impact sustainable habits compared to their skeptical peers. The lead author argues that this reliance on unproven technological solutions may hinder the necessary socioeconomic transformations required to address the climate crisis.
- ▪The study surveyed more than 9,000 scientists across 115 countries to assess their views on technological solutions to climate change.
- ▪Scientists with techno-optimistic views were 23% less likely to sign petitions or participate in protests than those who doubted technology would be the main solution.
- ▪Techno-optimists were also 18% less likely to make high-impact lifestyle changes, such as reducing flights or adopting a vegan or vegetarian diet.
- ▪The belief in technological salvation was most prevalent among scientists with right-leaning political views and those working in applied and natural sciences.
- ▪Lead author Fabian Dablander stated that technological solutions are politically attractive because they promise to address climate change without requiring changes to consumption habits.
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| Original publisher | The Guardian — World |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/oct/07/scientists-technology-less-likely-climate-crisis-action |
| Publication time | Wed, 07 Oct 2026 06:00:36 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-10-07T06:10:14.250Z |
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The lead author says technological solutions are often more attractive than lifestyle and consumption changes. Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenThe lead author says technological solutions are often more attractive than lifestyle and consumption changes. Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty ImagesClimate crisisScientists who put faith in technology less likely to take climate action‘Techno-optimism’ may lead to reliance on unproven solutions at expense of societal changes neededMatthew TaylorWed 7 Oct 2026 02.00 EDTLast modified on Wed 7 Oct 2026 02.02 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleScientists who believe technology will largely solve the problems caused by the climate crisis are less likely to engage in civic action on the issue, according to a study.The report from…
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