Carbon Inequality and Climate Responsibility: Two Social Psychological Propositions

ABSTRACT

Climate change unfolds amid profound inequalities, yet social and personality psychology has paid limited attention to how these inequalities shape climate engagement. This review advances two evidence‐based propositions. First, people often underestimate carbon inequality or remain unaware of climate injustice, with potential behavioral consequences. Second, socioeconomically advantaged individuals people contribute disproportionately to climate change but do not necessarily accept greater responsibility for addressing it. Potential psychological barriers include responsibility avoidance, insulation from climate risks, perceived threats to consumer freedom and well‐being, status‐driven consumption, and limited awareness of one's environmental impact and broader influence. Building on these propositions, the review identifies priorities for future research.