Author: Jan Maskell
In this review, we hear from Geeta Dhir, Rachel Forrest and Nicole Harris, Educational Psychologists who form part of the EcoEdPsychs working group.
What is this book about?
The book covers the principles and background theories around work psychology (or occupational psychology), taking different aspects such as: organisational change; leadership; motivation and job satisfaction; wellbeing, stress and resilience; and psychological assessment and linking each of these to how they can be used to support an organisation in working towards their climate change goals.
It includes a few pragmatic ideas around reducing carbon emissions, supporting ‘green jobs’ and creating an ethos of sustainability.
Did any bits in particular stand out for you?
Within each chapter there are reflection points. Many of these are useful, allowing time to think about areas of strength and weakness with regards to sustainable practices within an organisation
We liked the suggestion that “in the same way that issues of diversity and inclusion are an integral part of all development activities so should environmental sustainability be integrated” (pg 120). Giving climate care and planetary wellbeing a level of priority and urgency that would help all employees of an organisation become more committed to acting sustainably.
Who would you say ‘Work Psychology and the Climate Crisis’ is for?
The book covers a wide range of principles and theories. Consequently, it has a ‘textbook’ feel to it and is a good reference book. It takes different areas of work psychology and breaks them down so that the reader better understands the many psychological theories, models and concepts that can be used to support organisational change. Each chapter begins with a section on ‘Learning Outcomes’ which prepares the reader for what to expect in that particular chapter, and also means that it is easier to find the topics/ areas of interest that are most relevant to you.
We feel this book is aimed at people who have some influence and power within their organisation and are able to effect systemic change.
This book could also be for people who are at the beginning of their understanding of the enormity of the climate crisis and want to be an agent of change at the systemic level, as it gives a broad and simple explanation of this and some simple ideas of what to do. It gives ‘food for thought’ regarding the multitude of factors to consider, when working with systems and organisations.
Are there any ideas you found challenging or anything you would have liked the book to have developed further?
Each chapter provides a glossary of terms, which can be helpful. However, we feel that some abbreviations and acronyms, as well as key terms such as Net Zero, are not explained.
There are many areas in which we felt the book could have made further positive contributions, such as describing innovative and future-focused thinking around sustainability and climate awareness within an organisation. We would have loved for some bold and ambitious ways forward to have been mentioned, with some inspiring examples of what the most forward thinking, climate-conscious organisations are doing.
This book largely only talks about organisations working towards Net Zero goals when there are so many other examples of how to be more environmentally aware, and more engaged with planetary health and wellbeing.
We have included a few inspiring examples here, to showcase what can be done when organisations think bold, ethical and sustainable thoughts:
- Biodiverse Pocket Forests by SUGi | Urban Nature Restoration
- Ghana trains over 600 primary school teachers on climate change and green economy | UNITAR
- FP274: Building the Climate Resilience of Children and Communities through the Education Sector (BRACE) | Green Climate Fund
- Rooftop solar panels, hydroponics farms: Climate education picks up pace in Singapore schools – CNA
- 2025 – Ghana – 60 million girls
So definitely a read for EPs?
Our collective view is that this could be a good read for an EP who is looking to work systemically in supporting climate change matters, either within their own organisation or in supporting a school. Therefore, this may interest an EP who has a responsibility in this area, or who has some systemic responsibility. Head teachers may find some ideas interesting when thinking about organisational change with regards to climate change.
What are your key take-aways? Any gems?
It was interesting to see the similarities and differences in the frameworks and theories used by Educational Psychologists and Work/ Occupational psychologists, for example the theories on motivation, including Deci and Ryan’s (2008) ‘Self Determination Theory’. It was helpful to consider that different people will have different motivators for engaging (or not) in more sustainable behaviours. It was also good to see a chapter on well-being, stress and resilience – which could be a book all on its own.
The book speaks to using both hope and fear to help elicit change. It suggests that focussing on the threat of climate change can evoke a fear response, rather than a change in behaviour. It indicates, however, that hope on its own can create complacency. This book suggests that a fear element, combined with a control element, can lead to action and successful action can lead to hope. We wondered if, perchance, there were other psychological frameworks that could have been brought in as motivators for change (e.g., solution focussed, appreciative enquiry).
This book speaks to a ‘threat of climate change’, suggesting that this ‘threat’ is hanging over us and which implies that we have the chance to avoid it. This, however, is no longer true. The climate crisis is what we are currently living through. It has started. It is here. The fact that we feel fear is a natural response. As EPs, we are seeing this in our work in schools – children and young people feel fear, anxiety, despondency, overwhelm and hopelessness over their futures. We must, all of us (school, parents/carers, EPs, children and young people), step into this fear and act anyway.
We must collectively take action and act with hope.
