Seminar Anne Valkengoed: What can environmental psychologists teach modellers about sustainable lifestyle change? On integrating human behaviour in models

In this session, Dr. Anne Valkengoed, Assistant Professor at Wageningen University, will present her work on integrating human behaviour in models. See abstract below.

What can environmental psychologists teach modellers about sustainable lifestyle change? On integrating human behaviour in models

Models are essential in science and policy-making. In many models, such as climate models, epidemiological models, or energy models, it is important to represent aspects of human decision-making and behaviour. This is easier said than done. In this talk, I share my perspective as a psychologist (and non-modeller) on the question of modelling human behaviour. I will specifically talk about how to represent the drivers of sustainable lifestyle choices in climate models. I discuss what (environmental) psychology has to offer to modellers, what barriers currently hinder modellers from making the most of this literature, and how we can best bridge the gap. I also show that psychologists can benefit from working with and thinking more like modellers.