The peer-reviewed journal Sustainability has published our article “From Denial to Acceptance—Leveraging the Five Stages of Grief to Unlock Climate Action.”
The paper explores how emotional processes influence public perception, communication, and the implementation of climate adaptation strategies. Led by Ivo Baselt (University of the Bundeswehr Munich), the research team applies the well-known Kübler-Ross model of the five stages of grief to societal responses to climate change – from denial and anger to bargaining, depression, and ultimately acceptance. The study highlights that emotional readiness is a key yet often overlooked factor for sustainable transformation.
Using examples from the ADAPTNOW project, the authors show how Alpine communities and stakeholders can overcome emotional barriers and turn awareness into action. Acceptance, they argue, opens the door to creative, resilient, and collaborative solutions. The article demonstrates that effective climate adaptation depends not only on technical innovation but also on understanding human emotions. It reinforces ADAPTNOW’s mission to connect science, policy, and society – both emotionally and practically – to strengthen resilience in the Alpine regions.
You can read the article HERE
We wish you pleasant reading and congratulations to all the authors of the article!