Here’s what psychologists and sociologists have to say about why some people don’t believe in climate science. Scientists overwhelmingly agree that our climate is changing, Earth is getting warmer, sea levels are rising, and it’s primarily because of humans putting lots of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Yet 4 in 10 Americans aren’t convinced.

Here’s what psychologists and sociologists have to say about why some people don’t believe in climate science.

Recommended Reading/Sources

• “Don’t Even Think About It” by George Marshall.
• “The Republican Brain” by Chris Mooney.
• “Unscientific America” by Chris Mooney and Sheril Kirshenbaum.
• “Fool Me Twice” by Shawn Lawrence Otto.

Want to learn about the science of climate change and why humans are causing it, but in layman’s terms?

• Climate Change: Evidence and Causes (National Academy of Sciences/Royal Society).
• Global Weirdness (Climate Central)
• How to Change Minds About Our Changing Climate (Seth Darling + Douglas Sisterson)