What are the best methods to communicate climate change? A systematic literature review from the psychological point of view of the person as the decision maker

This paper investigates the most efficient methods of communicating climate change, approaching it from the area of psychology, motivated by the practical need for more comprehensive approaches to models of communication, and the increasing urgency for actionable ideas. This is attempted by bringing together research, real-life examples, and theory, to create a workable story of the current state of the science that can be utilized as a guide to real life scenarios until more decisive research can take its place. This is done by conducting a systematic literature review that aims to draw from the most impactful and influential research in the area of psychology. The findings show a large corpus of research that points to a rich, frustrating tapestry of interacting factors and barriers, across different levels of cognition, socio-economic situations, and environmental factors. In the discussion, an integrated view of the message receiver as a person who goes through the Attention-Processing-Action-taking cycle is constructed. Points of application, further research, and limitations are identified. This research aims to thus aid short-term practical necessities that arise in communication situations while providing direction for long-term research possibilities.