Activating an evidence-based identity increases the impact of evidence on policymaker beliefs about local climate policies

Abstract Evidence-based policymaking has the potential to improve efficiency and impact of climate mitigation adaptation policies, but that promise cannot be fulfilled if policymakers fail change their minds (update beliefs) when presented with new evidence. Research suggests individuals often resist changing mind, especially on polarized topics like action. Here we explore whether an ‘evidence-based policymaker’ intervention can reduce resistance interpret information. We hypothesize that, wish see themselves as ‘evidence-based’, reminding them identity make beliefs more comfortable. This is because belief-updating provides opportunity affirm evidence-based policymaker. In two survey studies state local U.S. policymakers—a neutral policy pilot ( n = 152) a polarizing experiment 356)—we show was effective, even evidence incompatible prior or party ideology. finding making identities salient presenting could increase information’s policymaking.