Defensive over Climate Change? Climate Shame as a Method of Moral Cultivation

Abstract The climate crisis is an enormous challenge for contemporary societies. Yet, public discussions on it often lead to anger, mocking, denial and other defensive behaviours, one prominent example of which the reception met by advocate Greta Thunberg. paper approaches this curious phenomenon via shame. It argues that very idea anthropogenic change invites feelings human failure thereby may also entice notion “climate shame” introduced distinguished from guilt”. Whereas guilt prioritises flourishing environment focused actions morality, shame concerned with identity selfhood. then explores whether a morally destructive or constructive emotion. Making use both psychological philosophical literature shame, although faces many challenges question its usefulness in moral pedagogy, these can be “moral maturity”—moreover, following utilitarian approach, overall benefits justify costs individuals. My argument holds potential being highly effective method persuasion, capable inviting wholesale critical reflection current, environmentally damaging practices cultivation more virtuous ways co-existing rest natural world species.