Overcoming Resistance: Lessons from Biology for Modifying Human Behavior and Combating Climate Change

The article discusses how UCLA researchers have utilized insights from biological resistance to develop a framework for modifying human behavior that contributes to climate change. By studying resistance in natural organisms, such as bacteria and agricultural pests, researchers have identified several effective tactics to counteract resistance. These tactics can be applied to encourage humans to embrace necessary changes in lifestyle and behavior to combat climate change.

The first tactic, prevention, involves taking measures to avoid the establishment of conflicts between humans and the natural world. For example, building homes in bear habitats can be prevented to reduce human-wildlife conflicts. In cases where conflicts already exist, wildlife can be redirected and discouraged using various methods, such as bear-resistant dumpsters.

Adaptive therapy, the second tactic, combines a variety of control strategies that reduce pests or pathogens without eliminating them entirely. This approach can be applied to mitigate air pollution from vehicles by implementing “spare the air” days, encouraging people not to drive when air quality is particularly poor.

The third tactic, deploying multiple approaches simultaneously, has been successfully applied in the medical field to prevent the emergence of new resistant bacterial strains. For instance, drug cocktails used to treat HIV have been effective in preventing the evolution of resistant strains of the virus.

To tackle the climate emergency, a combination of tactics will be necessary, including changes to transportation, energy, and food systems. However, overcoming human resistance to these changes can be challenging. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding the barriers to change and developing specific strategies to overcome them.

In conclusion, the lessons learned from biological resistance can be applied to modify human behavior and address climate change. By implementing prevention, adaptive therapy, and multiple approaches simultaneously, humans can work together to reduce their impact on the environment and combat climate change effectively.