Abstract:
This study presents a theory synthesis and systematic literature review exploring how climaterelated emotions particularly eco-anxiety and solastalgia interact with cognitive biases to perpetuate
unsustainable plastic consumption, even in the face of increasing environmental awareness.
Addressing a significant gap in sustainability science, the research investigates the psychological
mechanisms behind this paradox and evaluates evidence-based intervention strategies.
Methodologically, the study integrates a PRISMA-ScR guided systematic review of 94 peerreviewed studies published between 2010 and 2024 across psychological, environmental, and
policy domains. Studies were selected based on strict inclusion criteria focusing on plastic
behaviors, cognitive biases, and climate affect. In addition, a novel theory synthesis is conducted,
combining dual-process theory, ecopsychology frameworks and behavioral economics to develop
the model “Climate-Shaped Cognition Model (CSCM) of Plastic Behaviors”. Key findings reveal
that eco-anxiety intensifies present bias (aggregate OR = 2.1 in 78% of studies), while moral
licensing significantly increases after climate-related actions (3.2× stronger effects). Effective
interventions identified include affect calibrated nudges, which result in an 18–34% reduction in
plastic use, and temporal bridging tools, with an effect size of d = 0.57. The synthesis highlights a
neurocognitive double bind, where climate emotions simultaneously heighten environmental
concern and reinforce bias driven plastic behaviors. The proposed CSCM introduces three
principles for intervention design: cognitive-affective alignment, dual-process engagement, and
culturally contextualized implementation. This study offers the first comprehensive framework
explaining how climate emotions shape cognitive barriers to plastic sustainability and provides
actionable strategies for policymakers and behavior designers. It emphasizes the urgent need for
standardized measures of plastic related climate distress and rigorous cross cultural evaluation of
adapted interventions.
