Climate change is often portrayed through the lens of physical science—melting glaciers, rising sea levels, increasing temperatures. These are indeed critical indicators of a warming planet. However, what’s frequently overlooked is that climate change is, at its core, a social phenomenon. The causes of climate change are deeply rooted in human behavior, economic systems, political structures, and social inequalities. Its consequences are not equally distributed. Vulnerable and marginalized communities often bear the brunt of its impact, while the affluent are better insulated from its worst effects.
Despite this, social science research remains significantly underrepresented in the climate discourse. According to a comprehensive review by the Grantham Research Institute at the London School of Economics, only about one-sixth of publicly funded climate research in the UK since 2008 has focused on the social sciences. Of the 481 climate change projects funded with significant social science components, the total investment amounted to £438 million. This figure highlights a critical gap in our understanding and approach: if climate change is a social challenge, then we must bring social science to the forefront of climate solutions.
One of the most pressing areas where social science plays a pivotal role is in climate governance and policy design. Nearly 40% of the reviewed projects focus on these aspects, underlining how institutions, political decision-making, and regulatory frameworks shape climate outcomes. Without well-informed, equitable governance structures, even the best-intentioned climate policies can falter.
Another key area is understanding human behavior and public engagement. The success of climate initiatives often depends not just on technology or policy, but on whether people believe in them, accept them, and adopt them in daily life. Social scientists help us understand how values, norms, and cultural practices influence attitudes toward climate action. Why do some communities embrace renewable energy while others resist it? What motivates individuals to reduce carbon footprints or participate in collective action? These are inherently social questions that require social research to answer.
Equity is another central concern. A transition to a low-carbon economy must be not only efficient but just. The concept of a “just transition” has gained momentum as societies reckon with how climate policies affect workers, communities, and livelihoods. Social scientists examine how to ensure that disadvantaged populations are not left behind, and that climate justice becomes an integral part of climate action. The newly launched Just Transition Finance Lab at LSE is one example of how academia is beginning to respond to this call by exploring how financial systems can support a fair and inclusive green economy.
There are also vital gaps in existing research that demand urgent attention. The political economy of decarbonization—how vested interests, global power structures, and economic dependencies slow climate progress—is still underexplored. Similarly, there is a need to better integrate environmental and social objectives, as these are often treated separately in both policy and research. Emerging technologies such as carbon capture and geoengineering also raise social and ethical questions that must be addressed before they are scaled or implemented.
To move forward effectively, we must prioritize and expand social science research within climate agendas. This means fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between natural and social scientists to craft holistic solutions. It also requires deeper engagement with communities to ensure that research and policy are grounded in real-world experiences. And finally, it calls for research that speaks directly to policymakers, ensuring that findings are not just academic, but actionable. The climate crisis is not just a battle of technology or science—it is a test of our social systems, our values, and our collective capacity to change. If we are to meet the demands of this moment, social science must not play a supporting role—it must stand at the center of our climate response.
