What Makes Climate Change Feel Distant? Evidence from Eight Countries in the Global North and South

Abstract

Psychological distance – how near or distant people perceive climate change to be – shapes whether the issue feels urgent and actionable. Yet most evidence comes from the Global North, leaving little understanding of how distance is formed in countries most vulnerable to climate impacts. Drawing on communication and psychology research, we examine predictors of psychological distance across eight countries in the Global North and South (Brazil, France, Germany, India, Japan, Pakistan, the UK, and the US). This research uses survey data (N=8,254) and ordinary least squares regressions with country fixed effects to test the influence of meta-perceptions of ideological groups’ concern for climate, mainstream and non-mainstream media use, exposure to climate misinformation, and trust in institutions. Pooled models show that women, more educated respondents, and those with greater climate concern perceive climate change as closer, while misinformation exposure increases distance. In line with climate communication research, greater use of mainstream climate news and higher trust in scientists, climate news and environmental activists reduce distance, whereas trust in politicians and people respondents know shows no effect. Country-level analyses reveal both stability and divergence. Concern for climate change is a strong predictor of psychological distance in all countries except Pakistan, while other predictors, such as news media use, meta-perceptions, and misinformation, vary across contexts. The findings advance understanding of psychological distance by identifying both universal and context-specific drivers, extending research beyond Global North settings, and underscoring the need for communication strategies tailored to national environments.