This book offers a critical examination of psychology's role in addressing today's interconnected social-ecological crises. It argues that while psychological knowledge is crucial, the discipline often falls short by focusing too narrowly on individual behavior and neglecting broader systemic issues. Through critical perspectives on Environmental Psychology, the contributors illustrate the transformative potential of psychology in facing global challenges. They propose that psychology must evolve to address the complexities of our "polycrisis"—a convergence of ecological destruction, social injustice, and economic instability. The book emphasizes the historical roots of these crises in colonialism, capitalism, and systemic inequality, which psychology has often failed to address.

Divided into four sections, the book begins by highlighting the necessary changes within psychology to tackle today's intertwined crises. It critiques the discipline's limitations and advocates for a reassessment of traditional approaches. The second section introduces decolonial and intercultural perspectives, urging the field to embrace diverse knowledge systems and confront power dynamics in research. The third section critically examines psychology's social role, encouraging it to challenge societal inequalities and environmental harm. The concluding chapters demonstrate theory in action, showcasing emancipatory projects that illustrate how psychology can support social and ecological justice in practice. By outlining practical implementations of critical environmental psychology, the book serves as a guide for how psychology can contribute meaningfully to creating a sustainable, equitable world.

This collection is a must-read for researchers, scholars, and practitioners in the environmental, social, and behavioral sciences. It offers fresh insights and practical guidance for those seeking to understand how psychology can actively contribute to building a sustainable and just world. 

Sascha Kuhn is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. He previously worked at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, and completed his PhD at the German Institute of Development and Sustainability in cooperation with Heidelberg University, Germany. He is a member of the Critical Environmental Psychology Working Group. His research focuses on the decolonization of environmental psychology and the integration of critical, historically informed perspectives into the field.

Steffen Krenzer coined the term critical environmental psychology (KUP) in German-speaking discourse, including through the first publications on the topic and the initiation of the KUP working group at the Initiative Psychology in Environmental Protection (e.V.). He works as a consultant and process designer at an NGO at the interface of climate protection, democratic development and citizen participation and has published books on randomly selected citizens' councils and local climate policy.

Ina Lillich works in the field of moderation and process support with a focus on citizen participation, and was previously involved in a climate education project. She is active in the KUP working group of the Initiative Psychology in Environmental Protection e.V. and in Wandelwerk e.V., Germany.

Lisa Reuter is Post-Doctoral Researcher at the University of Freiburg, Germany. Dr Reuter is a trained psychotherapist and a member of the Critical Environmental Psychology Working Group. 

Michael Gorki is a PhD student at the University of Freiburg, Germany. His research explores the relationship between people's personal perspectives and beliefs and social, technical and ecological structures. 

Klaus Wollner is a psychotherapist, musician, and activist in the fields of international solidarity, repair cafés, transition towns, and climate justice, among others. He is a member of the Critical Environmental Psychology Working Group.

Anna Stammnitz  has been working in the psychosocial field for many years and is committed to climate justice, feminism and anti-racism. She works at Xenion e. V. and is self-employed as a broker to acquire donations and housing for refugees and people at risk of homelessness. She is a member of the Critical Environmental Psychology Working Group.

Jascha L. Naumann is a community psychologist (M.Sc.) and research assistant at the FernUniversität in Hagen, Germany. He is interested in closing the gap between psychological research and urban practice, focusing on collective well-being and resilience under the pressure of socio-ecological crises. He is actively involved in civil society through the Initiative Psychology in Environmental Protection (IPU) e.V. and Psychologists for Future (Psy4F) e.V.

Christoph M. Hausmann is a psychological psychotherapist in his own practice with a focus on trauma and group therapy. As part of a team, he coordinates the free counseling service offered by Psy4F e. V., published the first German-language specialist book on the subject, "Climate emotions - climate crisis and mental health", and helped translate and further develop a freely available climate psychology toolkit for therapists. He holds workshops, lectures and discussion groups.