Weather on the Brain II: Quantifying the Need to Think About Weather Through the Development and Initial Validation of the Need for Cognition about Weather Scale

People have for many years been seen as having had a unique sense of connectedness with the natural world. However, as we move steadily into the 21st century and become further urbanized and technological, there is evidence suggesting we are moving away from this tendency with a corresponding loss of individual Selfhood, traditional green spaces, wildlife habitats and ecosystems. Furthermore, lack of concern for climate change is equating directly to loss of global biodiversity. This portends the loss of a connection with the meteorological aspects existing within nature, without which we will be at enhanced risk of psychological and physical harm from climate change. Thus, this thesis explores whether or not the people of today possess a need to think about, or a need for cognition about, the weather. Underlying theory and implications for the existence of such a construct are discussed.