A: ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis. Generally, ABA is the scientific study of behavior, focusing primarily on operant behavior (i.e., behavior that is a function of the environment). Today, many behavior analysts work in autism, but the field is much broader, addressing a variety of socially significant behaviors, including climate action. For more information, see ABAInternational.org, APBAhome.net, behavior.org, or bacb.org.

A: Everything! The climate crisis can be seen as a problem resulting directly from human behavior. Our everyday habits and choices contribute to the problem, and they can also contribute to the solution. Our individual and collective behaviors act as the scaffolding necessary to drive systemic and societal change. This means that changing our behavior can have a lot of benefit. Whether it’s by eating less meat, insulating one’s home, or walking and biking more, everyone can change their habits, purchases, and voting preferences in ways that can help abate the problem. We are dedicated to accelerating this change!

A:  BCBAs are experts at measuring and understanding behavior, and developing plans to change behavior.  We can apply this knowledge and skill-set to effectively change climate-related behavior. Because climate science has already determined the key behaviors to target, BCBAs can apply our science to help people change their behavior with high-impact climate actions. Individual membership provides the opportunity to collaborate with a community of like-minded peers, while providing opportunities for learning and resources to inspire action on climate change within ABA. Benefits include ABACC News, a membership directory, discounts on CEUs, among others.

A: From the Membership page, you can join as an individual or as part of an organization (university, agency, or other)!

A: The advantage to joining as an organization is that you receive unlimited memberships for your staff and/or students in behavior analytic programs. Gain access to training and new partnerships, learn how to advance your organization’s climate goals, access opportunities to advertise your program and job listings, and receive an ABACC member logo that you can use to promote your climate credentials and affiliation, among other benefits.

A: Our goal is to increase high-impact climate actions. Our Call to Action page lists some simple starter actions anyone can take, like downloading the GetGreen app. If you’re doing this solo, check out the Individual Action page as well. If you’re looking to change your habits with others, the Collective Action page has resources for you! One of the best things you can do is join the Citizens Climate Lobby--a nonpartisan group working to advance climate legislation in states and in the federal government. Even having climate conversations or sharing a climate story helps. Want to share yours? Email it to us with a picture at coalition@bds.com. Finally, you can consider purchasing carbon offsets. Check out our guide on how to do so and what to look for.

A: Thank you! You can sign up for our ABACC News at the bottom of each website page. You can also join the ABACC Community Forum once you join as a member.

A: To start, you can contribute a climate story. You can also visit the Community Forum (coming soon). There you can share your research, a resource you use,  an idea, or ask a question. It’s also a great way to connect with other behavior analysts interested in climate action. We will eventually be offering webinars and virtual meetups so you can meet other members.

A: Check out our Climate Careers page to explore all kinds of career paths related to climate action. If you’re a behavior analyst, we recommend visiting the ABA Careers page (coming soon) to find job opportunities offered by member organizations.

A: If your organization is a member, please go to our ABA Careers page (coming soon) and add your job listing.

Please note that only organizational members can post non-climate jobs.