Emotional Intelligence as a Driver of Pro-Environmental Behavior: A Conceptual Review for Climate Action

This paper examines whether the persistent difficulty in addressing the eco-social crisis may partly stem from an inadequate representation of human decision-making within mainstream economic models. Although pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs) and sustainable consumption are increasingly recognized as essential for sustainability transitions, neoclassical economics still largely relies on the homo oeconomicus paradigm, which assumes fully rational and utility-maximizing decision-making. Building on contributions from psychology, behavioral economics, neuroscience, and sustainability studies, this integrative narrative review examines how cognitive biases challenge the foundational assumptions of homo oeconomicus and explores the potential role of emotional intelligence in sustainability-related decision-making. Adopting the integrative narrative review approach, this paper integrates literature on (1) cognitive biases and bounded rationality; (2) emotional intelligence and judgment bias; and (3) emotional intelligence, pro-environmental behaviors, and sustainable consumption. The evidence reviewed suggests that sustainability-related decisions are strongly shaped by cognitive and emotional processes operating under uncertainty and socially embedded consumption patterns. Within this framework, EI may represent a psychological resource capable of influence of cognitive biases by supporting emotional regulation, impulse control, self-awareness, and long-term orientation. Overall, the paper proposes a conceptual framework linking cognitive biases, emotional intelligence, and sustainable behavior beyond the traditional homo oeconomicus paradigm.