A generalized tendency to believe in secret plots can predict whether someone will oppose the construction of a local wind farm months later. Likewise, coming to oppose that local wind farm can deepen a person’s general conspiratorial worldview over time. These mutually reinforcing perspectives can potentially stall the transition to renewable energy sources if community concerns go unaddressed. The research was recently published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology. Transitioning to renewable energy often relies heavily on the expansion of onshore wind power. Local communities, however, frequently resist the construction of new turbines in their neighborhoods. Residents might worry about changes to the landscape, the potential impact on local wildlife, or the economic fairness of the development. Without community acceptance, ambitious national goals to mitigate climate change can face severe delays. Previous research indicated that people with a high propensity to believe in conspiracy theories were more likely to oppose local wind farms. A conspiracy mentality is a general worldview characterized by the assumption that secretive, malevolent groups are orchestrating societal events behind the scenes. …