Public engagement with climate change remains uneven, limiting the effectiveness of mitigation and adaptation efforts. Drawing on the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM), this research examines how the temporal and spatial dimensions of psychological distance shape climate change engagement and the mechanisms underlying this relationship. Across a pre-test and three scenario-based experiments (N = 1,200), the findings show that psychologically proximal framing (near in time and space) is associated with higher engagement, although effect sizes are modest. Mediation analyses indicate that efficacy beliefs, rather than perceived severity or personal relevance, provide a more consistent pathway linking psychological distance to climate engagement. Further, Study 3 demonstrates that environmental identity moderates this relationship, such that the indirect effect via efficacy beliefs is stronger among individuals with higher environmental identity. By jointly examining multiple dimensions of psychological distance, environmental identity, and underlying mechanisms, this study clarifies when and how proximity framing relates to climate change engagement.