Adapting human lifestyles for the 21st century.

Abstract

A number of ecological problems (e.g., global warming, ozone depletion, deforestation, acid rain) have been identified, which threaten to reduce the quality of human life in the 21st century. These problems are human produced, resulting primarily from over-population and over-consumption. Alterations in people's awareness, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors may stimulate changes in their political and economic systems, which in turn might foster the kind of lifestyle changes that could mitigate these ecological problems. Psychologists can play a role in helping individuals and systems advance toward the goal of becoming a sustainable society: one that satisfies its current needs without jeopardizing the prospects of future generations.

Water savings or water efficiency? Water-use attitudes and behaviour in rural and regional areas

“…However, the exact impact of restrictions on water use is hard to determine as they are usually delivered with information campaigns. Information campaigns themselves have had results, with some producing savings of up to 25% in the short term (De Young 1996;Watson et al 1999;Syme et al 2000) and others having no impact (Geller et al 1983;Stern and Oskamp 1987;Howard 2000;Winter 2000). Their long-term impact is unknown, with some studies finding that their impact only lasted as long as the publicity (Syme et al 2000).…”

Psychology in an age of ecological crisis: From personal angst to collective action.

“…Prior research has given considerable attention to the determinants of ecologically supportive behaviors, such as energy conservation, ridesharing, and recycling, that affect environmental quality at local and global levels (Gardner & Stern, 2002;Howard, 2000;Osbaldiston & Sheldon, 2003;Stern, 2000;Winter, 2000). Other psychological facets of the interplay between people's local and global environments, however, have been relatively neglected in earlier studies.…”

Psychologies of the Environment: Searching for Themes in the Literature

“…Many publications explored or catalogued environmental degradation, including overpopulation/crowding, overconsumption of resources and effects (e.g., deforestation, soil quality), the impacts of pollution/contamination, global climate change, loss of biodiversity and mass species extinction, and the development of harmful technologies. The effects of these threats were investigated, as were theories relevant to understanding how such dangers are perceived, experienced, and approached (e.g., Gardner & Stern, 1996;Howard, 1997Howard, , 2000Lebovits et al, 1986;Winter, 2003). This theme was also evident in cases dealing with natural/technological disasters, including effects on mental health and well-being (e.g., Baum & Fleming, 1993;Baum et al, 1983;Kastenbaum, 1974;Taylor, 1987;Yamamoto, 1984).…”