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OPINION
Wednesday, July 3, 2019
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com OPINION
ANNE ELSE | COLUMN
I
n our current political cli-
mate, environmental issues
typically fall along party
lines.
Stereotypically,
liberals
tend to adhere to environmen-
tally friendly policies and climate
change awareness, while con-
servatives do not embrace these
issues in their platforms. While
the politics of sustainability is
definitely affecting the way peo-
ple view climate change and per-
sonal habits, there is also a basis
of psychological factors that can
determine a person’s view and
use of these methods and poli-
cies.
I recently watched an episode
of the critically acclaimed HBO
show “Big Little Lies,” which
was heavily centered around the
theme of environmental con-
sciousness. It depicted a young
girl in second grade who suffered
from a panic attack that stemmed
from fear of climate change. She
was extremely worried that the
world would end after she was
taught about startling environ-
mental facts from her teacher.
Her reaction to climate change
was full of anxiety and fear,
which could make it difficult for
viewers to understand that real
change is possible.
This portrayal of the effects
of climate change on the mind
made me think about how our
psychological state might affect
how passionate we are about
making changes. Even more, the
way we are taught about these
truths can affect our view of the
world. If we are simply given
staggering facts about the dying
planet without any suggestions
for how to make it better, our
view of the world could become
hopeless and scary.
If we can look at the hor-
rors that happen in the world
through a mindset of hopeful-
ness and willingness to change,
then maybe it would be easier for
everyone, no matter their politi-
cal affiliation, to combat these
issues together. Viewing climate
change with extreme denial or
fear will clearly affect one’s desire
to help in healing our Earth.
New research has delved into
the basis of the psychology of sus-
tainability. As we know, human
behavior is what has affected the
planet in the first place. There-
fore, psychologists purporting
changes in human behavior and
psyche are what will drive moti-
vation and participation in sus-
tainable practices and advocacy.
A research project from Min-
nesota Pollution Control Agency
presents helpful plans for sus-
tainability based on psychologi-
cal changes. They explain that a
key way to increase sustainable
behavior is to make it a “social
default.” Humans tend to look to
others for social cues and infor-
mation. Thus, if leading an eco-
conscious lifestyle by reducing
carbon footprints and spreading
eco-friendly
information
was
the norm, sustainability would
increase
dramatically,
which
can be done by getting to know
neighbors’ habits and views on
the environment. This will help
make positive and inclusive con-
versations about environmental
change more common.
So
how
can
we
imple-
ment these positive ideals into
upcoming
generations?
Jour-
nalist Barbara Malt says uni-
versities should include more
environmental psychology class-
es to educate students on the
impact of human behavior. This
type of hybrid class would allow
students to find relatable course-
work and information on how
we can change our psychological
outlook on our planet. She con-
cisely explains why this subject
intersection is necessary, stating,
“Because human behavior is at
the root of these environmental
problems, science and technology
alone cannot create the solutions
we need ... To create solutions,
there must be a belief in the need
for change, the will to make and
sustain change, and effective
means of creating change.”
This type of environmental
teaching will give young adults
a sense of understanding and
confidence in how to make sig-
nificant and positive impacts on
the future of our ecosystems.;
it should extend to all years of
schooling and be taught in a posi-
tive and action-oriented light. (If
you’re interested in this topic,
University of Michigan is offering
a psychology and environment
cross-listed course this fall titled
Behavior and Environment).
Thankfully, the field of envi-
ronmental psychology is grow-
ing. Their specialized research
focuses on human reaction to
different environmental issues
and phenomena. The American
Psychological Association lists a
few ways that these psychologists
are applying their knowledge
to the real world. They “con-
duct research on messages that
motivate people to change their
behavior, spread the word about
environmental solutions, uncov-
er why people may not adopt pos-
itive behaviors, encourage people
to rethink their positions in the
natural world, and help clients to
live more sustainable lives.”
Some people might not want
to buy into the advantages of liv-
ing a sustainable life and choose
to ignore environmental politics
and action. This viewpoint can
also be explained through psy-
chological terms that Steve Tay-
lor, psychologist and professor at
Leeds Beckett University in the
U.K., suggests. The psychologi-
cal explanation of why people are
able to continually ignore detri-
mental environmental changes
and not feel bothered to change is
because of the presence of “ego-
separateness.”
This
includes
an overly intensified sense of
independence and individuality,
which allows some people to feel
disparate from nature and wild-
life.
The results of this individu-
alistic mindset are people do
not feel responsible for their
planet or the vast lands cover-
ing it. There is a lack of “duty to
preserve (nature’s) harmony.”
This psychological understand-
ing of people who do not support
eco-friendly endeavors makes
sense to me when I examine the
extremely individualistic tenden-
cies of Western countries. Amer-
ica, in particular, stereotypically
values individual achievements
and the ability to be independent-
ly successful as our most impor-
tant characteristics. This could
very well be fueling the uniquely
American ability to consistently
ignore environmental issues.
Take
a
few
environment
courses to solidify your knowl-
edge in the subject, talk to your
housemates or neighbors on their
views and habits, allow for envi-
ronmental love to be normal and
appreciated. Understanding our
own psychological barriers will
help us attain sustainable mind-
sets that will assist our futures
and our homes. For the future of
our families, friends and foes, we
must get past our individualistic
cultural values and find ways to
help environmental causes.
Environemental action starts in the mind
Anne Else can be reached at
aelse@umich.edu.
EMILY CONSIDINE | CONTACT CARTOONIST AT EMCONSID@UMICH.EDU
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