5 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 The ultimate people pleaser JOIN THE MICHIGAN DAILY EDITORIAL BOARD Come meet with our Editorial Board to contribute to the conversation and discuss current events on campus. Editboard meets on specific Wednesdays from 7-8:30 p.m. in the newsroom, 420 Maynard St. Contact the Summer Editorial Page Editor, Erin White (ekwhite@umich.edu), with questions about how to get involved.