Environmental Problems and Human Behavior

We live in the Anthropocene – a time defined by human dominance over nature. Most people report caring about the environment, yet there is a large disconnect between attitudes and actions. Over the semester we will examine: (1) the state of the environment and how personal perceptions of nature have led to this situation, (2) the psychological levers that motivate pro-environmental behaviors (or not), (3) the extent to which different modes of messaging and feedback serve to shift individuals’ behavior, (4) the underpinnings of framing and decision making around individual environmental choices and policy support, and (5) the psychological benefits of spending time in nature. We will explore psychology's understanding of wellbeing, consumerism, community, and nature. By the end of the semester we should be able to offer, based on the psychological research, suggestions for personal and policy changes to increase sustainability on campus and beyond. (Any three psychology or environmental studies courses; open to junior and senior psychology, and environmental studies majors; open to others by waiver). 3 hrs. sem.