Environmental Decision Making

Most people report caring about the environment, yet few decide to actively work towards reduced environmental degradation. Why don’t, and when do, people decide to invest in environmental care? In this course we will examine how different aspects of communication and the situation (e.g., uncertainly, framing, discounting, risk, values, norms, etc.) influence environmental decision making. Using prominent decision-making theories, we will highlight; environmental justice, perceptions of the time horizon of risk, and successful efforts to communicate and optimize environmental decisions. (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.