Environmentalism and Psychology Flashcards
(29 cards)
What is the primary focus of climate science?
To study regional and global climate as a system and understand how it is changing over time.
What did Stips et al (2016) demonstrate regarding greenhouse gases?
They showed a one-way casualty between total greenhouse gases and global temperature anomalies since 1850
What are some dangerous climate system changes already being observed?
Melting ice caps, rising sea levels, forest fires, permafrost emissions and extreme temperatures.
Give one example of how climate change has impacted humans
2022 Bangladesh floods, displaced nearly 4 million people
According to Koger & Scott (2007) what causes environmental problems?
Maladaptive human behaviours such as:
- overconsumption,
- fossil fuel dependency
- denial of CC
What is the goal of environmentalism as a movement?
To protect natural resources and ecosystems through activism, lobbying and education
How did the 1970s approach to environmental psychology differ from the 1990s?
- 1970s focussed on pollution and nature’s restorative effects
- 1990s emphasised human-nature disconnection and psychological distress.
What does conservation psychology aim to do?
To apply psychological theory to promote conservation and pro-environmental behaviours
How is poor environmental health linked to human health?
It increases risks of diseases, mental health issues and developmental disorders
What are some benefits of sustainable practices for individuals?
Improved well-being, reduced stress, healthier child development and increased social togetherness
Why is it important for psychologists to engage with climate change?
Because psychology has tools to influence behaviour and a moral duty to address social issues
What is Shifting Baseline Syndrome (SBS)
- a gradual change in the accepted norms for the condition of the natural environment
- often due to a lack of experience, memory, and/or knowledge of its past condition
What are the consequences of SBS?
- Increased social tolerance for progressive environmental degradation
- poor conservation goals
- misinformed environmental values
How do emotions affect environmental engagement (Norgaard, 2006)
Emotions like guilty and helplessness can lead to avoidance and denial of CC issues (REDUCED ACTIVISM)
What is the problem with traditional climate journalism?
Primarily focuses on disasters, lacks agency or hope and doesn’t encourage collective action.
How would solution-focused journalism help with climate action?
It enhances self-efficacy and behavioural control by showing effective responses and solutions.
What is the availability heuristic and how does it relate to environmental risks?
People estimate the probability of an event based on how easily examples come to mind.
What is the anchoring effect in the context of environmental activism?
People rely too heavily on an initial piece of information (anchor) when making judgments.
What is the natural is good concept? (Baron, 2006)
Refers to the cognitive bias where people assume that things perceived as natural are inherently better, healthier, or morally superior—even when that’s not always true.
What is the false polarization bias?
We assume opponents in a debate hold more extreme views than they actually do, increasing conflict.
What is Terror Management Theory explain resistance to environmental change?
People cope with death anxiety by clinging to cultural values and materialism to boost self-esteem.
What are some examples of availability heuristic?
- After a few intense media reports of natural disasters, people may overestimate the frequency of natural disasters.
- if someone has never personally experienced extreme weather they may underestimate climate risks
What are some examples of the anchoring effect?
- A radical environmental protest (e.g., gluing oneself to a road) becomes the “anchor” for what activism looks like.
- more moderate actions (like signing petitions or attending peaceful rallies) seem reasonable by comparison—even if they’re more practical or effective.
- shifts public perception of what “normal” activism looks like
What are some examples of false polarization bias?
- A person who eats meat might assume all vegans want to ban meat completely or hate farmers.
- Environmentalists may assume climate skeptics are completely ignorant or selfish, even if some are just misinformed or fearful.
- This worsens polarization and reduces constructive dialogue.
