The world is currently facing an environmental crisis right from local to the international level and this continues to attract headlines across the globe. People continue to destroy the environment without taking into consideration the dangers of their actions. However, while some people are doing all they can to protect the environment, some are participating in activities that cause harm to the environment. To start with, there are two categories of human behavior on the environment namely: positive and negative impacts.
Positive effects on the environment include fortification of the ozone layer, reforestation, and protection of the endangered animal species for posterity. On the other hand, negative effects tend to destroy the environment, for instance, poaching, cutting down trees, and climate change. This essay will explore the role of human beings in preserving the environment through their personal behaviors. It will also discuss the effects of preserving the environment and the role of social norms in determining personal human behavior. Furthermore, it will explore some possible solutions that can correct human behavior to lower environmental hazards.
Human Behavior on the Environment
Human beings rely on the environment to do their day-to-day activities. In fact, all living creatures on planet Earth live and work in an environment, and they stay there until the die leaving behind a footprint. As discussed above, human behavior has a big influence on the environment. According to Vlek (2000), human behavior tops the list of things that destroys the environment. Unlike other animal species, human beings always want to live comfortably. Thus, they do activities that end up destroying the environment.
For instance, while human beings continue to cut down trees for economic purposes, this has resulted into climate change and attracted drought. Satellite images continue to portray worrying images of severely destroyed ecosystems across the globe. Additionally, human activities such as air pollution emitting dangerous gases such as carbon dioxide and chlorofluorocarbons to the atmosphere have created a large hole in the ozone layer resulting into global warming. Additionally, poor land cultivation practices have led to soil pollution, while poor industrial waste management into rivers and streams have led to water pollution (pp. 153-167).
Although there has been a huge focus on the negative human behaviors that lead to environmental degradation, some personal behavior have had a positive impact on the environment. For example, some people are planting more trees to keep their ecosystems and attract more rain. Additionally, some governments have enacted policies for protecting endangered species through breeding in captivation. Such governments also deal with poachers decisively. Local municipalities are also involved in cleaning water sublet, collecting garbage and constructing sewer lines to make clean environments fit for habitation.
Environmental Cues that Shape Human Behavior
According to Steg (2013), environmental cues are components within an environment, which can elicit valuable concerns out of a person. In other words, environmental cues make a person behave in a particular way, which is contrary or to the expectations of those around them. In most cases, environmental cues offer a bearing on human behavior. For instance, people living in urban areas have found it necessary to deposit litter in a dust pin, which they can recycle later. In most cases, people take responsibility of ensuring that they do not litter trash haphazardly, thus ensuring a clean environment (pp. 5-13).
Modified Human Behavior to Support Sustainability
Although not all human beings protect the environment, every person can play a role in addressing issues that affect the environment. For instance, there are several organizations such as the United Nations that create awareness through media on the importance of doing activities that positively contribute to preserve the environment. Nonetheless, even though some people behave in a way that gives an indication that they are mindful of the environment, at certain a point, negative environmental impacts occur.
Notably, human behavior not only encompasses psychological internal features, but also external clues. Therefore, inspiration and inclination alone cannot make an individual behave in a particular way. In most cases, behavior is a situation occurrence, meaning that even if an individual decides to act in a particular way, situation circumstances can lead to an unusual behaviour. According to Manning (2009), intentions require reinforcement at least in certain circumstances. Thus, if people encounter fewer challenges in life, then they are likely to participate in sustainable activities that protect the environment.
For instance, we all know that regular food is cheaper as compared to organic food. Thus, a person may opt to buy organic food because it is cheap and sustainable. Nonetheless, there are certain civil actions that change the behavior of people and enhance sustainability. These include participating in choosing leaders through voting, industrial actions for wage increase, and educational flair. Other direct behaviors that support sustainability include riding a bicycle to work, clearing bushes around homes, and purchasing locally manufactured products (pp. 45-67).
Effects of Social Norms on Environmental Behaviors
There is no doubt that social norms have a big impact on environmental behaviors. Studies continue to link pro-environmental behaviors to pro-environmental values, by saying that each can influence the occurrence of the other. Understandably, people are different, and they act differently based on factors such as educational level and financial stability. For instance, although recycling is a method of ensuring clean ecosystems, some people recycle products for financial returns. In other words, behavioral change is a vital tool that can positively contribute to climate change mitigation and push the world one step closer to sustainability (Social Norms, Behavior Influence Environmental Policy, 2013, p. 1).
Solutions for Less Environmental Impact
Every individual can act in a way that can positively contribute to making the world a better place to live. For example, one can choose to use energy-saving devices to cut the amount of money spent on electricity. Additionally, prudent use of water and gas is another way people can positively contribute to the environment. Individuals can also save resources by purchasing products such as solar panels and hybrid cars that do not emit dangerous gases to the atmosphere. In homes, members can pile up waste in a compost pile and recycle it.
Conclusion
Human beings behave differently and it is not possible to have all human beings on have the same views on environmental matters. While some human behaviors have led to the destruction of the environment, there are those who involve themselves in activities that positively impact the environment. Nonetheless, it is important to create awareness among people on the benefits of preserving the environment. This could certainly change their behaviors and make them sensitive to the environment. For instance, human beings can use renewable energy sources to decrease carbon footprints. They can also recycle waste for financial incentives and create a sustainable environment. Although it is unfeasible to entirely avoid any damage to the environment, there are so many things people can do to protect the environment for future generations.
Reference List
Manning, C. (2009). The psychology of sustainable behavior. St. Paul, MN: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Social norms, behavior influence environmental policy. (2013). Web.
Steg, L. (2013). Environmental psychology: An introduction. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell.
Vlek, C. (2000). Essential psychology for environmental policy making. International Journal of Psychology, 35, 153–167.