4 Finding the Long-Lost Path: Developing …
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because they are the ones who suffer. However, some individuals are themselves
against making any changes to their lifestyle, which could be due to various factors
such as [51]:
(a) inertia which may delay the action until permanent damage is done
(b) denial among the people of any threat to the environment due to fear
(c) belief in technology as the saviour of the environment
(d) opposing any lifestyle changes as it is perceived to include making self-sacrifice.
This chapter has focused on all of the above-mentioned obstacles and how to
tackle the same. It is important that active action is taken and changes are made as
soon as possible. The pandemic may have provided us an opening to dealing with
such obstacles by initiating environmental awareness among the public. We must
take this opportunity and enhance it, while effectively dealing with inertia and other
obstacles that appear on the way. Hopefully, the human race will emerge from the
pandemic more aware about environmental concerns in the least, and at the most,
actively working towards collectively creating a sustainable planet.
4.5 Psychosocial Model for Promoting Pro-Environmental
Behaviour
Based on the existing literature and resources, the authors have developed the
following model which focuses on the what and how of promoting pro-environmental
behaviour among human beings. It brings to light the multidimensional aspect of
sustainable behaviour by focusing on different aspects of development that are
necessary to bring about the required change Fig. 4.1.
The Psychosocial model of pro-environmental behaviour for sustainability has to
be validated by the researchers before implementing. The model focuses on basic
human values which place emphasis on understanding group dynamics, culture
and hedonic values. The education mainly highlights training in sustainable proenvironmental actions and implementing environmental policies, providing scholarships, incentives and increasing funding to promote necessary pro-environmental
innovations. One of the major innovations has been the use of the cactus plant as
fabric in order to replace animal skin. Such a development would reduce poaching,
illegal trade and not to mention, animal cruelty.
As mentioned in the model, pro-environmental behaviour can be achieved through
life skills training which is very essential in everyday problem solving, in promoting
the development of empathy and awareness of self, creative as well as critical thinking
skills. The model also emphasises the importance of giving enough weightage to risk
assessment and management, further upholding the importance of lifestyle changes
and unpredictable environment. The model also focuses on promoting awareness
among public towards pro-environmental behaviour. Alternatively, it brings to light a
new factor in pro-environmental behaviour—the understanding of human perception
by applying psychology in order to understand the different motives, psychological
107
because they are the ones who suffer. However, some individuals are themselves
against making any changes to their lifestyle, which could be due to various factors
such as [51]:
(a) inertia which may delay the action until permanent damage is done
(b) denial among the people of any threat to the environment due to fear
(c) belief in technology as the saviour of the environment
(d) opposing any lifestyle changes as it is perceived to include making self-sacrifice.
This chapter has focused on all of the above-mentioned obstacles and how to
tackle the same. It is important that active action is taken and changes are made as
soon as possible. The pandemic may have provided us an opening to dealing with
such obstacles by initiating environmental awareness among the public. We must
take this opportunity and enhance it, while effectively dealing with inertia and other
obstacles that appear on the way. Hopefully, the human race will emerge from the
pandemic more aware about environmental concerns in the least, and at the most,
actively working towards collectively creating a sustainable planet.
4.5 Psychosocial Model for Promoting Pro-Environmental
Behaviour
Based on the existing literature and resources, the authors have developed the
following model which focuses on the what and how of promoting pro-environmental
behaviour among human beings. It brings to light the multidimensional aspect of
sustainable behaviour by focusing on different aspects of development that are
necessary to bring about the required change Fig. 4.1.
The Psychosocial model of pro-environmental behaviour for sustainability has to
be validated by the researchers before implementing. The model focuses on basic
human values which place emphasis on understanding group dynamics, culture
and hedonic values. The education mainly highlights training in sustainable proenvironmental actions and implementing environmental policies, providing scholarships, incentives and increasing funding to promote necessary pro-environmental
innovations. One of the major innovations has been the use of the cactus plant as
fabric in order to replace animal skin. Such a development would reduce poaching,
illegal trade and not to mention, animal cruelty.
As mentioned in the model, pro-environmental behaviour can be achieved through
life skills training which is very essential in everyday problem solving, in promoting
the development of empathy and awareness of self, creative as well as critical thinking
skills. The model also emphasises the importance of giving enough weightage to risk
assessment and management, further upholding the importance of lifestyle changes
and unpredictable environment. The model also focuses on promoting awareness
among public towards pro-environmental behaviour. Alternatively, it brings to light a
new factor in pro-environmental behaviour—the understanding of human perception
by applying psychology in order to understand the different motives, psychological