Ecological psychology

by George S. Howard

Our world now faces several ecological threats (e.g., global warming, ozone depletion, acid rain, deforestation, soil poisoning, water pollution, desertification) that could make life in the twenty-first century nightmarish. All of these threats are human produced. Thus, alterations in humans' thoughts, actions, and lifestyles must be important parts of the problems' solutions. The twin engines of ecological destruction are human overpopulation and overconsumption (i.e., unsustainable lifestyles). Both of these aspects of human nature are malleable to social/political and psychological interventions. Psychologists should become involved in dealing with impending ecological threats, since ecological degradation will be one of the leading causes of human pain and suffering in the next century.