Skip to main content

The Next Revolution: Sustainability

  • Chapter
Psychology of Sustainable Development

Summary

This chapter will place sustainability in a historical context, and indicate how human choices have impacted the environment and how the natural environment restricts human choices. In describing human impacts, particular emphasis will be placed on global and regional influences, such as climate change, acid rain, species extinction, and ozone depletion. Having reviewed these and other impacts, the remainder of the chapter will introduce some of the transformations necessary to move us toward sustainability. These transformations will include such changes as moving from fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy, reducing throughput by using resources far more efficiently, slowing and reversing population growth, and introducing tax reforms that favour sustainability.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Abramovitz, J.N. (1998). Forest decline continues. In L.R. Brown, M. Renner, & C. Flavin, (Eds.), Vital signs 1998: The environmental trends that are shaping our future (pp. 124–125). New York: Norton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bickman, L. (1972). Environmental attitudes and actions. Journal of Social Psychology, 87, 323–324.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brauer, A. (1989). The state of world health. In R.L. Sivard (Ed.), World military and social expenditures (pp. 24–34). Washington, DC: World Priorities.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown, L.R., Gardner, G., & Halweil, B. (1998). Beyond Malthus: Sixteen dimensions of the population problem. WorldWatch Paper 143. Washington. DC: Worldwatch.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown, L.R., Flavin, C. & Postel, S. (1990). Picturing a sustainable society. In L.R. Brown et al. (Eds.), State of the world 1990. New York: Norton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dunn, S. (2001). Decarbonizing the energy economy. In L.R. Brown et al., (Eds.), State of the world 2001. New York: Norton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brower, M. & Leon, W. (1999). The consumers guide to effective environmental choices. New York: Three Rivers Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown, L.R., Kane, H., & Ayres, E. (1993). Vital signs 1993: The trends that are shaping our future. New York: Norton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown, L.R., Kane, H., & Malin Roodman, D. (1994). Vital signs 1994: The trends that are shaping our future. New York: Norton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cialdini, R. B., Reno, R. R., & Kallgren, C. A. (1990). A focus theory of normative conduct: Recycling the concept of norms to reduce littering in public places. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 58, 1015–1026.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Commoner, B. (1990). Making peace with the planet. Toronto: Random House.

    Google Scholar 

  • Durning, A. D. (1992). How much is enough? The consumer society and the future of the earth. New York: Norton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dwyer, W. O., Leeming, F. C., Cobern, M. K., Porter, B. E., & Jackson, J. M. (1993). Critical review of behavioral interventions to preserve the environment: Research since 1980. Environment and Behavior, 25(3), 275–321.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ehrlich, P.R. & Ehrlich, A.H. (1991). Healing the planet. New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Elgin, D. (1981). Voluntary simplicity: Toward a way of life that is outwardly simple, inwardly rich. New York: Quill.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flavin, C. (2000). Wind power booms. In L.R. Brown, M. Renner, & B. Halweil, (Eds.), Vital signs 2000: The environmental trends that are shaping our future (pp. 56–57). New York: Norton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flavin, C. (2000b). Solar power market jumps. In L.R. Brown, M. Renner, & B. Halweil, Vital signs 2000: The environmental trends that are shaping our future, (pp. 58–59). New York: Norton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Forest Resources Assessment 1990 Project, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (1991, September). Second interim report on the state of tropical forests. Paper presented at the meeting of the World Forestry Congress, Paris.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gardner, G.T., & Stern, P.C. (1996). Environmental problems and human behavior. Needham Heights, Massachusetts: Allyn & Bacon.

    Google Scholar 

  • Geller, E.S. (1981). Evaluating energy conservation programs: Is verbal report enough? Journal of Consumer Research, 8, 331–335.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gleick, P. (Ed.). (1993). Water in crisis: A guide to the world’s fresh water resources. New York: Oxford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Halweil, B. (2000). World population passes 6 billion. In L.R. Brown, M. Renner, & B. Halweil (Eds.), Vital signs 2000: The environmental trends that are shaping our future (pp. 98–99). New York: Norton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hines, J. M., Hungerford, H. R., & Tomera, A. N. (1987). Analysis and synthesis of research on responsible environmental behavior: A meta-analysis. Journal of Environmental Education, 18(2), 1–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2001a). A report of Working Group 1 of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Geneva: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2001b). Climate change 2001: Impacts, adaptation and vulnerability. Geneva: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Katzev, R., & Wang, T. (1994). Can commitment change behavior? A case study of environmental actions. Journal of Social Behavior and Personality, 9, 13–26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kempton, W., Darley, J. M., & Stern, P.C. (1992). Psychological research for the new energy problems: Strategies and opportunities. American Psychologist, 47, 1213–1223.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kempton, W., Harris, C. K., Keith, J. G., & Weihl, J. S. (1984). Do consumers know what works in energy conservation? In J. Harris & C. Blumstein (Eds.), What works: Documenting energy conservation in buildings (pp. 429–438). Washington, D.C.: American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy.

    Google Scholar 

  • Malin Roodman, D. (2000). Environmental tax shifts multiplying. In L.R. Brown, M. Renner, & B. Halweil (Eds.), Vital signs 2000: The environmental trends that are shaping our future (pp. 138–139). New York: Norton.

    Google Scholar 

  • McKenzie-Mohr Associates and Lura Consulting (2001). Turn it off: Reducing vehicle engine idling. Report prepared for the Canadian Climate Change Action Fund.

    Google Scholar 

  • McKenzie-Mohr, D. & Oskamp, S. (1995). Psychology and sustainability: An introduction. Journal of Social Issues, 51(4) 1–14.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McKenzie-Mohr, D. & Smith, W. (1999). Fostering sustainable behavior: An introduction to community-based social marketing (2nd Edition). Gabriola Island: BC: New Society.

    Google Scholar 

  • McKenzie-Mohr, D. (2000). Fostering sustainable behavior through community-based social marketing. American Psychologist, 55, 5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McKenzie-Mohr, D. (2001). Promoting sustainable behavior: An introduction to community-based social marketing. Journal of Social Issues, 56, 543–554.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McKenzie-Mohr, D., Nemiroff, L. S., Beers, L., & Desmarais, S. (1995). Determinants of responsible environmental behavior. Journal of Social Issues, 57(4), 139–156.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meadows, D.H., Meadows, D.L., & Randers, J. (1992). Beyond the limits: Confronting global collapse envisioning a sustainable future. Toronto: McClelland & Stewart.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mitchell, J.D. (1998). Population growth continues. In L.R. Brown, M. Renner, & C. Flavin (Eds.), Vital signs 1998: The environmental trends that are shaping our future (pp. 102–103). New York: Norton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Olson, R.L. (1995). Sustainability as a social vision. Journal of Social Issues, 51 (4), 15–35.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oskamp, S. (1995). Resource conservation and recycling: Behavior and policy. Journal of Social Issues, 57(4), 157–177.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Postel, S. (2000). Ground water quality deteriorating. In L.R. Brown, M. Renner, & B. Halweil, Vital signs 2000: The environmental trends that are shaping our future, New York: Norton, 122–123.

    Google Scholar 

  • Postel, S. (2000). Redesigning irrigated agriculture. In L.R. Brown et al. (Eds.), State of the world 2000. New York: Norton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sampat, P. (2000). Ground water quality deteriorating. In L.R. Brown, M. Renner, & B. Halweil (Eds.), Vital signs 2000: The environmental trends that are shaping our future (pp. 124–125). New York: Norton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schultz, P. W., Oskamp, S., & Mainieri, T. (1995). Who recycles and when? A review of personal and situational factors. Journal of Enviornmental Psychology, 15 (2), 105–121.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stavrianos, L. S. (1989). Lifelines from our past: A new world history. New York: Pantheon Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tedeschi, R. G, Cann, A, & Siegfried, W. D. (1982). Participation in voluntary auto emissions inspection. Journal of Social Psychology, 117, 309–310.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tracy, A. P., & Oskamp, S. (1983–84). Relationships among ecologically responsible behaviors. Journal of Environmental Systems, 13, 115–126.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tuxill, J. (1998). Losing strands in the web of life: Vertebrate declines and the conservation of biological diversity. Worldwatch Paper 141. Washington, DC: Worldwatch.

    Google Scholar 

  • Von Weizsacker, E.U. & Jesinghaus, J. (1992). Ecological tax reform. New Jersey: Zed.

    Google Scholar 

  • World Commission on Economic Development. (1987). Our common future. New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • World Meteorological Organization. (1991, October). Scientific assessment of stratospheric ozone, 1991 (Rep. No. 25). Global Ozone Research and Monitoring Project.

    Google Scholar 

  • World Resources. (1992). World resources 1992–93. New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2002 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

McKenzie-Mohr, D. (2002). The Next Revolution: Sustainability. In: Schmuck, P., Schultz, W.P. (eds) Psychology of Sustainable Development. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-0995-0_2

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-0995-0_2

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4613-5342-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4615-0995-0

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics