1
|
Goerg SJ, Pondorfer A, Stöhr V. Regional variation in social norm nudges. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16773. [PMID: 39039116 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65765-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Public support is crucial for the effectiveness of ambitious climate policies, and social norm interventions have been proven effective in fostering support. An open question is which norms should be communicated if support and estimated support for climate policies differ substantially between regions. In two studies, we investigate whether individuals accurately assess the existing support and then explore the impact of national and regional norms on public support. Our results show that the norm on climate policy support is generally misperceived, i.e., the norm is higher than expected. This misperception increases with policy ambition and varies substantially between sub-national regions. Information about the national norm increases support, mainly in regions with below or above-average support. In contrast, interventions with regional norms are ineffective and even backfire in low-support regions. This demonstrates that norm nudges need to consider the regional aspects of the reference and target groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian J Goerg
- Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability, Technical University of Munich, München, Germany
- TUM School of Management, Technical University of Munich, München, Germany
| | - Andreas Pondorfer
- Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability, Technical University of Munich, München, Germany.
- TUM School of Management, Technical University of Munich, München, Germany.
| | - Valentina Stöhr
- Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability, Technical University of Munich, München, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cravens AE, Clifford KR, Knapp C, Travis WR. The dynamic feasibility of resisting (R), accepting (A), or directing (D) ecological change. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2024:e14331. [PMID: 39016709 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Ecological transformations are occurring as a result of climate change, challenging traditional approaches to land management decision-making. The resist-accept-direct (RAD) framework helps managers consider how to respond to this challenge. We examined how the feasibility of the choices to resist, accept, and direct shifts in complex and dynamic ways through time. We considered 4 distinct types of social feasibility: regulatory, financial, public, and organizational. Our commentary is grounded in literature review and the examples that exist but necessarily has speculative elements because empirical evidence on this newly emerging management strategy is scarce. We expect that resist strategies will become less feasible over time as managers encounter situations where resisting is ecologically, by regulation, financially, or publicly not feasible. Similarly, we expect that as regulatory frameworks increasingly permit their use, if costs decrease, and if the public accepts them, managers will increasingly view accept and direct strategies as more viable options than they do at present. Exploring multiple types of feasibility over time allows consideration of both social and ecological trajectories of change in tandem. Our theorizing suggested that deepening the time horizon of decision-making allows one to think carefully about when one should adopt different approaches and how to combine them over time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda E Cravens
- Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Katherine R Clifford
- Western Water Assessment, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Corrine Knapp
- Haub School of Environment & Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA
| | - William R Travis
- Department of Geography and North Central Climate Adaptation Science Center, Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Batzke MCL, Ernst A. Distinguishing fast change in social norms and slow change in personal norms in cooperative decision-making. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1380341. [PMID: 38882517 PMCID: PMC11178139 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1380341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Psychological research on norms has shown that norms are highly relevant for individuals' decision-making. Yet, there is so far little understanding of how norms change over time. Knowledge about how norms change may help better understanding their potential for as well as limitations in guiding decision-making and changing behavior. The present work investigated change in individuals' cooperation norms. As an indicator of different underlying processes of norm change, the temporal dynamics of different types of norms were examined. It was assumed that participants' social norms are adapted quickly whenever the social situation changes, while personal norms change more slowly and gradually, abstracting part of the situational learning in interaction with one's personality. In an experimental study, participants played a repeated prisoner's dilemma game with artificial co-players representing a predominantly cooperative or uncooperative social setting, depending on the experimental condition. The condition was expected to affect slow learning of personal norms. Additionally, the cooperativeness of the social setting was varied repeatedly within conditions, expected to result in fast changes in social norms. Participants' personal and social norms were assessed throughout the game. As predicted, the temporal dynamics differed between norms with social norms changing quickly and personal norms more slowly. Personal norms strongly predicted behavioral decision-making and were predicted by situational and personality factors. Potential qualitative differences of the underlying norm change processes are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marlene C L Batzke
- Center for Environmental Systems Research, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany
| | - Andreas Ernst
- Center for Environmental Systems Research, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
van de Leemput IA, Bascompte J, Buddendorf WB, Dakos V, Lever JJ, Scheffer M, van Nes EH. Transformation starts at the periphery of networks where pushback is less. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11344. [PMID: 38762633 PMCID: PMC11102466 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61057-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Complex systems ranging from societies to ecological communities and power grids may be viewed as networks of connected elements. Such systems can go through critical transitions driven by an avalanche of contagious change. Here we ask, where in a complex network such a systemic shift is most likely to start. Intuitively, a central node seems the most likely source of such change. Indeed, topological studies suggest that central nodes can be the Achilles heel for attacks. We argue that the opposite is true for the class of networks in which all nodes tend to follow the state of their neighbors, a category we call two-way pull networks. In this case, a well-connected central node is an unlikely starting point of a systemic shift due to the buffering effect of connected neighbors. As a result, change is most likely to cascade through the network if it spreads first among relatively poorly connected nodes in the periphery. The probability of such initial spread is highest when the perturbation starts from intermediately connected nodes at the periphery, or more specifically, nodes with intermediate degree and relatively low closeness centrality. Our finding is consistent with empirical observations on social innovation, and may be relevant to topics as different as the sources of originality of art, collapse of financial and ecological networks and the onset of psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid A van de Leemput
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Jordi Bascompte
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Vasilis Dakos
- Institute Des Sciences de L'Évolution, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, EPHE, Montpellier, France
| | - J Jelle Lever
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL), Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Marten Scheffer
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Egbert H van Nes
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kraak VI, Aschemann-Witzel J. The Future of Plant-Based Diets: Aligning Healthy Marketplace Choices with Equitable, Resilient, and Sustainable Food Systems. Annu Rev Public Health 2024; 45:253-275. [PMID: 38772624 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-publhealth-060722-032021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
The future of plant-based diets is a complex public health issue inextricably linked to planetary health. Shifting the world's population to consume nutrient-rich, plant-based diets is among the most impactful strategies to transition to sustainable food systems to feed 10 billion people by 2050. This review summarizes how international expert bodies define sustainable diets and food systems and describes types of sustainable dietary patterns. It also explores how the type and proportion of plant- versus animal-source foods and alternative proteins relate to sustainable diets to reduce diet-related morbidity and mortality. Thereafter, we synthesize evidence for current challenges and actions needed to achieve plant-based sustainable dietary patterns using a conceptual framework with principles to promote human health, ecological health, social equity, and economic prosperity. We recommend strategies for governments, businesses, and civil society to encourage marketplace choices that lead to plant-rich sustainable diets within healthy, equitable, and resilient agroecological food systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vivica I Kraak
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA;
| | - Jessica Aschemann-Witzel
- MAPP Centre, Department of Management, School of Business and Social Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Levis C, Flores BM, Campos-Silva JV, Peroni N, Staal A, Padgurschi MCG, Dorshow W, Moraes B, Schmidt M, Kuikuro TW, Kuikuro H, Wauja K, Kuikuro K, Kuikuro A, Fausto C, Franchetto B, Watling J, Lima H, Heckenberger M, Clement CR. Contributions of human cultures to biodiversity and ecosystem conservation. Nat Ecol Evol 2024; 8:866-879. [PMID: 38503867 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-024-02356-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
The expansion of globalized industrial societies is causing global warming, ecosystem degradation, and species and language extinctions worldwide. Mainstream conservation efforts still focus on nature protection strategies to revert this crisis, often overlooking the essential roles of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IP&LC) in protecting biodiversity and ecosystems globally. Here we assess the scientific literature to identify relationships between biodiversity (including ecosystem diversity) and cultural diversity, and investigate how these connections may affect conservation outcomes in tropical lowland South America. Our assessment reveals a network of interactions and feedbacks between biodiversity and diverse IP&LC, suggesting interconnectedness and interdependencies from which multiple benefits to nature and societies emerge. We illustrate our findings with five case studies of successful conservation models, described as consolidated or promising 'social-ecological hope spots', that show how engagement with IP&LC of various cultures may be the best hope for biodiversity and ecosystem conservation, particularly when aligned with science and technology. In light of these five inspiring cases, we argue that conservation science and policies need to recognize that protecting and promoting both biological and cultural diversities can provide additional co-benefits and solutions to maintain ecosystems resilient in the face of global changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Levis
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil.
- Affiliated scholar, Brazil LAB, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
| | - Bernardo M Flores
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - João Vitor Campos-Silva
- Instituto Juruá, Manaus, Brazil
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Nivaldo Peroni
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Arie Staal
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maíra C G Padgurschi
- Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Manaus, Brazil
- Centro de Pesquisas Meteorológicas e Climáticas aplicadas à Agricultura, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Wetherbee Dorshow
- Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Earth Analytic, Puente Institute, Santa Fe, NM, USA
| | - Bruno Moraes
- Earth Analytic, Puente Institute, Santa Fe, NM, USA
- Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, Belém, Brazil
| | - Morgan Schmidt
- Laboratório de Estudos Interdisciplinares em Arqueologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
- Department of Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Earth Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Taku Wate Kuikuro
- Associação Indígena Kuikuro do Alto Xingu, Aldeia Ipatse, Território Indígena do Alto Xingu, Canarana and Gaúcha do Norte, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Huke Kuikuro
- Associação Indígena Kuikuro do Alto Xingu, Aldeia Ipatse, Território Indígena do Alto Xingu, Canarana and Gaúcha do Norte, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Kumessi Wauja
- Associação Indígena Kuikuro do Alto Xingu, Aldeia Ipatse, Território Indígena do Alto Xingu, Canarana and Gaúcha do Norte, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Kalutata Kuikuro
- Associação Indígena Kuikuro do Alto Xingu, Aldeia Ipatse, Território Indígena do Alto Xingu, Canarana and Gaúcha do Norte, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Afukaka Kuikuro
- Associação Indígena Kuikuro do Alto Xingu, Aldeia Ipatse, Território Indígena do Alto Xingu, Canarana and Gaúcha do Norte, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Carlos Fausto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Antropologia Social, Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Visiting Research Scholar, Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies, Brazil LAB, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Bruna Franchetto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Antropologia Social, Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jennifer Watling
- Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Charles R Clement
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bocean CG. A Longitudinal Analysis of the Impact of Digital Technologies on Sustainable Food Production and Consumption in the European Union. Foods 2024; 13:1281. [PMID: 38672953 PMCID: PMC11049518 DOI: 10.3390/foods13081281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In today's landscape, digital technologies hold immense potential in tackling challenges associated with food sustainability. This study aims to contextualize a broader investigation of food sustainability and digitalization within the agricultural sector. Its objective is to explore the influence of digital technologies on sustainable food production and consumption, particularly examining relationships among digital technologies, municipal waste, agricultural output, nitrogen emissions, methane emissions from agriculture, and Goal 12 Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG12). Through the use of Structural Equation Modeling, the empirical investigation scrutinizes the relationships between digital technology use and critical variables linked to food sustainability in a longitudinal analysis. The results highlight the significant impact of extensive digital technology use on municipal waste, sustainable production, and consumption, indirectly influencing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Empirical research findings reveal a negative influence of digital technologies on responsible consumption and production (path coefficient -0.349, p values < 0.001), suggesting an impact of digital technologies on diminishing sustainability in consumption and production. The relationship between digital technologies and municipal solid waste is also negative (path coefficient -0.360, p values < 0.001), suggesting that the use of digital technologies can contribute to reducing the amount of municipal solid waste. Digitalization has the potential to improve the sustainability of supply chains by reducing resource consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with production and distribution operations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudiu George Bocean
- Department of Management, Marketing and Business Administration, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, University of Craiova, 13 AI Cuza Street, 200585 Craiova, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Müller N, Fallucchi F, Suhrcke M. Peer effects in weight-related behaviours of young people: A systematic literature review. ECONOMICS AND HUMAN BIOLOGY 2024; 53:101354. [PMID: 38301414 DOI: 10.1016/j.ehb.2024.101354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Individual preferences and beliefs are perpetually shaped by environmental influences, with peers playing a key role in this dynamic process. Compelling evidence from qualitative and quantitative studies has highlighted the significant impact of peer influence on health-related decisions. This systematic literature review critically synthesises findings from 45 studies published between 2011 and 2022, providing a comprehensive understanding of the nature of peer effects on dietary, physical activity and sleep behaviours during youth. The majority of studies indicated that social norms drive directional changes in eating and physical activity. Yet, our analysis revealed a notable gap in exploring alternative mechanisms, including social comparison and social identity, despite their potential relevance. Studies, generally classified as moderate to high quality, predominantly relied on self-reported data, potentially affecting the validity and reliability of measures. Meta-regression analyses suggest a small, but significant association of sample size with the magnitude, sign and significance of the reported peer effects. Moreover, studies focusing on physical activity are more likely to report significant outcomes, whereas findings on peer influence on sleep-related studies tend to reveal less pronounced effects, compared to studies on dietary behaviours. Experimental designs do not appear to increase the likelihood of finding significant effects when compared to other study designs. In conclusion, this synthesis emphasises the need for further research into the underlying mechanisms on peer effects to better inform policy-makers in designing effective policies for improving weight-related behaviours in young people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Müller
- Department of Living Conditions, Luxembourg Institute of Socio-economic Research, 11 Porte des Sciences, 4366 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg; Department of Social Sciences, University of Luxembourg, 4366 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
| | | | - Marc Suhrcke
- Department of Living Conditions, Luxembourg Institute of Socio-economic Research, 11 Porte des Sciences, 4366 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg; Centre for Health Economics, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Andrighetto G, Gavrilets S, Gelfand M, Mace R, Vriens E. Social norm change: drivers and consequences. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230023. [PMID: 38244603 PMCID: PMC10799731 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Social norms research is booming. In recent years, several experts have recommended using social norms (unwritten rules that prescribe what people ought or ought not to do) to confront the societal, environmental and health challenges our societies face. If we are to do so, a better understanding is required of how social norms themselves emerge, evolve and respond to these challenges. Social norms have long been used as post hoc explanations of behaviour or are seen as stable social constructs. Yet norms evolve dynamically with the changing group processes (e.g. political polarization, kinship structures) and societal challenges (e.g. pandemics, climate change) for which they are presented as solutions. The Theme Issue 'Social norm change: drivers and consequences' contains 14 contributions that present state-of-the-art approaches to understand what generates social norm change and how this impacts our societies. Contributions give insight into (i) the identification of norms, norm change and their effect on behaviour; (ii) drivers and consequences of spontaneous norm change; and (iii) how norm change can be engineered to promote desired behavioural change. This article is part of the theme issue 'Social norm change: drivers and consequences'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Andrighetto
- Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, Italian National Research Council, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Sergey Gavrilets
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Department of Mathematics, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-1610, USA
| | - Michele Gelfand
- Graduate School of Business and Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ruth Mace
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, London WC1H 0BW, UK
| | - Eva Vriens
- Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, Italian National Research Council, Rome 00185, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Molho C, De Petrillo F, Garfield ZH, Slewe S. Cross-societal variation in norm enforcement systems. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230034. [PMID: 38244602 PMCID: PMC10799737 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Across human societies, people are sometimes willing to punish norm violators. Such punishment can take the form of revenge from victims, seemingly altruistic intervention from third parties, or legitimized sanctioning from institutional representatives. Although prior work has documented cross-cultural regularities in norm enforcement, substantial variation exists in the prevalence and forms of punishment across societies. Such cross-societal variation may arise from universal psychological mechanisms responding to different socio-ecological conditions, or from cultural evolutionary processes, resulting in different norm enforcement systems. To date, empirical evidence from comparative studies across diverse societies has remained disconnected, owing to a lack of interdisciplinary integration and a prevalent tendency of empirical studies to focus on different underpinnings of variation in norm enforcement. To provide a more complete view of the shared and unique aspects of punishment across societies, we review prior research in anthropology, economics and psychology, and take a first step towards integrating the plethora of socio-ecological and cultural factors proposed to explain cross-societal variation in norm enforcement. We conclude by discussing how future cross-societal research can use diverse methodologies to illuminate key questions on the domain-specificity of punishment, the diversity of tactics supporting social norms, and their role in processes of norm change. This article is part of the theme issue 'Social norm change: drivers and consequences'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Molho
- Department of Experimental and Applied Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Institute for Brain and Behavior Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Francesca De Petrillo
- School of Psychology and Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE2 4DR, UK
| | - Zachary H. Garfield
- Institute for Advanced Study in Toulouse, Université de Toulouse 1 Capitole, Toulouse 31015, France
- Africa Institute for Research in Economics and Social Sciences, Université Mohammed VI Polytechnique, 43150 Rabat, Morocco
| | - Sam Slewe
- Department of Experimental and Applied Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Vriens E, Andrighetto G, Tummolini L. Risk, sanctions and norm change: the formation and decay of social distancing norms. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230035. [PMID: 38244600 PMCID: PMC10799734 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Global challenges like the climate crisis and pandemic outbreaks require collective responses where people quickly adapt to changing circumstances. Social norms are potential solutions, but only if they themselves are flexible enough. The COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity to study norm formation and decay in real-world contexts. We tracked empirical and normative expectations about social distancing and empirical and normative expectations of sanctioning from June 2021 to February 2022 to explore how norms and meta norms evolved as COVID-19 risk decreased and increased. We found that norms and meta norms partially coevolve with risk dynamics, although they recover with some delay. This implies that norms should be enforced as soon as risk increases. We therefore tested how sanctioning intentions vary for different hypothetical norms and find them to increase with a clear meta norm of sanctioning, yet decrease with a clear social norm of distance. In conclusion, social norms evolve spontaneously with changing risk, but might not be adaptive enough when the lack of meta norms of sanctioning introduce tolerance for norm violations. Moreover, norm nudges can potentially have negative externalities if strengthening the social norm increases tolerance for norm violations. These results put some limits to social norms as solutions to guide behaviour under risk. This article is part of the theme issue 'Social norm change: drivers and consequences'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Vriens
- Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, Italian National Research Council, Via S. Martino della Battaglia 44, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Andrighetto
- Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, Italian National Research Council, Via S. Martino della Battaglia 44, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Institute for Futures Studies, Holländargatan 13, 11136 Stockholm, Sweden
- Institute for Analytical Sociology, Linköping University, 60174 Norrköping, Sweden
| | - Luca Tummolini
- Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, Italian National Research Council, Via S. Martino della Battaglia 44, 00185 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Baronchelli A. Shaping new norms for AI. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230028. [PMID: 38244607 PMCID: PMC10799727 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into our lives, the need for new norms is urgent. However, AI evolves at a much faster pace than the characteristic time of norm formation, posing an unprecedented challenge to our societies. This paper examines possible criticalities of the processes of norm formation surrounding AI. It focuses on how new norms can be established, rather than on what these norms should be. It distinguishes different scenarios based on the centralization or decentralization of the norm formation process, analysing the cases where new norms are shaped by formal authorities or informal institutions, or emerge spontaneously in a bottom-up fashion. On the latter point, the paper reports a conversation with ChatGPT in which the LLM discusses some of the emerging norms it has observed. Far from seeking exhaustiveness, this article aims to offer readers interpretive tools to frame society's response to the growing pervasiveness of AI. An outlook on how AI could influence the formation of future social norms emphasizes the importance for open societies to anchor their formal deliberation process in an open, inclusive and transparent public discourse. This article is part of the theme issue 'Social norm change: drivers and consequences'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Baronchelli
- City, University of London, Northampton Square, London EC1V 0HB, UK
- The Alan Turing Institute, British Library, 96 Euston Road, London NW1 2DB, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Gavrilets S, Tverskoi D, Sánchez A. Modelling social norms: an integration of the norm-utility approach with beliefs dynamics. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230027. [PMID: 38244599 PMCID: PMC10799741 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
We review theoretical approaches for modelling the origin, persistence and change of social norms. The most comprehensive models describe the coevolution of behaviours, personal, descriptive and injunctive norms while considering influences of various authorities and accounting for cognitive processes and between-individual differences. Models show that social norms can improve individual and group well-being. Under some conditions though, deleterious norms can persist in the population through conformity, preference falsification and pluralistic ignorance. Polarization in behaviour and beliefs can be maintained, even when societal advantages of particular behaviours or belief systems over alternatives are clear. Attempts to change social norms can backfire through cognitive processes including cognitive dissonance and psychological reactance. Under some conditions social norms can change rapidly via tipping point dynamics. Norms can be highly susceptible to manipulation, and network structure influences their propagation. Future models should incorporate network structure more thoroughly, explicitly study online norms, consider cultural variations and be applied to real-world processes. This article is part of the theme issue 'Social norm change: drivers and consequences'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Gavrilets
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
- Department of Mathematics, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
- Center for the Dynamics of Social Complexity, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Denis Tverskoi
- Department of Mathematics, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
- Center for the Dynamics of Social Complexity, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Angel Sánchez
- Grupo Interdisciplinar de Sistemas Complejos, Departamento de Matemáticas Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Leganés, Madrid 28911, Spain
- Instituto de Biocomputación y Física de Sistemas Complejos, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50018, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Efferson C, Ehret S, von Flüe L, Vogt S. When norm change hurts. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230039. [PMID: 38244606 PMCID: PMC10799740 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Applied cultural evolution includes any effort to mobilize social learning and cultural evolution to promote behaviour change. Social tipping is one version of this idea based on conformity and coordination. Conformity and coordination can reinforce a harmful social norm, but they can also accelerate change from a harmful norm to a beneficial alternative. Perhaps unfortunately, the link between the size of an intervention and social tipping is complex in heterogeneous populations. A small intervention targeted at one segment of society can induce tipping better than a large intervention targeted at a different segment. We develop and examine two models showing that the link between social tipping and social welfare is also complex in heterogeneous populations. An intervention strategy that creates persistent miscoordination, exactly the opposite of tipping, can lead to higher social welfare than another strategy that leads to tipping. We show that the potential benefits of miscoordination often hinge specifically on the preferences of people most resistant to behaviour change. Altogether, ordinary forms of heterogeneity complicate applied cultural evolution considerably. Heterogeneity weakens both the link between the size of a social planner's intervention and behaviour change and the link between behaviour change and the well-being of society. This article is part of the theme issue 'Social norm change: drivers and consequences'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles Efferson
- University of Lausanne, Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sönke Ehret
- University of Lausanne, Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lukas von Flüe
- University of Lausanne, Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sonja Vogt
- University of Lausanne, Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Davidson MR, Filatova T, Peng W, Verbeek L, Kucuksayacigil F. Simulating institutional heterogeneity in sustainability science. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2215674121. [PMID: 38359297 PMCID: PMC10895347 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2215674121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Sustainability outcomes are influenced by the laws and configurations of natural and engineered systems as well as activities in socio-economic systems. An important subset of human activity is the creation and implementation of institutions, formal and informal rules shaping a wide range of human behavior. Understanding these rules and codifying them in computational models can provide important missing insights into why systems function the way they do (static) as well as the pace and structure of transitions required to improve sustainability (dynamic). Here, we conduct a comparative synthesis of three modeling approaches- integrated assessment modeling, engineering-economic optimization, and agent-based modeling-with underexplored potential to represent institutions. We first perform modeling experiments on climate mitigation systems that represent specific aspects of heterogeneous institutions, including formal policies and institutional coordination, and informal attitudes and norms. We find measurable but uneven aggregate impacts, while more politically meaningful distributional impacts are large across various actors. Our results show that omitting institutions can influence the costs of climate mitigation and miss opportunities to leverage institutional forces to speed up emissions reduction. These experiments allow us to explore the capacity of each modeling approach to represent insitutions and to lay out a vision for the next frontier of endogenizing institutional change in sustainability science models. To bridge the gap between modeling, theories, and empirical evidence on social institutions, this research agenda calls for joint efforts between sustainability modelers who wish to explore and incorporate institutional detail, and social scientists studying the socio-political and economic foundations for sustainability transitions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Davidson
- School of Global Policy and Strategy, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Tatiana Filatova
- Department of Multi Actor Systems, Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management, Delft University of Technology, 2628 BX Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Wei Peng
- School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
- Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
| | - Liz Verbeek
- Department of Multi Actor Systems, Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management, Delft University of Technology, 2628 BX Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Fikri Kucuksayacigil
- School of Global Policy and Strategy, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Minchew LA. Self-Blame Attribution: Concept Analysis and Application to HPV-Related Cancers. J Christ Nurs 2024:00005217-990000000-00018. [PMID: 38319227 DOI: 10.1097/cnj.0000000000001167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT The attribution of self-blame for a negative physical health outcome can lead to further deterioration of one's mental and spiritual state. Using Walker and Avant's eight-step model for concept analysis, self-blame attribution is explored following the diagnosis of a human papillomavirus-related cancer in women. Conceptual case examples provide application of the concept to patient situations. Spiritual assessment tools for nurses caring for those who evidence self-blame are provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leigh Anne Minchew
- Leigh Anne Minchew, PhD, DNP, RN, WHNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, a dual-certified women's health and psychiatric nurse practitioner, provides supportive care to patients with gynecologic cancers. Her practice is devoted to addressing women's psychological and spiritual health needs
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
von Flüe L, Efferson C, Vogt S. Green preferences sustain greenwashing: challenges in the cultural transition to a sustainable future. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20220268. [PMID: 37952622 PMCID: PMC10645117 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Discussions of the environmental impact that revolve around monetary incentives and other easy-to-measure factors are important, but they neglect culture. Pro-environmental values will be crucial when facing sustainability challenges in the Anthropocene, and demand among green consumers is arguably critical to incentivise sustainable production. However, owing to asymmetric information, consumers might not know whether the premium they pay for green production is well-spent. Reliable monitoring of manufacturers is meant to solve this problem. To see how this might work, we develop and analyse a game theoretic model of a simple buyer-seller exchange with asymmetric information, and our analysis shows that greenwashing can exist exactly because reliable monitoring co-exists with unreliable monitoring. More broadly, promoting pro-environmental values among consumers might even amplify the problem at times because a manufacturer with significant market power can exploit both consumer preferences for sustainability and trustworthy monitoring to gouge prices and in extreme cases green wash in plain sight. We discuss several strategies to address this problem. Promoting accurate beliefs and a large-scale behavioural change based on pro-environmental values might be necessary for a rapid transition to a sustainable future, but recent evidence from the cultural evolution literature highlights many important challenges. This article is part of the theme issue 'Evolution and sustainability: gathering the strands for an Anthropocene synthesis'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lukas von Flüe
- Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Charles Efferson
- Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Sonja Vogt
- Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Qiu J, Zhao H, Chang NB, Wardropper CB, Campbell C, Baggio JA, Guan Z, Kohl P, Newell J, Wu J. Scale up urban agriculture to leverage transformative food systems change, advance social-ecological resilience and improve sustainability. NATURE FOOD 2024; 5:83-92. [PMID: 38168783 DOI: 10.1038/s43016-023-00902-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Scaling up urban agriculture could leverage transformative change, to build and maintain resilient and sustainable urban systems. Current understanding of drivers, processes and pathways for scaling up urban agriculture, however, remains fragmentary and largely siloed in disparate disciplines and sectors. Here we draw on multiple disciplinary domains to present an integrated conceptual framework of urban agriculture and synthesize literature to reveal its social-ecological effects across scales. We demonstrate plausible multi-phase developmental pathways, including dynamics, accelerators and feedback associated with scaling up urban agriculture. Finally, we discuss key considerations for scaling up urban agriculture, including diversity, heterogeneity, connectivity, spatial synergies and trade-offs, nonlinearity, scale and polycentricity. Our framework provides a transdisciplinary roadmap for policy, planning and collaborative engagement to scale up urban agriculture and catalyse transformative change towards more robust urban resilience and sustainability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiangxiao Qiu
- School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Hui Zhao
- School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ni-Bin Chang
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Chloe B Wardropper
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Catherine Campbell
- Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jacopo A Baggio
- School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs and National Center for Integrated Coastal Research, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Zhengfei Guan
- Food and Resource Economics Department, Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Patrice Kohl
- Department of Environmental Studies, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, State University of New York, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Joshua Newell
- School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jianguo Wu
- School of Life Sciences and School of Sustainability, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Richerson PJ, Boyd RT, Efferson C. Agentic processes in cultural evolution: relevance to Anthropocene sustainability. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20220252. [PMID: 37952614 PMCID: PMC10645076 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Humans have evolved culturally and perhaps genetically to be unsustainable. We exhibit a deep and consistent pattern of short-term resource exploitation behaviours and institutions. We distinguish agentic and naturally selective forces in cultural evolution. Agentic forces are quite important compared to the blind forces (random variation and natural selection) in cultural evolution and gene-culture coevolution. We need to use the agentic policy-making processes to evade the impact of blind natural selection. We argue that agentic forces became important during our Pleistocene history and into the Anthropocene present. Human creativity in the form of deliberate innovations and the deliberate selective diffusion of technical and social advances drove this process forward for a long time before planetary limits became a serious issue. We review models with multiple positive feedbacks that roughly fit this observed pattern. Policy changes in the case of large-scale existential threats like climate change are made by political and diplomatic agents grasping and moving levers of institutional power in order to avoid the operation of blind natural selection and agentic forces driven by narrow or short-term goals. This article is part of the theme issue 'Evolution and sustainability: gathering the strands for an Anthropocene synthesis'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter J. Richerson
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis, 95616, CA, USA
| | - Robert T. Boyd
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Institute of Human Origins, Arizona State University, Tempe, 85281, AZ, USA
| | - Charles Efferson
- Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Lausanne, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Lenton TM, Scheffer M. Spread of the cycles: a feedback perspective on the Anthropocene. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20220254. [PMID: 37952624 PMCID: PMC10645129 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
What propelled the human 'revolutions' that started the Anthropocene? and what could speed humanity out of trouble? Here, we focus on the role of reinforcing feedback cycles, often comprised of diverse, unrelated elements (e.g. fire, grass, humans), in propelling abrupt and/or irreversible, revolutionary changes. We suggest that differential 'spread of the cycles' has been critical to the past human revolutions of fire use, agriculture, rise of complex states and industrialization. For each revolution, we review and map out proposed reinforcing feedback cycles, and describe how new systems built on previous ones, propelling us into the Anthropocene. We argue that to escape a bleak Anthropocene will require abruptly shifting from existing unsustainable 'vicious cycles', to alternative sustainable 'virtuous cycles' that can outspread and outpersist them. This will need to be complemented by a revolutionary cultural shift from maximizing growth to maximizing persistence (sustainability). To achieve that we suggest that non-human elements need to be brought back into the feedback cycles underlying human cultures and associated measures of progress. This article is part of the theme issue 'Evolution and sustainability: gathering the strands for an Anthropocene synthesis'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marten Scheffer
- Wageningen University, Wageningen NL-6700 AA, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Currie TE, Borgerhoff Mulder M, Fogarty L, Schlüter M, Folke C, Haider LJ, Caniglia G, Tavoni A, Jansen REV, Jørgensen PS, Waring TM. Integrating evolutionary theory and social-ecological systems research to address the sustainability challenges of the Anthropocene. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20220262. [PMID: 37952618 PMCID: PMC10645068 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid, human-induced changes in the Earth system during the Anthropocene present humanity with critical sustainability challenges. Social-ecological systems (SES) research provides multiple approaches for understanding the complex interactions between humans, social systems, and environments and how we might direct them towards healthier and more resilient futures. However, general theories of SES change have yet to be fully developed. Formal evolutionary theory has been applied as a dynamic theory of change of complex phenomena in biology and the social sciences, but rarely in SES research. In this paper, we explore the connections between both fields, hoping to foster collaboration. After sketching out the distinct intellectual traditions of SES research and evolutionary theory, we map some of their terminological and theoretical connections. We then provide examples of how evolutionary theory might be incorporated into SES research through the use of systems mapping to identify evolutionary processes in SES, the application of concepts from evolutionary developmental biology to understand the connections between systems changes and evolutionary changes, and how evolutionary thinking may help design interventions for beneficial change. Integrating evolutionary theory and SES research can lead to a better understanding of SES changes and positive interventions for a more sustainable Anthropocene. This article is part of the theme issue 'Evolution and sustainability: gathering the strands for an Anthropocene synthesis'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E. Currie
- Human Behaviour and Cultural Evolution Group, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Monique Borgerhoff Mulder
- Department of Anthropology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Santa Fe Institute, Santa Fe, NM 87506, USA
- Max-Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Laurel Fogarty
- Max-Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Maja Schlüter
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carl Folke
- Beijer Institute of Ecological Economics, The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, SE-104 05 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - L. Jamila Haider
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Guido Caniglia
- Konrad Lorenz Institute for Evolution and Cognition Research, A-3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Alessandro Tavoni
- Department of Economics, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, London School of Economics, London WC2A 2AE, UK
| | - Raf E. V. Jansen
- Global Economic Dynamics and the Biosphere, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, SE-104 05 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Peter Søgaard Jørgensen
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- Global Economic Dynamics and the Biosphere, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, SE-104 05 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Timothy M. Waring
- Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions and School of Economics, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5710, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Gang C, Sha H, Qamruzzaman M. Nexus between energy efficiency, green investment, urbanization and environmental quality: Evidence from MENA region. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0295628. [PMID: 38157360 PMCID: PMC10756557 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental protection holds a paramount position in the pursuit of sustainable development. The existing body of literature has extensively examined various driving forces for environmental enhancement, including renewable energy sources, innovation, and governmental interventions. This study aims to assess the impact of green investment, energy efficiency, and urbanization on achieving environmental sustainability in the MENA region during the period 2004-2019. A comprehensive set of econometric tools has been employed to achieve this goal, including the CADF and CIPS panel unit root tests, error correction-based panel cointegration analysis, Cross-sectional ARDL, and asymmetric ARDL models. The key findings of this research are as follows: Cross-sectional dependency and homogeneity tests demonstrated that the research units shared common dynamics and heterogeneity properties. The stationarity tests based on CIPS and CADF indicated that all variables became stationary after the first differencing. The panel cointegration analysis established a long-term relationship between green investment (GI), energy efficiency (EE), urbanization (UR), and environmental sustainability (ES) in MENA nations. Empirical model estimations using Cross-sectional ARDL revealed significant contributions of GI, EE, and UR to ES in the long and short run. The asymmetry assessment uncovered a nonlinear relationship between the explanatory and dependent variables, both in the long and short run. Specifically, the asymmetric coefficients of GI, EE, and UR displayed negative statistical significance at the 1% level, highlighting their significant roles in promoting environmental sustainability. In light of these findings, this study provides valuable insights for policymakers to formulate strategies to further environmental sustainability in the MENA region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Gang
- School of Economics and Management, Southwest Petroleum University, Sichuan Province, China
- Xi’an Bomay Electric Industries Co., Ltd, Xi’an, China
| | - He Sha
- Southwest Petroleum University, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Md Qamruzzaman
- School of Business and Economics, United International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Bellamy R. Public perceptions of climate tipping points. PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE (BRISTOL, ENGLAND) 2023; 32:1033-1047. [PMID: 37377214 PMCID: PMC10631267 DOI: 10.1177/09636625231177820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Coverage of climate tipping points has rapidly increased over the past 20 years. Despite this upsurge, there has been precious little research into how the public perceives these abrupt and/or irreversible large-scale risks. This article provides a nationally representative view on public perceptions of climate tipping points and possible societal responses to them (n = 1773). Developing a mixed-methods survey with cultural cognition theory, it shows that awareness among the British public is low. The public is doubtful about the future effectiveness of humanity's response to climate change in general, and significantly more doubtful about its response to tipping points specifically. Significantly more people with an egalitarian worldview judge tipping points likely to be crossed and to be a significant threat to humanity. All possible societal responses received strong support. The article ends by considering the prospects for 'cultural tipping elements' to tip support for climate policies across divergent cultural worldviews.
Collapse
|
24
|
Graells T, Lambraki IA, Cousins M, Léger A, Henriksson PJG, Troell M, Carson CA, Parmley EJ, Majowicz SE, Wernli D, Jørgensen PS. Exploring the factors that contribute to the successful implementation of antimicrobial resistance interventions: a comparison of high-income and low-middle-income countries. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1230848. [PMID: 37900049 PMCID: PMC10612146 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1230848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a challenge to modern medicine. Interventions have been applied worldwide to tackle AMR, but these actions are often not reported to peers or published, leading to important knowledge gaps about what actions are being taken. Understanding factors that influence the implementation of AMR interventions and what factors are relevant in low-middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries (HICs) were the key objectives of this exploratory study, with the aim to identifying which priorities these contexts need. Methods A questionnaire was used to explore context, characteristics, and success factors or obstacles to intervention success based on participant input. The context was analyzed using the AMR-Intervene framework, and success factors and obstacles to intervention success were identified using thematic analysis. Results Of the 77 interventions, 57 were implemented in HICs and 17 in LMICs. Interventions took place in the animal sector, followed by the human sector. Public organizations were mainly responsible for implementation and funding. Nine themes and 32 sub-themes emerged as important for intervention success. The themes most frequently reported were 'behavior', 'capacity and resources', 'planning', and 'information'. Five sub-themes were key in all contexts ('collaboration and coordination', 'implementation', 'assessment', 'governance', and 'awareness'), two were key in LMICs ('funding and finances' and 'surveillance, antimicrobial susceptibility testing and preventive screening'), and five were key in HICs ('mandatory', 'multiple profiles', 'personnel', 'management', and 'design'). Conclusion LMIC sub-themes showed that funding and surveillance were still key issues for interventions, while important HIC sub-themes were more specific and detailed, including mandatory enforcement, multiple profiles, and personnel needed for good management and good design. While behavior is often underrated when implementing AMR interventions, capacity and resources are usually considered, and LMICs can benefit from sub-themes captured in HICs if tailored to their contexts. The factors identified can improve the design, planning, implementation, and evaluation of interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiscar Graells
- Global Economic Dynamics and the Biosphere, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Irene A. Lambraki
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Melanie Cousins
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Anaïs Léger
- Global Studies Institute, University of Geneva, Genève, Switzerland
| | - Patrik J. G. Henriksson
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Beijer Institute of Ecological Economics, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
- WorldFish, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Max Troell
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Beijer Institute of Ecological Economics, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carolee A. Carson
- Centre for Foodborne, Environmental and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases; Public Health Agency of Canada, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Jane Parmley
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Shannon E. Majowicz
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Didier Wernli
- Global Studies Institute, University of Geneva, Genève, Switzerland
| | - Peter Søgaard Jørgensen
- Global Economic Dynamics and the Biosphere, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Battu B. Co-evolution of conditional cooperation and social norm. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16625. [PMID: 37789098 PMCID: PMC10547722 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43918-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The co-evolution of conditional cooperation and social norms has garnered significant attention, yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Social norms result from empirical expectations, individual expectations of group behavior, and normative expectations, the population's expectations of individual behavior. Aligning these expectations aids in norm formation, but diverse individual reactions to observed behavior and their sensitivity to norm conformity can be challenging. In our study, the agents are initially endowed with diverse conditional expectations, which mirror their anticipations regarding group behavior and their inherent inclination to conform to social norms, indicative of their sensitivity to psychic costs. These agents engage in a repeated public goods game, where their decisions to cooperate are shaped by their conditional expectations and the observed levels of cooperation within their group. Concurrently, free riders experience psychic costs determined by the overall level of cooperation, contribution costs, and the individual's inclination to adhere to social norms. Remarkably, our simulations unveil that agents commencing with random conditional expectations and a propensity to conform to norms can adapt to lower conditional expectations and moderate their propensity to conform to norms when initial cooperation levels are high and the contribution cost is reduced. Interestingly, increasing contribution costs intensify the population's response to norm enforcement, but this doesn't always result in a corresponding increase in cooperation. By incorporating population diversity and accounting for empirical and normative expectations within our model, we gain valuable insights into the intricate relationship between conditional cooperation and the emergence of social norms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Balaraju Battu
- Science Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Gao Y, Liu Y, Luo Y, Biggs D, Zhao W, Clark SG. Tracking Chinese newspaper coverage of elephant ivory through topic modeling. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2023; 37:e14072. [PMID: 36748394 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Mass media worldwide has contributed to increasing awareness of the illegal wildlife trade and its significant impact on wildlife conservation. We used mass media coverage as a proxy for macro-level public opinion to analyze the media framing of elephant ivory in 6394 Chinese newspaper articles published from 2000 to 2021 and thus determine the effects of wildlife policies on public opinion. We focused on 2 events: the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) approval of China as a trading partner in the purchase and import of ivory stockpiles from Africa in July 2008 and the Chinese government's announcement of a domestic ivory ban in December 2016. Using latent Dirichlet allocation topic modeling, we identified 8 topics about elephant ivory and grouped them into 3 frames: ivory arts and culture, ivory crimes, and elephant conservation. Over the last 2 decades, topics related to ivory crimes remained the most prevalent in news articles. Topics about ivory arts and culture showed a significant shift in media salience before and after the 2 events (from 0.44 to 0.19 and from 0.08 to 0.15, respectively, p < 0.05), whereas the other 2 frames did not change significantly. Contrary to popular belief, our results indicated that Chinese macro-level public opinion on ivory had become more negative following the CITES approval of ivory importation and less negative after the ivory ban announcement, at least for certain periods. The relationship between mass media, public opinion, and wildlife trade policies is complex and requires further examination of the sociopolitical dynamics that influence media narratives. Our results showed the value of topic modeling in monitoring and assessing media representations of wildlife issues in the era of big data. Conservationists should remain vigilant of mass media coverage and collaborate with media practitioners to produce comprehensive narratives on wildlife issues if resources permit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yufang Gao
- School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Anthropology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Northern Rockies Conservation Cooperative, Jackson, Wyoming, USA
| | - Yuntian Liu
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Yu Luo
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, Washington, USA
| | - Duan Biggs
- School of Earth and Sustainability, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
- Resilient Conservation, Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Complex Systems in Transition, School of Public Leadership, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Weiyang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Ecology, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Susan G Clark
- School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Northern Rockies Conservation Cooperative, Jackson, Wyoming, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Caggiano H, Constantino SM, Lees J, Majumdar R, Weber EU. Community-engaged research is best positioned to catalyze systemic change. Behav Brain Sci 2023; 46:e152. [PMID: 37646276 DOI: 10.1017/s0140525x23001024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Addressing many social challenges requires both structural and behavioral change. The binary of an i- and s-frame obscures how behavioral science can help foster bottom-up collective action. Adopting a community-frame perspective moves toward a more integrative view of how social change emerges, and how it might be promoted by policymakers and publics in service of addressing challenges like climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Holly Caggiano
- Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Sara M Constantino
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
- School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Lees
- Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Rohini Majumdar
- Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Elke U Weber
- Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Debnath R, Creutzig F, Sovacool BK, Shuckburgh E. Harnessing human and machine intelligence for planetary-level climate action. NPJ CLIMATE ACTION 2023; 2:20. [PMID: 38694954 PMCID: PMC11062317 DOI: 10.1038/s44168-023-00056-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
The ongoing global race for bigger and better artificial intelligence (AI) systems is expected to have a profound societal and environmental impact by altering job markets, disrupting business models, and enabling new governance and societal welfare structures that can affect global consensus for climate action pathways. However, the current AI systems are trained on biased datasets that could destabilize political agencies impacting climate change mitigation and adaptation decisions and compromise social stability, potentially leading to societal tipping events. Thus, the appropriate design of a less biased AI system that reflects both direct and indirect effects on societies and planetary challenges is a question of paramount importance. In this paper, we tackle the question of data-centric knowledge generation for climate action in ways that minimize biased AI. We argue for the need to co-align a less biased AI with an epistemic web on planetary health challenges for more trustworthy decision-making. A human-in-the-loop AI can be designed to align with three goals. First, it can contribute to a planetary epistemic web that supports climate action. Second, it can directly enable mitigation and adaptation interventions through knowledge of social tipping elements. Finally, it can reduce the data injustices associated with AI pretraining datasets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramit Debnath
- Cambridge Zero and Department of Computer Science and Technology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0FD United Kingdom
- Division of Humanities and Social Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125 USA
| | - Felix Creutzig
- Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change, Berlin, 10829 Germany
- Technical University Berlin, Berlin, 10827 Germany
| | - Benjamin K. Sovacool
- Center for Energy Technologies, Department of Business Development and Technology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Science Policy Research Unit, University of Sussex Business School, Brighton, United Kingdom
- Institute for Global Sustainability, Department of Earth and Environment, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emily Shuckburgh
- Cambridge Zero and Department of Computer Science and Technology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0FD United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Tekwa E, Gonzalez A, Zurell D, O'Connor M. Detecting and attributing the causes of biodiversity change: needs, gaps and solutions. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20220181. [PMID: 37246389 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Abstract
This issue addresses the multifaceted problems of understanding biodiversity change to meet emerging international development and conservation goals, national economic accounting and diverse community needs. Recent international agreements highlight the need to establish monitoring and assessment programmes at national and regional levels. We identify an opportunity for the research community to develop the methods for robust detection and attribution of biodiversity change that will contribute to national assessments and guide conservation action. The 16 contributions of this issue address six major aspects of biodiversity assessment: connecting policy to science, establishing observation, improving statistical estimation, detecting change, attributing causes and projecting the future. These studies are led by experts in Indigenous studies, economics, ecology, conservation, statistics, and computer science, with representations from Asia, Africa, South America, North America and Europe. The results place biodiversity science in the context of policy needs and provide an updated roadmap for how to observe biodiversity change in a way that supports conservation action via robust detection and attribution science. This article is part of the theme issue 'Detecting and attributing the causes of biodiversity change: needs, gaps and solutions'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eden Tekwa
- Department of Zoology and Biodiversity Research Centre, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z4
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 1B1
- Hakai Institute, Heriot Bay, British Columbia, Canada V0P 1H0
| | - Andrew Gonzalez
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 1B1
| | - Damaris Zurell
- Institute for Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Mary O'Connor
- Department of Zoology and Biodiversity Research Centre, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z4
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Liu J, Almeida JM, Rampado N, Panea B, Hocquette É, Chriki S, Ellies-Oury MP, Hocquette JF. Perception of cultured "meat" by Italian, Portuguese and Spanish consumers. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1043618. [PMID: 37408985 PMCID: PMC10319306 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1043618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate how consumers (n = 2,171) originated from South-Western Europe (Italy, Portugal, and Spain) perceive cultured "meat" (CM) and if their demographic characteristics (origin, gender, age, education, occupation, and meat consumption) are related to their willingness to try (WTT), to regularly eat (WTE) and to pay (WTP) for CM. We found the current respondents had an initially positive attitude towards CM: 49% of them perceived CM as "promising and/or acceptable" and 23% "fun and/or intriguing" whereas 29% considered it as "absurd and/or disgusting". In addition, 66 and 25% would be willing and not willing to try CM, respectively. However, 43% had no WTE for CM and, 94% would not pay more for CM compared to conventional meat. Age and especially occupation were good indicators of consumer acceptance of CM. Respondents of 18-30 years of age had the highest acceptance. Respondents outside the meat sector had the highest WTE and people working within the meat sector had the lowest WTE, scientists (within or outside the meat sector) had the highest WTT, people not scientists but within the meat sector had the lowest WTT. Additionally, we found that men are more likely to accept CM than women, Spanish-speaking consumers had the highest WTT and WTE, people with vegan and vegetarian diets may pay more for CM but generally no more than for conventional meat. The perceptions that CM may be more eco-friendly, ethical, safe and healthy than conventional meat, and to a lower extent, the perception that current meat production causes ethical and environmental problems are likely to be major motives for the current respondents to try, regularly eat and pay for CM. On the opposite, lower perceptions of CM benefits and of conventional meat weaknesses more generally, plus emotional resistance towards CM are main barriers to accept CM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Liu
- INRAE, Université Clermont Auvergne, VetAgro Sup, UMR 1213, Recherches sur les Herbivores, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
| | | | - Nicola Rampado
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padua, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Begoña Panea
- Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón (CITA), Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - Sghaier Chriki
- INRAE, Université Clermont Auvergne, VetAgro Sup, UMR 1213, Recherches sur les Herbivores, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
- ISARA, Lyon, France
| | - Marie-Pierre Ellies-Oury
- INRAE, Université Clermont Auvergne, VetAgro Sup, UMR 1213, Recherches sur les Herbivores, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
- Bordeaux Sciences Agro, Gradignan, France
| | - Jean-Francois Hocquette
- INRAE, Université Clermont Auvergne, VetAgro Sup, UMR 1213, Recherches sur les Herbivores, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Allen C, Malekpour S. Unlocking and accelerating transformations to the SDGs: a review of existing knowledge. SUSTAINABILITY SCIENCE 2023; 18:1-22. [PMID: 37363307 PMCID: PMC10237530 DOI: 10.1007/s11625-023-01342-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
As we cross the 2030 deadline to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), there is a growing sense of urgency around the need to accelerate the necessary transformations. These encompass a broad range of systems and require fundamental changes in system goals and design. In this paper, we undertake a narrative review of the literature relating to the acceleration of transformations and offer a framework for unlocking and accelerating transformations to the SDGs. While there is no blueprint for acceleration, there is an expanding knowledge base on important dynamics, impediments and enabling conditions across diverse literatures which can help to inform strategic interventions by actors. The emerging literature on positive tipping points and deep leverage points identifies opportunities to rewire systems design so that important system feedbacks create the conditions for acceleration. Transformation takes time and actors will need to build momentum to reorient systems around new goals, informed by knowledge of common policy, technology and behavioural feedbacks that govern system dynamics. Where resistance is strong, actors can seek to augment system design in ways that weaken balancing feedbacks that stabilise existing system configurations and strengthen reinforcing feedbacks that promote emerging system configurations oriented towards the SDGs. Well-designed and sequenced interventions can promote innovation and behaviour change and build and maintain political support. This can build critical enabling conditions and push systems towards large-scale tipping points, paving the way for decisive policy action that is crucial for triggering acceleration. We conclude by highlighting gaps and priorities for further research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cameron Allen
- Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC Australia
- Sustainability Assessment Program, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Shirin Malekpour
- Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Smith ERC, Heal R, Wood LE. Understanding and improving biosecurity among recreational anglers in Great Britain. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2023; 102:1177-1190. [PMID: 36789581 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Recreational fishing with the principal motivation of leisure is associated with important economic, social and conservation values. Nonetheless, it is also a primary pathway for the introduction and spread of invasive non-native species and aquatic animal disease. Several studies have explored the overall biosecurity risk posed by recreational anglers based on self-reported behaviours and the awareness of biosecurity campaigns. Nonetheless, there has been little in-depth exploration of the characteristics of key stakeholders who are implementing biosecurity best practices and the barriers that prevent anglers from undertaking biosecurity measures in the field. This study addresses this knowledge gap using an online questionnaire to collect information on angler socio-demographic characteristics, voluntary biosecurity behaviour and barriers affecting the implementation of biosecurity best practices in Great Britain. The results indicated that cleaning behaviours vary considerably among anglers, with angling frequency and the number of pieces of equipment affecting how likely anglers were to clean and dry these items. High levels of disinfectant use were reported among anglers, potentially attributed to the concurrent advocation of disinfectant to prevent the spread of aquatic animal disease. Barriers affecting the implementation of correct cleaning behaviours included a combination of factors, such as practicality, disability, lack of available information and individual values. These findings illustrate the importance for fishery managers, water companies and policymakers to tailor prevention measures and facilities for anglers to maximise the practicality of biosecurity measures and encourage long-term implementation of best practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard Heal
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth, UK
| | - Louisa E Wood
- Centre for Blue Governance, Faculty of Economics and Law, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Vandyck T, Della Valle N, Temursho U, Weitzel M. EU climate action through an energy poverty lens. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6040. [PMID: 37055454 PMCID: PMC10102115 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32705-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Carbon pricing can steer energy choices towards low-carbon fuels and foster energy conservation efforts. Simultaneously, higher fossil fuel prices may exacerbate energy poverty. A just portfolio of climate policies therefore requires a balanced instrument mix to jointly combat climate change and energy poverty. We review recent policy developments in the EU aimed at addressing energy poverty and the social implications of the climate neutrality transition. We then operationalise an affordability-based definition of energy poverty and numerically illustrate that recent EU climate policy proposals risk raising the number of energy poor when not accompanied with complementary measures, while alternative climate policy designs could lift more than 1 million households out of energy poverty through income-targeted revenue recycling schemes. While these schemes have low informational requirements and appear sufficient to avoid exacerbating energy poverty, the findings suggest that more tailored interventions are needed. Finally, we discuss how insights from behavioural economics and energy justice can help shape optimal policy packages and processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toon Vandyck
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Calle Inca Garcilaso 3, 41092, Seville, Spain
- Department of Economics, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 69, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nives Della Valle
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Via E. Fermi 2749, 21027, Ispra, Italy.
| | - Umed Temursho
- IOpedia, Seville, Spain
- Institute of Public Policy and Administration, Graduate School of Development, University of Central Asia, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Matthias Weitzel
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Calle Inca Garcilaso 3, 41092, Seville, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Little JC, Kaaronen RO, Hukkinen JI, Xiao S, Sharpee T, Farid AM, Nilchiani R, Barton CM. Earth Systems to Anthropocene Systems: An Evolutionary, System-of-Systems, Convergence Paradigm for Interdependent Societal Challenges. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:5504-5520. [PMID: 37000909 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Humans have made profound changes to the Earth. The resulting societal challenges of the Anthropocene (e.g., climate change and impacts, renewable energy, adaptive infrastructure, disasters, pandemics, food insecurity, and biodiversity loss) are complex and systemic, with causes, interactions, and consequences that cascade across a globally connected system of systems. In this Critical Review, we turn to our "origin story" for insight, briefly tracing the formation of the Universe and the Earth, the emergence of life, the evolution of multicellular organisms, mammals, primates, and humans, as well as the more recent societal transitions involving agriculture, urbanization, industrialization, and computerization. Focusing on the evolution of the Earth, genetic evolution, the evolution of the brain, and cultural evolution, which includes technological evolution, we identify a nested evolutionary sequence of geophysical, biophysical, sociocultural, and sociotechnical systems, emphasizing the causal mechanisms that first formed, and then transformed, Earth systems into Anthropocene systems. Describing how the Anthropocene systems coevolved, and briefly illustrating how the ensuing societal challenges became tightly integrated across multiple spatial, temporal, and organizational scales, we conclude by proposing an evolutionary, system-of-systems, convergence paradigm for the entire family of interdependent societal challenges of the Anthropocene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John C Little
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Roope O Kaaronen
- Sustainability Research Unit, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Janne I Hukkinen
- Environmental Policy Research Group, Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Shuhai Xiao
- Department of Geosciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Tatyana Sharpee
- Computational Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Amro M Farid
- School of Systems and Enterprises, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, United States
| | - Roshanak Nilchiani
- School of Systems and Enterprises, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, United States
| | - C Michael Barton
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, and School of Complex Adaptive Systems, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Booth H, Ichsan M, Hermansyah RF, Rohmah LN, Naira KB, Adrianto L, Milner‐Gulland EJ. A socio‐psychological approach for understanding and managing bycatch in small‐scale fisheries. PEOPLE AND NATURE 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hollie Booth
- The Interdisciplinary Centre for Conservation Science (ICCS), Department of Zoology University of Oxford Oxford UK
- The Biodiversity Consultancy Cambridge UK
| | - Muhammad Ichsan
- University of Sunshine Coast Queensland Sippy Downs Australia
- Yayasan Impak Laut Biru Indonesia (Impact Blue Sea Foundation) Bogor Indonesia
| | - Rizky Fajar Hermansyah
- Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences Bogor Agricultural University Bogor Indonesia
- Directorate‐General of Surveillance and Control of Marine and Fishery Resources Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia Central Jakarta Indonesia
| | - Lailia Nur Rohmah
- Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences Bogor Agricultural University Bogor Indonesia
- Directorate‐General of Surveillance and Control of Marine and Fishery Resources Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia Central Jakarta Indonesia
| | - Kusuma Banda Naira
- Aceh Jaya Regency Marine Affairs and Fisheries Office Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia Central Jakarta Indonesia
| | - Luky Adrianto
- Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences Bogor Agricultural University Bogor Indonesia
| | - Eleanor Jane Milner‐Gulland
- The Interdisciplinary Centre for Conservation Science (ICCS), Department of Zoology University of Oxford Oxford UK
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Caggiano H, Ahamed S, Lytle W, Schelly C, Floress K, Cuite CL, Shwom R. Green roles at home: exploring the impact of household social dynamic processes on consumption at the food-energy-water (FEW) nexus. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES AND SCIENCES 2023; 13:298-311. [PMID: 37214261 PMCID: PMC9978271 DOI: 10.1007/s13412-023-00824-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Capturing the social dynamic processes among household members that work to shape consumption patterns presents a complex problem for household resource conservation studies. To bridge the gap between the individual and household, we propose and test a series of quantitative measures that explore the underlying structure of household social dynamic processes through the lens of social practice theory. Based on previous qualitative research, we develop measures to test five distinct social dynamic processes that either encourage or deter pro-environmental action: enhancing, norming, preferring, constraining, and allocating. In a sample of households (n = 120) from suburban Midwestern USA, we find that positively framed social dynamic processes (enhancing and positive norming) positively predict variance in frequency of food-, energy-, and water-conserving pro-environmental actions. Pro-environmental orientation of the individual respondent, in turn, is positively associated with perception of positively framed dynamics. These findings suggest that social dynamic processes influence individual decision-making about household consumption, supporting previous research that illustrates consumption as embedded within the relationships that form residential life. We suggest ways forward for quantitative social science researchers to explore consumption through a practice-based approach that considers the influence of social institutions on emission-intensive lifestyles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Holly Caggiano
- Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Princeton University, 86 Olden Street, Princeton, NJ 08544 USA
| | - Sonya Ahamed
- Department of Social Sciences, Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931 USA
| | | | - Chelsea Schelly
- Department of Social Sciences, Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931 USA
| | - Kristin Floress
- Northern Research Station, United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, 1033 University Place, Evanston, IL 60201 USA
| | - Cara L. Cuite
- Department of Human Ecology, Rutgers University, 55 Dudley Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 USA
| | - Rachael Shwom
- Department of Human Ecology, Rutgers University, 55 Dudley Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Transitions to plant-based diets: the role of societal tipping points. Curr Opin Food Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cofs.2023.101015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
|
38
|
Montes F, Blanco M, Useche AF, Sanchez-Franco S, Caro C, Tong L, Li J, Zhou H, Murray JM, Sarmiento OL, Kee F, Hunter RF. Exploring the mechanistic pathways of how social network influences social norms in adolescent smoking prevention interventions. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3017. [PMID: 36810585 PMCID: PMC9944961 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28161-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
We know little about how smoking prevention interventions might leverage social network structures to enhance protective social norms. In this study we combined statistical and network science methods to explore how social networks influence social norms related to adolescent smoking in school-specific settings in Northern Ireland and Colombia. Pupils (12-15 years old) participated in two smoking prevention interventions in both countries (n = 1344). A Latent Transition Analysis identified three groups characterized by descriptive and injunctive norms towards smoking. We employed a Separable Temporal Random Graph Model to analyze homophily in social norms and conducted a descriptive analysis of the changes in the students' and their friends' social norms over time to account for social influence. The results showed that students were more likely to be friends with others who had social norms against smoking. However, students with social norms favorable towards smoking had more friends with similar views than the students with perceived norms against smoking, underlining the importance of network thresholds. Our results support the notation that the ASSIST intervention takes advantage of friendship networks to leverage greater change in the students' smoking social norms than the Dead Cool intervention, reiterating that social norms are subject to social influence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Montes
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Social and Health Complexity Center, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Martha Blanco
- grid.7247.60000000419370714Department of Industrial Engineering, Social and Health Complexity Center, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Andres F. Useche
- grid.7247.60000000419370714Department of Industrial Engineering, Social and Health Complexity Center, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Sharon Sanchez-Franco
- grid.7247.60000000419370714Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carlos Caro
- grid.7247.60000000419370714Department of Industrial Engineering, Social and Health Complexity Center, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Lei Tong
- grid.9918.90000 0004 1936 8411School of Informatics, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Jie Li
- grid.64938.300000 0000 9558 9911College of Electronic and Information Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, China
| | - Huiyu Zhou
- grid.9918.90000 0004 1936 8411School of Informatics, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Jennifer M. Murray
- grid.416232.00000 0004 0399 1866Centre for Public Health, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Block B, Queen’s University Belfast, Royal Victoria Hospital, Grosvenor Road, Belfast, BT12 6BA, 02890978955 UK
| | - Olga L. Sarmiento
- grid.7247.60000000419370714Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Frank Kee
- grid.4777.30000 0004 0374 7521Centre for Public Health, Institute of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, BT12 6BJ UK
| | - Ruth F. Hunter
- grid.4777.30000 0004 0374 7521Centre for Public Health, Institute of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, BT12 6BJ UK
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Zhou H, Cárdenas D, Reynolds KJ. Norms and COVID‐19 health behaviours: A longitudinal investigation of group factors. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/ejsp.2932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Haochen Zhou
- Research School of Psychology Australian National University Canberra Australia
| | - Diana Cárdenas
- Research School of Psychology Australian National University Canberra Australia
- Deparment of Psychology University of Montreal Montréal Canada
| | - Katherine J. Reynolds
- Research School of Psychology Australian National University Canberra Australia
- Melbourne Graduate School of Education The University of Melbourne Melbourne Australia
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Ehret S, Constantino SM, Weber EU, Efferson C, Vogt S. Group identities can undermine social tipping after intervention. Nat Hum Behav 2022; 6:1669-1679. [PMID: 36138223 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-022-01440-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Social tipping can accelerate behaviour change consistent with policy objectives in diverse domains from social justice to climate change. Hypothetically, however, group identities might undermine tipping in ways that policymakers do not anticipate. To examine this, we implemented an experiment around the 2020 US federal elections. The participants faced consistent incentives to coordinate their choices. Once the participants had established a coordination norm, an intervention created pressure to tip to a new norm. Our control treatment used neutral labels for choices. Our identity treatment used partisan political images. This simple pay-off-irrelevant relabelling generated extreme differences. The control groups developed norms slowly before intervention but transitioned to new norms rapidly after intervention. The identity groups developed norms rapidly before intervention but persisted in a state of costly disagreement after intervention. Tipping was powerful but unreliable. It supported striking cultural changes when choice and identity were unlinked, but even a trivial link destroyed tipping entirely.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sönke Ehret
- Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Sara M Constantino
- School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
- School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Elke U Weber
- School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Department of Psychology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Charles Efferson
- Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Sonja Vogt
- Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Centre for Development and Environment, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Nuffield College, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Cabrera-Álvarez P, Hornsey MJ, Lobera J. Determinants of self-reported adherence to COVID-19 regulations in Spain: social norms, trust and risk perception. Health Promot Int 2022; 37:daac138. [PMID: 36300700 PMCID: PMC9620366 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daac138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Failure of individuals to voluntarily observe regulations and recommendations around mitigating COVID-19 (e.g. social distancing; frequent handwashing) is often cited as a reason why some countries struggled to curtail the spread of the virus. Understanding the factors that are associated with people's willingness to comply with COVID-19 regulations and recommendations is an important step in helping policy makers and health officials reduce the impact of this (and future) pandemics. In the current study we examined this question in one of the countries hardest hit by the pandemic: Spain. A large, representative survey (N = 2100) revealed that several factors were positively associated with willingness to comply to COVID-19 regulations and recommendations. In decreasing order of predictive value, these were: (i) perceptions of whether friends and family were complying (i.e. norms), (ii) trust in science as a basis for lawmaking, (iii) perceived effectiveness of regulations and (iv) perception of risk of infection. These results point to the importance of influencing social norms as the primary way to improve adherence to the health regulations of COVID-19; more important than intrapsychic considerations such as efficacy and risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew J Hornsey
- University of Queensland Business School, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Josep Lobera
- Department of Sociology, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Gon G, Szekely A, Lowe H, Tosi M. Hand Hygiene Social Norms Among Healthcare Workers During Early COVID-19: Results of a Global Survey. Int J Public Health 2022; 67:1604981. [PMID: 36506712 PMCID: PMC9729248 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2022.1604981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Poor hand hygiene among healthcare workers is an important driver of infectious disease transmission. Although social norms are considered a key determinant of hand hygiene behaviour, little is known about them among healthcare workers. This study describes hand hygiene social norms among health workers, assesses their predictors, and tests if social expectations increased during the early stages of COVID-19. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of healthcare workers from 77 countries (n = 1,233) from April to August 2020 assessing healthcare workers' hand hygiene social expectations, personal normative beliefs, punishment and reward, and demographic factors. Linear regressions and hierarchical linear modelling were used to analyse the responses. Results: We find high social expectations, personal beliefs, punishment, and rewards. Doctors tend to have lower social expectations than other occupation groups (e.g., nurses/midwives) and older respondents have higher social expectations. Social expectations increased during our survey, which may have been driven by COVID-19. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that hand hygiene social norms are strong among healthcare workers with variation across occupation and age; their strength increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. These have implications for behaviour change in healthcare environments that could leverage more norm-targeting interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Gon
- London School Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Giorgia Gon,
| | - Aron Szekely
- Collegio Carlo Alberto, Turin, Italy,Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, Italian National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Hattie Lowe
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Tosi
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Richardson M, Hamlin I, Elliott LR, White MP. Country-level factors in a failing relationship with nature: Nature connectedness as a key metric for a sustainable future. AMBIO 2022; 51:2201-2213. [PMID: 35641693 PMCID: PMC9481760 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-022-01744-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Climate change and biodiversity loss show that the human-nature relationship is failing. That relationship can be measured through the construct of nature connectedness which is a key factor in pro-environmental behaviours and mental well-being. Country-level indicators of extinction of nature experience, consumption and commerce, use and control of nature and negativistic factors were selected. An exploratory analysis of the relationship between these metrics and nature connectedness across adult samples from 14 European countries was conducted (n = 14,745 respondents). The analysis provides insight into how affluence, technology and consumption are associated with the human-nature relationship. These findings motivate a comparison of how nature connectedness and composite indicators of prosperity, progress, development, and sustainability relate to indicators of human and nature's well-being. In comparison to composite indexes, it is proposed that nature connectedness is a critical indicator of human and nature's well-being needed to inform the transition to a sustainable future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miles Richardson
- School of Psychology, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby, UK
| | - Iain Hamlin
- School of Psychology, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby, UK
| | - Lewis R. Elliott
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, c/o Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, Cornwall UK
| | - Mathew P. White
- Cognitive Science HUB, University of Vienna, Kolingasse 14/16, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Hornsey MJ, Lewandowsky S. A toolkit for understanding and addressing climate scepticism. Nat Hum Behav 2022; 6:1454-1464. [PMID: 36385174 PMCID: PMC7615336 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-022-01463-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Despite over 50 years of messaging about the reality of human-caused climate change, substantial portions of the population remain sceptical. Furthermore, many sceptics remain unmoved by standard science communication strategies, such as myth busting and evidence building. To understand this, we examine psychological and structural reasons why climate change misinformation is prevalent. First, we review research on motivated reasoning: how interpretations of climate science are shaped by vested interests and ideologies. Second, we examine climate scepticism as a form of political followership. Third, we examine infrastructures of disinformation: the funding, lobbying and political operatives that lend climate scepticism its power. Guiding this Review are two principles: (1) to understand scepticism, one must account for the interplay between individual psychologies and structural forces; and (2) global data are required to understand this global problem. In the spirit of optimism, we finish by describing six strategies for reducing the destructive influence of climate scepticism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Hornsey
- UQ Business School, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Stephan Lewandowsky
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Abstract
Behavioral responses influence the trajectories of epidemics. During the COVID-19 pandemic, nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) reduced pathogen transmission and mortality worldwide. However, despite the global pandemic threat, there was substantial cross-country variation in the adoption of protective behaviors that is not explained by disease prevalence alone. In particular, many countries show a pattern of slow initial mask adoption followed by sharp transitions to high acceptance rates. These patterns are characteristic of behaviors that depend on social norms or peer influence. We develop a game-theoretic model of mask wearing where the utility of wearing a mask depends on the perceived risk of infection, social norms, and mandates from formal institutions. In this model, increasing pathogen transmission or policy stringency can trigger social tipping points in collective mask wearing. We show that complex social dynamics can emerge from simple individual interactions and that sociocultural variables and local policies are important for recovering cross-country variation in the speed and breadth of mask adoption. These results have implications for public health policy and data collection.
Collapse
|
46
|
Constantino SM, Sparkman G, Kraft-Todd GT, Bicchieri C, Centola D, Shell-Duncan B, Vogt S, Weber EU. Scaling Up Change: A Critical Review and Practical Guide to Harnessing Social Norms for Climate Action. Psychol Sci Public Interest 2022; 23:50-97. [DOI: 10.1177/15291006221105279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Anthropogenic carbon emissions have the potential to trigger changes in climate and ecosystems that would be catastrophic for the well-being of humans and other species. Widespread shifts in production and consumption patterns are urgently needed to address climate change. Although transnational agreements and national policy are necessary for a transition to a fully decarbonized global economy, fluctuating political priorities and lobbying by vested interests have slowed these efforts. Against this backdrop, bottom-up pressure from social movements and shifting social norms may offer a complementary path to a more sustainable economy. Furthermore, norm change may be an important component of decarbonization policies by accelerating or strengthening the impacts of other demand-side measures. Individual actions and policy support are social processes—they are intimately linked to expectations about the actions and beliefs of others. Although prevailing social norms often reinforce the status quo and unsustainable development pathways, social dynamics can also create widespread and rapid shifts in cultural values and practices, including increasing pressure on politicians to enact ambitious policy. We synthesize literature on social-norm influence, measurement, and change from the perspectives of psychology, anthropology, sociology, and economics. We discuss the opportunities and challenges for the use of social-norm and social-tipping interventions to promote climate action. Social-norm interventions aimed at addressing climate change or other social dilemmas are promising but no panacea. They require in-depth contextual knowledge, ethical consideration, and situation-specific tailoring and testing to understand whether they can be effectively implemented at scale. Our review aims to provide practitioners with insights and tools to reflect on the promises and pitfalls of such interventions in diverse contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara M. Constantino
- School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs, Northeastern University
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University
- School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University
| | - Gregg Sparkman
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Boston College
| | | | - Cristina Bicchieri
- Center for Social Norms and Behavioral Dynamics, University of Pennsylvania
- Departments of Philosophy and Psychology, University of Pennsylvania
- Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania
| | - Damon Centola
- Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania
- School of Engineering, University of Pennsylvania
| | | | - Sonja Vogt
- Faculty of Business and Economics (HEC), University of Lausanne
- Centre for Development and Environment, University of Bern
- Centre for Experimental Social Sciences, Nuffield College, University of Oxford
| | - Elke U. Weber
- School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University
- Department of Psychology, Princeton University
- Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Princeton University
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Barnhill A, Bernstein J, Faden R, McLaren R, Rieder TN, Fanzo J. Moral Reasons for Individuals in High-Income Countries to Limit Beef Consumption. FOOD ETHICS 2022; 7:11. [PMID: 35757112 PMCID: PMC9205278 DOI: 10.1007/s41055-022-00100-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This paper argues that individuals in many high-income countries typically have moral reasons to limit their beef consumption and consume plant-based protein instead, given the negative effects of beef production and consumption. Beef production is a significant source of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts, high levels of beef consumption are associated with health risks, and some cattle production systems raise animal welfare concerns. These negative effects matter, from a variety of moral perspectives, and give us collective moral reasons to reduce beef production and consumption. But, as some ethicists have argued, we cannot draw a straight line from the ethics of production to the ethics of consumption: even if a production system is morally impermissible, this does not mean that any given individual has moral reasons to stop consuming the products of that system, given how miniscule one individual’s contributions are. This paper considers how to connect those dots. We consider three distinct lines of argument in support of the conclusion that individuals have moral reasons to limit their beef consumption and shift to plant-based protein, and we consider objections to each argument. This argument applies to individuals in high beef-consuming and high greenhouse gas-emitting high-income countries, though we make this argument with a specific focus on the United States.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Barnhill
- Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Justin Bernstein
- Department of Philosophy, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ruth Faden
- Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Rebecca McLaren
- Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Travis N. Rieder
- Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Jessica Fanzo
- Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
- Berman Institute of Bioethics, Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Washington DC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Byerly Flint H, Cada P, Champ PA, Gomez J, Margoles D, Meldrum JR, Brenkert-Smith H. You vs. us: framing adaptation behavior in terms of private or social benefits. CLIMATIC CHANGE 2022; 174:11. [PMID: 36157475 PMCID: PMC9483271 DOI: 10.1007/s10584-022-03400-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Private actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change may have benefits to both the individual and society. In some cases, an individual may be motivated by appeals that highlight benefits to others, rather than to oneself. We test whether such prosocial framing influences information-seeking behavior to address wildfire risk among homeowners. In a field experiment across ten communities in western Colorado, property owners (n = 2977) received a postcard from their local fire department highlighting the impact of risk mitigation to either "your property" (private benefits) or "our community" (social benefits). The postcard directed recipients to visit a personalized webpage on wildfire risk. Overall, 10.5% of property owners visited their personalized risk webpage. There was little difference in webpage visitation between those who received the social (11.3%) rather than the private (9.7%) benefits message (χ 2 = 1.74, p = 0.19). However, response may depend on a property owner's relationship to the community. Those who reside within the community (as opposed to out-of-town owners) or who were in an evacuation zone during a recent wildfire were more likely to visit their webpages after receiving the social benefits message. How homeowners view their contributions to shared risk and whether simple changes in messaging influence prosocial behavior can inform efforts to address climate-exacerbated hazards. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10584-022-03400-4.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hilary Byerly Flint
- Institute of Behavioral Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309 USA
- Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82072 USA
| | - Paul Cada
- Vail Fire and Emergency Services, Vail, CO 81657 USA
| | - Patricia A. Champ
- Rocky Mountain Research Station, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Fort Collins, CO 80526 USA
| | - Jamie Gomez
- West Region Wildfire Council, Montrose, CO 81401 USA
| | - Danny Margoles
- Dolores Watershed Resilience Forest Collaborative, Cortez, CO 81321 USA
| | - James R. Meldrum
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, CO 80526 USA
| | - Hannah Brenkert-Smith
- Institute of Behavioral Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309 USA
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Chapin FS, Weber EU, Bennett EM, Biggs R, van den Bergh J, Adger WN, Crépin AS, Polasky S, Folke C, Scheffer M, Segerson K, Anderies JM, Barrett S, Cardenas JC, Carpenter SR, Fischer J, Kautsky N, Levin SA, Shogren JF, Walker B, Wilen J, de Zeeuw A. Earth stewardship: Shaping a sustainable future through interacting policy and norm shifts. AMBIO 2022; 51:1907-1920. [PMID: 35380347 PMCID: PMC8982314 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-022-01721-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Transformation toward a sustainable future requires an earth stewardship approach to shift society from its current goal of increasing material wealth to a vision of sustaining built, natural, human, and social capital-equitably distributed across society, within and among nations. Widespread concern about earth's current trajectory and support for actions that would foster more sustainable pathways suggests potential social tipping points in public demand for an earth stewardship vision. Here, we draw on empirical studies and theory to show that movement toward a stewardship vision can be facilitated by changes in either policy incentives or social norms. Our novel contribution is to point out that both norms and incentives must change and can do so interactively. This can be facilitated through leverage points and complementarities across policy areas, based on values, system design, and agency. Potential catalysts include novel democratic institutions and engagement of non-governmental actors, such as businesses, civic leaders, and social movements as agents for redistribution of power. Because no single intervention will transform the world, a key challenge is to align actions to be synergistic, persistent, and scalable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F. Stuart Chapin
- Professor Emeritus, Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775 USA
| | - Elke U. Weber
- Andlinger Center, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544 USA
| | - Elena M. Bennett
- Bieler School of Environment, McGill University, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, H9X 3V9 Canada
| | - Reinette Biggs
- Centre for Sustainability Transitions, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, 104 05 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jeroen van den Bergh
- ICTA, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- SBE & IVM, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - W. Neil Adger
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4RJ UK
| | - Anne-Sophie Crépin
- Beijer Institute of Ecological Economics, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, 104 05 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stephen Polasky
- Department of Applied Economics, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108 USA
| | - Carl Folke
- Beijer Institute of Ecological Economics, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, 104 05 Stockholm, Sweden
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marten Scheffer
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Kathleen Segerson
- Department of Economics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-1063 USA
| | - John M. Anderies
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change and School of Sustainability, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-2401 USA
| | - Scott Barrett
- Earth Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027 USA
| | - Juan-Camilo Cardenas
- Department of Economics, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01002 USA
| | | | - Joern Fischer
- Faculty of Sustainability, Leuphana Universität Lüneburg, 21335 Lüneburg, Germany
| | - Nils Kautsky
- Professor Emeritus, Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Simon A. Levin
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544-1003 USA
| | - Jason F. Shogren
- Department of Economics, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071-3985 USA
| | - Brian Walker
- CSIRO Land and Water, Canberra, ACT 2601 Australia
| | - James Wilen
- Department of Agriculture and Resource Economics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616 USA
| | - Aart de Zeeuw
- Tilburg School of Economics and Management, 5000 LE Tilburg, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Ives CD, Buys C, Ogunbode C, Palmer M, Rose A, Valerio R. Activating faith: pro-environmental responses to a Christian text on sustainability. SUSTAINABILITY SCIENCE 2022; 18:877-890. [PMID: 36032312 PMCID: PMC9395780 DOI: 10.1007/s11625-022-01197-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED With growing attention on the importance of values, beliefs and worldviews in shaping environmental outcomes, there remains little research on religion and sustainability transformations. We explored the impact of the Archbishop of Canterbury's environmentally themed Lent Book 2020 "Saying Yes to Life" on environmental values, attitudes and behaviours of lay Christians. An online survey administered before and after reading the book assessed environmental values, New Ecological Paradigm (NEP), connectedness to nature and environmental behaviours, and collected open responses to questions about participants' perceptions. Follow-up focus groups were also held to understand experiences of cognitive and behavioural change. Analysis of paired data revealed significant increases in environmental behavioural intentions after completing the book, especially for energy use, food and recycling. Some evidence for strengthening of NEP scores and connectedness to nature was also found. Open text responses corroborated with quantitative measures of behaviour change. Additionally, the majority of participants reported some form of reinforcement, confirmation, or further development or change in their beliefs and attitudes. This included a reduction in anthropocentric beliefs and greater appreciation of and obligation towards the natural world. Focus group discussions revealed diverse participant experiences, including having pre-existing theological beliefs affirmed, responding with new practical actions, connecting with spiritual experiences, and discovering systemic origins of unsustainability. Findings suggest potential for environmental interventions within religious contexts to shape mindsets, integrate theological views with environmental concerns, activate latent beliefs, and initiate and sustain pro-environmental behaviour. More intentional engagement with religion may facilitate transformative change for sustainability internally and externally, and across individual, organisational and societal domains. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11625-022-01197-w.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D. Ives
- School of Geography, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD UK
| | - Clark Buys
- Tearfund, 100 Church Rd, Teddington, TW11 8QE UK
| | - Charles Ogunbode
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD UK
| | - Matilda Palmer
- School of Geography, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD UK
| | - Aneira Rose
- School of Geography, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD UK
| | - Ruth Valerio
- Tearfund, 100 Church Rd, Teddington, TW11 8QE UK
| |
Collapse
|