If one seeks to induce people to make significant changes in behavior in relation to environmental issues, what is the best strategy to pursue? Should one try to bring about a radical change in their attitudes, getting them to see nature in a new way? Or is it best just to focus on arguments centered on human interests?
If one seeks to induce to make significant changes in behavior in relation to environmental issues, the best strategy is to look at the facts, understand the facts, and share the facts. By understanding the facts one is absorb information that of which sustains any doubt. You cannot know something that’s not true, you can only believe it. To know is to have knowledge and to have knowledge is to have facts. The most helpful tactic one can have in order to get others on board with saving the environment is to teach yourself what is is we have done in the past, what things have and have not worked, and what do we need to do and by when. All three of these tactics involve the learning and teaching of factual evidence that can be used toward a greater good.
There are two prominent facts that of which can lead to a change in attitude and lifestyle, the first being our reliance on automobiles. In many countries of the world there public transport systems are heavily relied upon by the majority of the population because it is just as, if not more reliable than owning a car. An increased reliance on automobiles translates to an increase in pollution, traffic, and use of fossil fuels. Cars account for nearly thirty percent of the world’s energy use and ninety five percent of global oil consumption (National Geographic). The luxury of having a car is not worth the strain it puts on our planet. “In the United States alone, there are more cars on the road than licensed drivers” (National Geographic).
The second fact we can use to spark a change in our behavior in relation to environmental issues is a change in diet with a growing emphasis on meat specifically seeings it takes an “environmental and societal toll exacted by unbridled consumption” (National Geographic). It’s going to be hard to convince every meat lover in the world of the harsh truth that their bacon double cheeseburger is the cause of our climate change, but we need to keep in mind one main goal and that is getting everyone to see nature in a new way and doing so in a way that does not focus solely on arguments that are centered on human interests. Producing only eight ounces of beef requires 6,600 gallons of water (National Geographic). To put that into perspectives- Johnny’s single filet mignon last night used the same amount of water to farm as did Susan’s small pool she had installed for the summer- and that’s just Johnny’s dinner, we mustn't forget the consumption of other people ordering steaks and burgers each day. In addition to the effect our over-consumption of meat has on the environment, the horrible conditions our livestock have to live through, also has a direct effect on our own bodies as we are the ones consuming them.
The pollution created by our automobiles and over-consumption of meat are just two of the any problems that we should be inclined to change. While I believe that these are radical changes that will cause controversy in all who believe they have a right to a car or their hamburgers, I also believe that we are able to create a change in our behavior through subtle education. For example, don’t leave your car running while you go into the store, avoid drive through fast food restaurants, turn the faucet off while you soak with shampoo or shave. These are small acts that can add up in order to create a bigger change for the better in our environmental footprint. These are things that can be easily taught to primary students and future generations so that they can be implemented by nature in daily life. Because individual acts make up the whole, these same strategies I mentioned regarding turning off the water while you shampoo can also be construed toward larger impacts in our environment. Eventually environmental habits can be the norm and we can cut down all and every one of our emissions. A more prevalent environmental concern in our society will result in a more green, efficient, safe, and healthy planet.
An intellectual argument with someone will never do justice unless the listener feel some sort of connection with what the speaker is articulating therefore it is pertinent that what the speaker is conveying holds truth and meaning as to why the listener should care. The issue with the question as to if we should invoke radical change in our actions and behavior to benefit the environment is that we are so far gone in the opposite direction of any environmental profit, that any change we do for the better is automatically going to be radical. If one seeks to induce to make significant changes in behavior in relation to environmental issues, the best strategy is to look at the facts, understand the facts, and share the facts. We all need to do our part, and if everyone were to take away just one single detrimental habit they know effects our environment, we would be 7,823,610,370 billion times closer to change.
Citation
Mayell, H. (2018, July 26). As Consumerism Spreads, Earth Suffers, Study Says. Retrieved November 06, 2020, from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2004/01/consumerism-earth-suffers/