Social Psychology and the Sustainable Future Exploring Social

Social Psychology and the Sustainable Future Exploring Social Psychology by David G. Myers 6 th Edition Social Psychology and the Sustainable Future Mc. Graw-Hill/Irwin Copyright © 2012 by The Mc. Graw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Social Psychology and the Sustainable Future An Environmental Call to Action • Overshooting the

Social Psychology and the Sustainable Future An Environmental Call to Action • Global warming – Climate change – Environmental destruction • Destruction of ecosystems by human exploitation • Exploding population and increasing consumption Copyright © 2012 by The Mc. Graw-Hill Companies, Inc. 31 -3

Social Psychology and the Sustainable Future Enabling sustainable lifestyles • New technologies – Increase efficiency • Reducing consumption – Control population – Moderate consumption Copyright © 2012 by The Mc. Graw-Hill Companies, Inc. 31 -4

Social Psychology and the Sustainable Future The Social Psychology of Materialism and Wealth • Increased materialism • Wealth and well-being – Are rich people happier? • Materialism fails to satisfy – Human capacity for adaptation • The adaptation-level phenomenon – Wanting to compare • Social comparison Copyright © 2012 by The Mc. Graw-Hill Companies, Inc. 31 -5

Social Psychology and the Sustainable Future The Social Psychology of Materialism and Wealth • Toward sustainability and survival – People, governments, and corporations – Consciousness-transforming insights – Explorations of the good life • • Close, supportive relationships Faith communities Positive thinking habits Flow Copyright © 2012 by The Mc. Graw-Hill Companies, Inc. 31 -6

Social Psychology and the Sustainable Future Trying to be environmentally sensitive: 1. Solar Hot Water 2. Solar Photovoltaic Panels 3. Water Conservation 4. Hybrid/Plug-in/Electric Cars 5. Recycle 6. Maintain FITNESS Copyright © 2012 by The Mc. Graw-Hill Companies, Inc. 31 -7