Conservation Psychology

Learn How Human Behavior Drives Environmental Solutions in Energy, Water, Waste, and Climate Action Efforts to conserve water and energy, reduce auto-dependency, promote recycling, and adapt to climate change all share a common challenge: they depend on human behavior.

This course explores how psychological principles, theories, and methods can be applied to understand and address environmental problems.

Students will gain an overview of contemporary environmental issues with a focus on the role of human behavior, and examine key psychological foundations for conservation, including the commons dilemma, connectedness with nature, rational choice, values, and incentives.

The course also highlights real-world solutions, analyzing both successful and unsuccessful interventions designed to influence behavior.

Case studies will cover topics such as water conservation, recycling and waste management, transportation, and energy use, equipping participants with practical insights to design and evaluate effective environmental programs.

Learning Objectives: Gain an understanding of the field of Conservation Psychology Describe the behavioral causes of environmental problems Specify the psychological factors that lead people to engage in conservation behavior Identify the effective strategies used to promote conservation behavior AICP Credit: AICP members can earn Certification Maintenance (CM) credits for this activity.

For a list of additional UC San Diego Extended Studies AICP CM Events go to American Planning Association.

CM | 27 Introduction to Conservation Psychology Hear from Dr.

Wesley Schultz as he discusses how conservation psychology can help us understand and change unsustainable behaviors to drive real environmental impact.