In a special Section of The Behavior Analyst edited by Heward and Chase (2010) they proposed that “Behavior Analysis, the science of behavior change, can and must help society combat climate change. The very purpose of applied behavior analysis is to develop a reliable technology for improving socially significant behavior (...). Is there any behavior more socially significant than behavior that could save civilization?”
We now that combat climate change is an important fact to save the word, but sustainability goes beyond protecting the environment, it implies satisfying the needs of the man who inhabits the world in the present without compromising the needs of those who will inhabit the world in the future. I think discussing this question can help identify actions we can put into practice in many places.
Not many have jumped on this issue, but as one who lived with a nomadic tribe in northern desert of Kenya for 4 years, I can tell you that we must begin by changing the misconceptions we have of what it means to be destitute. If you ask our young people what it means to be destitute, they would say something like "not having food or good clothes." In my opinion, those who no longer have the ability to appreciate what they have, are the destitute and have lost everything.
Despite our gains in science, my belief is that people will continue growing more self centered, demanding more and counting the cost as insignificant. Interesting how those people I have worked with who had nothing, were much happier than those who had money and clothes. We must have a strong respect and appreciation for the earth if changes are to be effective. Just a thought to ponder.
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