Changing environmental attitudes but not behaviors after coursework and travel M. Katrina Smith The data Pro-environmental attitudes and actions were assessed using several methodologies: Surveys – completed before and after the academic term Ecological footprints – completed before and after the academic term Interviews – conducted after the trip Reflection writings - students were asked to directly contrast conservation efforts in rural and urban areas in the southern United States with those in similarly sized cities in Ecuador and tourist destination known for its promotion of eco-tourism The educational strategy The participants were nine college students that took part in an interdisciplinary summer program of study. Coursework included Environmental Psychology, the Culture and People of Ecuador (sociology), and Flora and Fauna of the Galapagos Islands (biology). The highlight was travel to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. This set of courses challenged students to examine the world through several lenses. They were asked to make careful observations of the variety of plant and animal life in their travels, to experience and better understand the culture and daily lives of the people, and to explore the environmental challenges faced by people in these regions. Abstract Although media coverage promoting environmentally friendly action abounds, environmental psychologists have suggested that education alone may not be sufficient to increase pro-environmental behaviors (Koger & Winter, 2010; Abrahamse & Matthies, 2013). The present study documented changes in attitudes and behaviors among nine students that took part in an intensive summer study program that included international travel. Surveys, reflections, and interviews consistently revealed that students grew more aware of local and international environmental challenges. Participants increased their level of concern about the seriousness of the present state of the environment; however, there was little change in everyday actions. These findings seem to indicate that effective environmental programs require more than an education strategy. Even concerned and motivated individuals are unlikely to take action without some additional supports. Acknowledgements I would like to thank Reinhardt University and the department of psychology for their support and funding for this research. For questions, please contact : Discussion Almost all students saw environmental issues as a societal level problem as opposed to one solved on the level of the individual. Findings are consistent with others that have suggested perceived behavioral control is important to changing environmental behaviors (Cordano & Frieze, 2000; Green-Demers, Pelletier, & Menard, 1997; Largo-Wight, Johnston, & Wight, 2013). Applied to community level interventions, these findings would suggest that affecting change in well established habits will require more than simply educating the public. AttitudesBeforeAfter How often do you consider the environment 0% frequently 11% often 89% sometimes 11% frequently 11% often 78% sometimes Severity of the state of the environment 11% situation is dire 89% situation is reversible 56% situation is dire 44% situation is reversible Importance of conservation 33% very important 67% important 11% very important 78% important 11% not very important Importance of the environment 67% very important 33% important 78% very important 22% important Who is responsible89% society as a whole 11% corporations 78% society as a whole 22% corporations Table 1. Attitudes about environmental issues before and after the summer program Findings Students reported high levels of awareness of conservation and environmental challenges both before and after the study program (Table 1, Figure 2). Participants increased their levels of concern about the seriousness of the present state of the environment; however, there was little change in everyday actions (Figure 1). One simple task presented during the environmental psychology class was to encourage students to take reusable shopping bags to the grocery store. Although students made a public commitment to this behavioral change, they reported that they were not successful in following through – even in the short-term. Introduction Conservation efforts often focus on making people more aware of environmental threats. Governments and corporations actively seek technological solutions to environmental problems while media documents the worsening conditions worldwide. The question is whether these combined efforts are effective in getting individuals to act. Environmental psychologists are in a unique position to provide insight into what factors motivate individuals to change everyday behaviors in ways that benefit the conservational cause. The present study was designed to provide such insight following a unique educational opportunity. Participants were students taking part in in intensive summer study program. They offered feedback on changes in their level of environmental awareness and the changes they made in daily habits as a result of the experience. Figure 2. Percentage of participants that expressed agreement with various environmental concerns Figure 1. Percentage of participants that indicated they regularly complete specific environmental actions 0%0 0