Ecological Stress: A Deadly Reminder

Examines the reactions of humanity to threatening ecological issues, including (1) the dynamics behind the recent proliferation of an "ecological conscience," (2) different reactions among different people, and (3) the chance for a new homeostatic state. The psychodynamics of an alarm reaction are examined, and it is argued tht death is the arousing theme that is partly responsible for the recent increase in awareness. Ways in which people deal with death issues are described. Four coping styles for handling "death of the environment" are posited: constructive, noncommitted, displacement, and denial-depressive. A need exists for a greater adaptation as well as confrontation with external reality and with death before new solutions can be found to the ecological crisis.