Why We're Destroying the Earth

Over 100 studies undertaken in the last 20 years have examined the ways in which individuals influence the environment and why they behave the way they do. Some people refrain from overusing nonrenewable resources, and environmental psychologists are studying the mind-set of such individuals in the hope of eventually encouraging others to consider resources in the same way. So far, scientists have found at least 30 different influences that affect whether a person uses natural resources wisely or takes more than their share. Four overriding ways that people hurt the environment every day are examined: energy use, convenience, overpopulation, and ignorance.