Research

Human-Nature Relationship and its Conservation Implications

In the past, nature used to be a source of wonder, awe, and spiritual enhancement, but in the modern world, it is often considered as just a pool of resources or an object of scientific observation. I am interested in understanding the alternative ways people think about nature, and whether these alternative representations bear any implications for environmental conservation. I focus on the concept of anthropomorphism specifically. Based on my early findings regarding this concept, I recently have explored the possibility of developing theories about the human-nature relationship with reference to existing theories on interpersonal relationships. Some examples of my output in this direction include my works on anthropomorphism of nature, connectedness to nature, empathy with nature and, most recently, gratitude to nature. 

Key publications

Context-Dependence of Human Responses to Environmental Problems

It is widely recognized that mainstream psychological knowledge has been developed based on a very narrow geographical representation of humans, mostly from the United States and other Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) populations. Two recent review articles of mine demonstrated that the field of environmental psychology is no exception to this problem. With this concern in mind, I have been actively advocating for deepening environmental psychology’s sensitivity to the context-dependence of human responses to environmental problems. Specifically, I argue that cross-national comparisons are indispensable. My research has demonstrated that, for example, the effects of personal attributes (e.g., environmental concern, values) on environmental action are stronger in societies characterized by an emphasis on self-expression (e.g., individualistic cultures, loose cultures), weaker social cynicism, and stronger norms of generalized trust. Political contexts also matter. My studies have revealed that the relationships between environmental motivations and participation in environmental activism are stronger among societies with a higher density of environmental NGOs and more democracy.

Key publications

Human Responses to Climate Change

The impacts of climate change are already felt in every corner of the world, and humanity is locked to even more severe and intense impacts in the near future. Urgent action in terms of both mitigation and adaptation is needed. In recognition of this pressing need, I have dedicated the past several years to exploring new research avenues focused on the issue of climate change. These recent projects are aimed to understand various human responses to climate change (e.g., climate change anxiety, support for climate policies, climate change denial and conspiracy theories).

Key publications