The Future for Environmental Sustainability
The natural world around us is changing, and the impact of these changes are becoming more and more apparent. The global temperature is rising, CO2 levels in our atmosphere are increasing, and rates of biodiversity loss are accelerating. As we try to move towards a more sustainable future, how can human factors help?
Human factors is all about understanding human behaviour and interactions with environments, and in a very literal sense this includes natural environments. Connection to nature helps people manage their mood, reduce anxiety, and improve emotional regulation. By encouraging people to connect to their natural surroundings, an improvement in comfort, wellbeing, and satisfaction – key human factors principles – can be found.
There are increasing efforts by communities, organisations, and governments, to combat these changes and slow down the harmful effects of climate change. We are looking for renewable energies to fuel our lifestyles. We are trying to reduce, reuse, and recycle more. And we are trying to connect with nature more.
Little nudges
We live in a world powered by electricity, fuel, and carbon, from driving cars to watching TV. To live more sustainably, not only do we need to switch to renewable energies, but we also need to reduce how much energy we consume.
Connecting to Nature
To showcase the harsh reality of the declining natural world, Professor Miles Richardson and colleagues at the University of Derby developed these Biodiversity Stripes, which provide a visual representation of the decline of UK biodiversity since 1970.
Greener travel
Emissions from cars seriously impact air quality, pollution, and climate change. By changing our travel habits, we can not only be more sustainable, but also live healthier life styles.
