‘Harnessing the power of psychology to create a more sustainable future for our planet’
A conference exploring psychological solutions and approaches to environmental sustainability took place on October 7, organised by the British Psychological Society (BPS) alongside the University’s Institute of Psychology, Criminology and Human Sciences.
The event, at The Assembly Rooms in North Street, Chichester, included talks on the balance between eco-action and overwhelm, the hidden costs of AI on climate change and the psychology of nature engagement on positive climate action.
Dr Valentina Canessa-Pollard, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, said: “I am delighted to share that we successfully hosted the inaugural British Psychological Society South East conference on the psychological contributions to environmental sustainability, supported by the Institute of Psychology, Criminology, and Human Sciences at the University of Chichester.
“The conference featured a fantastic lineup of speakers who shared their expertise on a wide range of topics, including psychological responses to climate change, the psychological mechanisms that shape individual and collective behaviour, the intrinsic link between health and nature, the challenges faced by businesses, the role of technology, and the connection between environmental sustainability and health inequality. We also explored the crucial contributions psychology can make toward addressing the climate crisis.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all our speakers for their insightful presentations. Your expertise sparked enriching conversations and deepened our understanding of how psychology can drive sustainable practices and behaviours.
“Additionally, I want to acknowledge the fantastic work of the PCES2024 team, including Izzy Ball, James Prentice, and Rylee Spooner, for their support in promoting and organising this event.
“Together, we are harnessing the power of psychology to create a more sustainable future for our planet.”
Lucy Ferre, Environment and Sustainable Development Officer at the University of Chichester, said: “I found it insightful to hear sustainability discussed in the context of psychology. It showed an understanding that this is an urgent global issue which will take the efforts of all industry, including those not directly linked to climate change, to overcome. Thank you to Valentina and the team for running such an inspiring and thought-provoking event.”
Recordings of the talks will be available here.
