Behavioral analysis and environmental protection: Accomplishments and potential for more

Abstract: The contributions and merits of an applied behavior analysis approach to encouraging pro-environment behavior are reviewed, along with a discussion of ways behavioral science can play a greater role in protecting the environment. After presenting the most serious threats to the earth’s environment, the targets, settings and techniques of the behavioral intervention literature are reviewed. It is argued that behavior analysis can play a greater role in solving environmental problems through (a) reexamination and expansion of intervention targets, (b) increased focus on long-term maintenance of pro-environment behavior, and (c) more effective dissemination of intervention strategies and research findings. Key words: environment, environmental protection, conservation, pro-environment behavior, recycling In 1970 the first Earth Day served as an activator for behavior analysts to embark on a new challenge. We were reminded that human behavior causes serious damage to the earth’s environment and threatens the future of humans and other species. If human behavior is the problem, behavior analysis can offer the technological solutions for turning things around. Behavioral scientists answere