Everyone Loves a Success Story: Optimism Inspires Conservation Engagement. (13th March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McAfee, Dominic; Doubleday, Zoë A; Geiger, Nathaniel; Connell, Sean D
• Is Part Of: BioScience. Volume 69:Number 4(2019:Apr.)
• Page Start: 274
• Page End: 281
• Publication Date: 2019-03-13
• Subjects: collaboration -- conservation psychology -- efficacy -- optimism -- pessimism; Life sciences -- Periodicals; Life sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; Life sciences -- United States -- Periodicals; Life sciences -- Government policy -- United States -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Biotechnology industries -- Periodicals; 570
• DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biz019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0006-3568

Abstract

Abstract: In this era of unprecedented environmental change, optimism could help unite people to act. In the present article, we bring together insights from psychology, business, politics, and media to illustrate humanity's innate attraction to optimism and the influence it can yield in driving positive change. We advocate for greater use of optimism in the communication of conservation and provide practical steps to help conservation biologists use optimism more effectively. However, to avoid denialism and remain grounded in reality we also acknowledge the need for balance between optimism and pessimism. Such balance could not only enhance public engagement with pressing environmental issues but also encourage effective collaboration among science, government, public and industry sectors to address environmental issues.