Biodiversity conservation : what people know and what they do

Abstract

Despite the growing list of environmental regulations and directives in countries around the world, concerns regarding the continued degradation of our natural environment persist. Carbon dioxide emissions have increased by over 22% globally between 2005 and 2014 while the International Union for the Conservation of Nature estimates that over 27% of all mammal, bird and amphibian species in the world are at risk of irreversible extinction, largely due to human activity. It becomes increasingly important to seek ways to promote and encourage voluntary pro-environmental behaviour by private citizens, not simply to comply with regulations but also to go beyond the often politically motivated confines of such policies. [excerpt]