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28: Why Human Behaviour Is the Key to Solving the Environmental Crisis With Dr. Brock Bergseth
Episode Description
In this episode, Conservation Psychologist and Marine Biologist, Dr. Brock Bergseth explores how human behaviour — not just environmental science — sits at the heart of today’s ecological challenges. Dr. Brock breaks down how social norms influence science and subconscious decision-making shape everything from illegal fishing and poaching to everyday consumer habits, and why understanding people is key to protecting the planet. We discuss how tools borrowed from criminology, behavioural economics, and advertising can be used to shift behaviour toward conservation, the role of cultural norms in shaping compliance, and why modern life has disconnected us from nature in ways that impact both planetary health and mental health. Through real-world research, compelling stories, and a hopeful look at social tipping points, this conversation highlights how small individual actions can scale into meaningful collective change.
Key Themes & Takeaways
Why the environmental crisis is driven as much by human psychology and social behaviour as by science or policy.
How humans are wired to follow the crowd — and how this shapes everyday environmental decisions.
How insights from psychology, behavioural economics, and advertising can encourage pro-environmental behaviour at scale.
Why different cultures respond differently to rules, norms, and conservation strategies.
How small behavioural shifts can trigger rapid, large-scale change once they become socially normal.
Why personal choices matter more than we realise by influencing others around us.
What past environmental wins reveal about humanity’s ability to adapt and reverse damage.
Timestamps
00:00 — Intro
00:58 — What Is a Conservation Psychologist?
1:43 — Why Study Criminology to Protect the Environment?
4:50 — How Do You Change Human Behaviour for Environmental Action?
11:06 — Do People Behave Differently Across Cultures?
13:52 — Applying Behavioural Science to Ocean Conservation
18:32 — Are Humans Hardwired to Follow the Crowd?
19:01 — Is Human Conformity Driving the Environmental Crisis?
22:21 — How Do We Get People to Care About the Planet?
24:05 — What Actually Motivates Environmental Action?
26:36 — Do Small Individual Actions Really Matter?
29:31 — How to Connect With Nature Without Living Near It
34:55 — How Nature Improves Mental Health and Wellbeing
39:07 — Why Your Actions Influence Other People
42:31 — Real Examples of Environmental Change That Give Hope
48:39 — How to Stay Hopeful While Working on Climate Change
55:03 — Final Thoughts & Outro
Connect with Dr. Brock Bergseth
Connect with Me
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholesome_practice/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100049758914001
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PeopleAndPlanetPodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alya-alhamad
Website: https://alyaalhamad.com/
Disclaimer
This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not replace the advice of your doctor or physician. Always consult a medical professional before making changes to your diet, lifestyle, or medication protocol.
View all episodes
By Alya Alhamad
5
99 ratings
Episode Description
In this episode, Conservation Psychologist and Marine Biologist, Dr. Brock Bergseth explores how human behaviour — not just environmental science — sits at the heart of today’s ecological challenges. Dr. Brock breaks down how social norms influence science and subconscious decision-making shape everything from illegal fishing and poaching to everyday consumer habits, and why understanding people is key to protecting the planet. We discuss how tools borrowed from criminology, behavioural economics, and advertising can be used to shift behaviour toward conservation, the role of cultural norms in shaping compliance, and why modern life has disconnected us from nature in ways that impact both planetary health and mental health. Through real-world research, compelling stories, and a hopeful look at social tipping points, this conversation highlights how small individual actions can scale into meaningful collective change.
Key Themes & Takeaways
Why the environmental crisis is driven as much by human psychology and social behaviour as by science or policy.
How humans are wired to follow the crowd — and how this shapes everyday environmental decisions.
How insights from psychology, behavioural economics, and advertising can encourage pro-environmental behaviour at scale.
Why different cultures respond differently to rules, norms, and conservation strategies.
How small behavioural shifts can trigger rapid, large-scale change once they become socially normal.
Why personal choices matter more than we realise by influencing others around us.
What past environmental wins reveal about humanity’s ability to adapt and reverse damage.
Timestamps
00:00 — Intro
00:58 — What Is a Conservation Psychologist?
1:43 — Why Study Criminology to Protect the Environment?
4:50 — How Do You Change Human Behaviour for Environmental Action?
11:06 — Do People Behave Differently Across Cultures?
13:52 — Applying Behavioural Science to Ocean Conservation
18:32 — Are Humans Hardwired to Follow the Crowd?
19:01 — Is Human Conformity Driving the Environmental Crisis?
22:21 — How Do We Get People to Care About the Planet?
24:05 — What Actually Motivates Environmental Action?
26:36 — Do Small Individual Actions Really Matter?
29:31 — How to Connect With Nature Without Living Near It
34:55 — How Nature Improves Mental Health and Wellbeing
39:07 — Why Your Actions Influence Other People
42:31 — Real Examples of Environmental Change That Give Hope
48:39 — How to Stay Hopeful While Working on Climate Change
55:03 — Final Thoughts & Outro
Connect with Dr. Brock Bergseth
Connect with Me
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholesome_practice/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100049758914001
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PeopleAndPlanetPodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alya-alhamad
Website: https://alyaalhamad.com/
Disclaimer
This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not replace the advice of your doctor or physician. Always consult a medical professional before making changes to your diet, lifestyle, or medication protocol.