Biodiversity conservation as a promising frontier for behavioural science

Kristian Steensen Nielsen (), Theresa M. Marteau, Jan M. Bauer, Richard B. Bradbury, Steven Broad, Gayle Burgess, Mark Burgman, Hilary Byerly, Susan Clayton, Dulce Espelosin, Paul Ferraro, Brendan Fisher, Emma E. Garnett, Julia P. G. Jones, Mark Otieno, Stephen Polasky, Taylor H. Ricketts, Rosie Trevelyan, Sander van der Linden, Diogo Veríssimo and Andrew Balmford
Additional contact information
Kristian Steensen Nielsen: University of Cambridge
Theresa M. Marteau: University of Cambridge
Jan M. Bauer: Copenhagen Business School
Richard B. Bradbury: University of Cambridge
Steven Broad: TRAFFIC
Gayle Burgess: TRAFFIC
Mark Burgman: Imperial College London
Hilary Byerly: University of Colorado
Susan Clayton: The College of Wooster
Dulce Espelosin: Center for Behavior and the Environment, Rare
Brendan Fisher: University of Vermont
Emma E. Garnett: University of Cambridge
Julia P. G. Jones: Bangor University
Mark Otieno: University of Würzburg
Stephen Polasky: University of Minnesota
Taylor H. Ricketts: University of Vermont
Rosie Trevelyan: Tropical Biology Association
Sander van der Linden: University of Cambridge
Diogo Veríssimo: University of Oxford
Andrew Balmford: University of Cambridge

Nature Human Behaviour, 2021, vol. 5, issue 5, 550-556

Abstract: Abstract Human activities are degrading ecosystems worldwide, posing existential threats for biodiversity and humankind. Slowing and reversing this degradation will require profound and widespread changes to human behaviour. Behavioural scientists are therefore well placed to contribute intellectual leadership in this area. This Perspective aims to stimulate a marked increase in the amount and breadth of behavioural research addressing this challenge. First, we describe the importance of the biodiversity crisis for human and non-human prosperity and the central role of human behaviour in reversing this decline. Next, we discuss key gaps in our understanding of how to achieve behaviour change for biodiversity conservation and suggest how to identify key behaviour changes and actors capable of improving biodiversity outcomes. Finally, we outline the core components for building a robust evidence base and suggest priority research questions for behavioural scientists to explore in opening a new frontier of behavioural science for the benefit of nature and human wellbeing.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1038/s41562-021-01109-5

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