New Environmental Paradigm

A environmental assessment tool develop by Dunlap and Van Liere in 1978 to measure attitudes toward environmental protection and the development of a systematic way to address the increasing depletion of natural resources (carrying capacity). This new environmental paradigm contrasts with the dominant social paradigm which "reflects the view of the industrial era where economic and population growth and continued exploitation of natural resources can continue without damage to the environment." (Sussman)

The New Environmental Paradigm Scale

• We are approaching the limit of the number of people the earth can support.
  
• The balance of nature is very delicate and easily upset.
  
• Humans have the right to modify the natural environment.
  
• Humankind was created to rule over the rest of nature.
  
• When humans interfere with nature it often produces disastrous consequences.
  
• Plants and animals exist primarily to be used by humans.
  
• To maintain a healthy economy we will have to develop a "steady state" economy where industrial growth is controlled.
  
• Humans must live in harmony with nature in order to survive.
  
• The earth is like a spaceship with only limited room and resources.
  
• Humans need not adapt to the natural environment because they can remake it to suit their needs.
  
• There are limits to growth beyond which our industrialized society cannot expand.
  
• Mankind is severely abusing the environment.