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2017 Conference

June 21–24, 2017

Tuscon, AZ

AESS 2017 Draft Conference Session Schedule

Decoding the FEW nexus via 'Cognitive fix'

Thursday, June 22, 2017 at 10:30 AM–12:00 PM MDT
ENR2 S 225
Abstract

Water, food and energy shortages encompass one of four “megatrends” that US government intelligence analysts say could cause severe socio-economic and political changes. All of which, which will in turn affect the availability of food, energy, and water. An ad hoc policy on integrating collective approach in teaching issues related to food, energy, water, and environment has given rise to a plethora of opinions and attitudes within the society further augmenting the current uncertainty and risks surrounding these issues. There is tremendous potential for utilizing the cognitive framework to demystify the ‘nexus’ of food, energy, water, and environment. But, currently there are few opportunities that are being presented for K-12 and college students to understand systematic reasons for uncertainties associated with scientific findings, such as: climate change model predictions related to global water and food availability. Furthermore, lack of effective literacy on these issues is compounding the problem as students fail to take full advantage of career opportunities in higher education on these topics. The uncertainties also stem from cognitive barriers against trying to learn and engage more on these seemingly disparate topics. These uncertainties are compounded by lack of information and misinformation with respect to various policy issues often surrounding the nexus for example food vs. fuel debate. This often results in adopted behaviors that are in contrast to what scientific findings merit. The symposia will allow participants to better apply environmental psychology by paring it with within an environmental education to alter such behaviors systematically across wide populace.

Primary Contact

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Nirav S. Patel,, Cornell University

Presenters

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Nirav S. Patel, Ph.D., Cornell University/ Rutgers University
Title of paper

Impact of sustainability education on students motivations to engage in environmental significant behaviors.

Co-Authors

Chair, Facilitator, Or Moderators

Discussants

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