Research Challenges

Fair and Environmentally Aware Society

Globe of Central America

What is a Fair & Environmental aware society?

A fair society is not only about tackling both income inequality and equality of opportunity, but it is a place where diversity is an added value that enriches people’s experience. It is a society that strives for justice, tolerance, and solidarity towards those in need. Living in a fair society means that both individuals and groups will not suffer from discrimination, prejudice, and the perpetuation of stereotypes based on different age, gender, complexion, ethnic heritage, and other biological or cultural features. A fair society is a place where people can benefit from equal opportunities to improve their wellbeing while social disadvantage is minimised.

An environmentally aware society is not only about protecting animal species from extinction and engaging with recycling, but it is a place where individual and collective choices are prioritising our place in nature and our role as guarantors of a sustainable future for the human kind. It is a society that is connected with nature and express concern for the welfare of all living beings and ecosystems. Living in an environmentally aware society means that we can all benefit from becoming conscious of our emotional and cognitive biases that prevent us mitigating and adapting to climate and nature change. An environmentally aware society is a place where people can benefit from targeted policy interventions that can spur positive environmental action at both individual and societal levels.

thinking about the world
Thinking in a fair and environmentally aware society

Why some people would rather embrace conspiracy theories about the subtle manipulation operated by an ethnic minority group rather than rationally assess the available evidence? What are the cognitive defences affecting our response to the climate and ecological emergency? How does gender stereotype impact childrens’ behaviour in school?

Interacting with the world
Interacting in a fair and environmentally aware society

Why people that identify with a specific group are not amenable to change their moral and political convictions? What group interaction dynamics can foster inclusivity? How can we improve the formulation of effective and socially sensitive policies that promote a fair and sustainable future?

Experiencing the world
Experiencing in a fair and environmentally aware society

Why our feelings of hopelessness and hope can equally lead us to inaction in face of the climate and ecological emergency? What are the perceptual factors affecting our judgment of trust in strangers? How does the perception of our body change depending on cultural values in different ethnic groups?