Presentation Abstract

Student's Name: Sophia Hyres'26

Co-registrant Names:

Type of Presentation: Research Presentation: One or more registrants presenting research

Presentation Title: "Ethics Influence on Environmental Policy"

Abstract:

This study explores how ethical orientation influences support for environmental policy and law. Survey data from 72 college-aged participants were used to classify individuals into anthropocentric, biocentric, ecocentric, or anthropomorphic ethical groups and to assess their responses to hypothetical environmental policies, including a tax increase for water remediation and land conservation decisions. Results show that biocentric and ecocentric participants expressed the strongest support for conservation and environmental taxation, while anthropocentric participants were more likely to favor development and personal economic benefit. Women were significantly more represented in pro-environment ethical categories, indicating higher environmental concern. However, anthropocentric individuals reported the highest levels of electoral voting, revealing a gap between pro-environment values and political participation. These findings suggest that moral frameworks strongly shape environmental attitudes, but ethical concern alone does not ensure political engagement. The study highlights the importance of targeted strategies to mobilize environmentally oriented populations and integrate ethical perspectives into environmental policy.

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