We are pleased that the Monitor highlighted the work of Div. 34 (Society for Environmental, Population and Conservation Psychology) in the September issue. However, we were dismayed that there is no mention of animal agriculture as the single largest source of greenhouse gases. Although that fact is known, its omission by the fields of environmental psychology and economics is a major problem.
Psychology is also concerned with pathologies such as the torture and slaughter of animals. These practices are contrary to most people's values, when the reality of this treatment of animals, purposely hidden by the agricultural industry, is made clear. Psychology should be scientific about all of the factors and processes involved in environmental issues.
In addition to dealing with people's stress over climate change, including the scarcity of water, Div. 34 could be persuading people to become vegan. This would significantly reduce climate change, in terms of both global warming and the increasing probability of catastrophic events exacerbated by global warming. Further, huge amounts of water would not be diverted to farmed animals.
Amy E. Sibulkin, PhD
Tennessee State University
J.S. Butler, PhD
University of Kentucky
Please send letters to Sara Martin, Monitor Editor. Letters should be no more than 250 words and may be edited for space and clarity.
