Conclusion:
A large number of scientists and other observers have discovered a fundamental shift in environmental values in recent decades. A "new environmental paradigm" of humans and nature is challenging the longstanding constellation of values, attitudes, and beliefs that form the "dominant social paradigm" through which many in industrialized societies view the world. The dominant social paradigm emphasizes economic growth, control of nature, faith in science and technology, ample reserves of natural resources, the substitutability of resources, and a dominant role for experts in decision making. In striking contrast, key themes of the new environmental paradigm include sustainable development, harmony with nature, skepticism toward scientific and technological fixes, finite natural resources, limits to substitution, and a strong emphasis on public involvement in decision making. Many studies and public opinion polls have indicated growing acceptance of the new environmental paradigm among the general public. This fundamental shift has been accompanied by related paradigmatic challenges in a large number of fields.
