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Climate change affects all aspects of global sustainable development (GSD), with its repercussions threatening the survival of humans, terrestrial and aquatic creatures. The complexity of the climate crisis calls for a more holistic approach. Developing eco-centric consciousness can cultivate a sense of agency among individuals to acquire the skills and the right attitude to catalyse the transition towards a greener future in the digital age. Ecological consciousness is a deeper awareness of self as a being entangled with the environment. Here are some ways to enhance ecological consciousness in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

 

1. Connect with nature by practicing eco-therapy.

2. Eco therapy is a systematic approach of healing self and the earth by nature walks, gardening, and using more of outdoor spaces.

3. Nature walks can lessen stress and can be a remedy to calm oneself amidst nature.

4. Nature activities are a great source for relaxation providing a positive connection with the ecosystem.

5. Pedretti-Burls (2007) highlights that the therapeutic approach of nature may enhance human well-being at the following three levels: Physical well-being  (enhance mobility and building stamina), Psychological well-being (enhance concentration, focused memory, reducing anxiety), and Social well-being (enhance social skills, relationship awareness). 

6. Connecting with nature will create a holistic being who grows as a conscious entity, realizing the essentiality of creating meaning and interconnectedness with the ecosystem.

7. Additionally, find creative and innovative solutions amalgamating the two: environment and technology.

8. Virtual reality (VR) can also be very helpful to promote eco-consciousness. Examples: Google earth voyager, NASA’s virtual tours, etc.

9. For example, VR simulations of plastic pollution can improve individuals' desire to reduce plastic waste (Lege & Bonner, 2020). 

10. Enhancing eco-centric consciousness includes fostering compassion, empathy, and developing one’s identity by promoting “body, mind and spirit” evolvement.

 

 

Conclusion:

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Develop emotional responses towards the environment by embedding ‘personal reflexivity’, ‘emotional clarity’, and awareness to realize self as an identity which is enmeshed with the environment and technology.

 

References

Pedretti-Burls, A. (2007). Ecotherapy: A therapeutic and educative model. Journal of Mediterranean Ecology, 8, 19–25. http://www.jmecology.com/wp content/uploads/2014/03/19-25-Pedretti-Burls.pdf

Lege, R., & Bonner, E. (2020). Virtual reality in education: The promise, progress, and challenge. Jalt Call Journal, 16(3), 167—180. https://doi.org/10.29140/jaltcall.v16n3.388