“We don’t own stock in GE, turn the lights off when you leave the room.” Others might frame it differently, saying, “We turn off the lights because we care about the environ- ment.” Regardless of the motivation, the out- come is the same—behavior changes when people understand why it matters, when they see the impact of their actions, and when they feel personally connected to the change. To create real and lasting change, we must recognize that people are emotional beings, not machines. Our emotions, experiences, and perceptions drive the choices we make. And so, if we want to influence behavior, we must first understand the emotional and psychological factors that shape decisions. Change is not just about delivering facts or enforcing rules, it is about understanding the heart of what motivates people. I will
say it again: Change requires a deep empa- thy, compassion, and the willingness to see things from the perspective of others. Understanding people’s values, percep- tions, and motivations is key to bringing about meaningful and lasting behavioral change. This approach requires empathy, patience, and an openness to seeing things from other people’s perspectives. Whether we are working to protect the environment, improve public health, or encourage more sustainable prac- tices, it is essential to recognize the emotional and psychological factors that influence deci- sion-making. By doing so, we can create more compassionate, effective strategies for change that resonate with people and ultimately lead to a better world for all. As I step down from my role as NEHA president, I am filled with gratitude for the
opportunity to contribute to our shared goals. I hope that we continue to approach our work with understanding, empathy, and a commit- ment to positive change.
Reference Boissoneault, L. (2019, June 19). The Cuyahoga River caught fire at least a dozen times, but no one cared until 1969. Smithsonian magazine. https://www.smith sonianmag.com/history/cuyahoga-river- caught-fire-least-dozen-times-no-one- cared-until-1969-180972444/ akhan@neha.org
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June 2025 • Journal of Environmental Health
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