What is Ecological Intelligence?

We know that some types of intelligence, such as musical intelligence, are innate. However, ecological intelligence is not innate, but a type of intelligence that develops with qualified education. In other words, none of us are ‘innately’ ecologically intelligent.

“Ecological intelligence”, which helps us be sensitive to increasing environmental disasters and encourages us to take precautions against climate change, is a type of intelligence that we can develop.

We can say that two authors who conducted research on ecological intelligence were pioneers in the popularization of this term.

The concept of ‘Ecological Intelligence’ was introduced by Daniel Goleman in 2009. Goleman’s book “Ecological Intelligence: The Factors Underlying How Everything We Buy Can Change Our Lives”, which is a sequel to his bestselling books ‘Social Intelligence’ and ‘Emotional Intelligence’, quickly gained popularity. In his book, Goleman addresses the issues of consumer society, environmental destruction and global warming, and touches on how we can develop our ecological intelligence.

Goleman explains ecological intelligence through empathy with nature. The author explains that if we empathize with the environment, we will be more careful to protect the environment. Attributing human characteristics to nature is half the battle. Just as we can empathize with our family and friends when they suffer, according to Goleman, we should show the same empathy towards nature.

In short, the author states that if we understand that human activities ‘cause suffering’ to nature, we can take measures to protect nature. He explains that the greatest condition for not remaining indifferent to the climate crisis is this empathy.

Ian McCallum also contributed to the development of the term with his book titled ‘‘Ecological Intelligence: Rediscovering Ourselves in Nature’’. Like Goleman, McGallum argues that the level of ecological awareness is a field of intelligence. When a person lives by taking care of nature and maintains an active balance, they are considered ‘ecologically intelligent’.

Both authors believe that being ecologically intelligent will create citizens who are sensitive to the changes in nature that occur on a global scale and will facilitate the implementation of the solutions required for global warming.

So, what are the characteristics of individuals with high ecological intelligence?

• They are sensitive to and react to all problems affecting the environment and nature.

• They take action to prevent global warming and make changes in their own lives.

• They identify the factors that negatively affect ecology and develop solutions.

• They do not buy products that pollute nature, they are conscious consumers.

• They work to inform and raise awareness of people about natural problems.

As we mentioned above, ecological intelligence is not an innate type of intelligence. Just as we need to exercise our muscles and do sports to be more vigorous and strong, we also need to make an effort to develop our ecological intelligence. The most important quality for developing ecological intelligence is increased awareness.

So how do we develop our ecological awareness? The answer is simple, by doing our homework well!

We must have ecological intelligence to understand, protect and live with nature in order to produce sustainable solutions and make our lives more sustainable.

Just as being financially and digitally literate is a necessity in today's world, ecological literacy is also very important in such a century where the negative effects of global climate change are felt every passing day.

People with ecological intelligence must be individuals who can take a stand against all environmental problems on a global scale, protest the wrong steps taken through democratic means, understand the elements that threaten the ecological balance and produce solutions, and boycott products that harm environmental health. For this reason, raising individuals with ecological intelligence is only possible with comprehensive ecological literacy education. The most effective way to do this depends on the education system, that is, schools.

In short, for ecological intelligence to develop, education that will last from pre-primary school to universities... even a lifetime is needed.

In his book, Goleman predicts that ecological awareness will increase in direct proportion to the awareness of consumers. For example, the issue of decreasing chemicals, pesticides and ingredients that are harmful to human health is particularly emphasized. Goleman explains that as consumers become more conscious, production mechanisms will also change.

In other words, if we become more conscious as consumers and do not put substances that endanger our health on our tables, producers will produce accordingly, he says. In short, according to Goleman, the ‘conscious consumer’ has important duties in developing ecological sensitivity.

According to Goleman, as conscious consumers and conscious citizens increase, local governments, international institutions and companies will also take measures to change their policies that harm the environment. In other words, if we want to change the world, we should start the journey with ourselves and increase our ecological intelligence.

The term ‘Ecological Intelligence’ was included in the literature as ‘One of the 10 Ideas That Will Change the World’ by Time Magazine in 2012.

As individual consciousness increases, collective consciousness also increases. When one of us changes, everyone in our sphere of influence becomes more open to change. Our collective purchasing power as consumers becomes a great pressure factor on companies. Similarly, when we become active citizens, the institutions of the country we live in become more accountable and transparent.

This is exactly why increasing ecological literacy and developing ecological intelligence are so valuable. Individuals with high ecological intelligence become more sensitive to environmental problems and more ready to take action on these issues. As ecological intelligence increases, the pressure on institutions increases and the way for constructive changes opens up.

You can click here to reach our article titled Climate Crisis and the Role of Individuals.

So how can we use our Ecological Intelligence in our daily lives?

• By supporting environmentally friendly brands, institutions working for natural life and companies carrying out social responsibility projects.
• By participating in local governments
• By establishing pressure and support mechanisms on local and national institutions to produce environmentally friendly practices and policies.
• By raising our awareness as consumers, and by choosing environmentally friendly production processes.
• By raising awareness in our immediate environment.
• By increasing our ecological literacy!