Compassion towards other humans positively correlates with pro-environmental tendencies and increases pro-environmental intentions
Environmental education is an essential tool for developing pro-environmental values and behaviors. EE practices benefit from a deeper understanding of drivers of pro-environmental tendencies. Research indicates that empathy and compassion drive pro-environmental tendencies, specifically values, intentions, and donations. The authors defined compassion as feelings that arise based on the suffering of others. Compassion can be felt towards other humans and towards other beings, such as animals. In addition, compassion drives moral judgements and actions.