The New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) scale is a means of assessing people’s underlying ecological worldviews. These worldviews help shape people’s attitudes and actions toward the environment. In order to achieve changes in people’s behaviours, it is important to gain insight into their beliefs and values and how these drive them to take the decisions they do.
Research has shown us that a person who achieves a pro-ecological score on the NEP scale is more likely to support actions that enhance the environment. A person who achieves an anti-ecological score is less likely to support actions that enhance the environment. It is, therefore, important for Waikato Regional Council to understand the underlying worldviews of Waikato residents in order to determine what level of ecological support there is and what the drivers are of that support, or lack thereof.
The council has undertaken an NEP survey using the 6-item NEP scale every four years since 2000, with the next survey due to be run in 2013. In 2008, the survey was conducted with 600 residents aged 18 years and older.