What is Ecological Intelligence? What Are the Characteristics of Individuals with Ecological Intelligence?

It is a scientific fact that the human brain does not work in a single way, and that the brains may have tendencies to different areas. Ecological intelligence is another type of intelligence that emerged with the awareness brought by the theory of multiple intelligences.

The concept was first coined by Daniel Goleman, author of Ecological Intelligence: How Knowing the Hidden Impacts of What We Buy Can Change Everything, and later by Ian McCallum's Ecological Intelligence: It was defined by the study Rediscovering Ourselves in Nature (Ecological Intelligence: Rediscovering Ourselves in Nature).

In short, people who can empathize with nature, are sensitive to global changes and try to find solutions to ecological problems are described as having ecological intelligence.

What Does It Mean to be Ecologically Intelligent?

Those who can fully understand the difference between the worlds created by nature and man in all their complexity and the working system of nature are considered ecologically intelligent. Being able to empathize with nature is also included in these concepts. Being able to perceive the pain that nature suffers when acting irresponsibly towards nature brings with it to act with a great sense of responsibility.

What Are the Characteristics of Individuals with Ecological Intelligence?

There are some common behaviors that occur in individuals with ecological intelligence. Accordingly, ecologically intelligent individuals;

• Sensitive to both the environment and environmental problems, trying to produce constructive solutions,
• Do not hesitate to prevent local and global disasters affecting ecology and take action when necessary,
• Being aware of products that harm the environment and shaping their purchasing habits accordingly,
• Acting with a collective consciousness, informing people about nature and environmental problems,
• Being aware of the impact of ecology on human physiology and psychology,
• They are defined as those who try to prevent living deaths.

Why is Ecological Literacy Education Important?

After answering the question of what is ecological intelligence, it is useful to say that ecological intelligence is not only innate, but can also be developed later.

This is where ecological literacy comes into play. As Daniel Goleman says in his book, raising a generation with high ecological intelligence who can stand up to ecological disasters and empathize with nature, and the development of ecological intelligence in adult individuals can only be achieved through ecological literacy education.

It is possible for the new generation to gain ecological sensitivity in a much shorter time and much more easily, by including a comprehensive ecological literacy education in school curricula and starting it at a young age.

Ecological literacy helps both children and adults become conscious and respectful towards the environment they live in. We can raise future generations as ecologically intelligent, with both domestic practices and an education approach shaped by sustainability.

Ecological literacy is an area that everyone should care about for the future of the planet. As we read and research, we can strengthen our ties with nature and develop our ecological intelligence.