Urbanized knowledge syndrome—erosion of diversity and systems thinking in urbanites’ mental models

Coastal ecosystems near human societies create complex social-ecological systems (SESs). Urbanization degrades these ecosystems and alters human-nature connections. This study investigates whether urbanization affects residents’ knowledge of SESs using mental models from over 1350 coastal residents. Results show that in more urbanized areas, mental models underrepresent complex human-nature interdependence, indicating limited systems thinking and homogenization of mental models. This is termed Urbanized Knowledge Syndrome (UKS). Respondents with more UKS symptoms were less likely to report pro-environmental behaviors. UKS, therefore, is a crucial aspect of urban sustainability.

Payam Aminpour, Steven A. Gray, Michael W. Beck, Kelsi L. Furman, Ismini Tsakiri, Rachel K. Gittman, Jonathan H. Grabowski, Jennifer Helgeson, Lauren Josephs, Matthias Ruth, Steven B. Scyphers