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

The global population is rapidly urbanizing, especially along coastlines, where population density is three times higher than the global average. In the US, nearly 40% of the population lives in coastal zones, with significantly higher density in coastal counties. This leads to substantial human encroachment on coastal ecosystems, modifying natural landscapes and reducing intact habitat. Residential development often involves unsustainable land-use planning and shoreline armoring, replacing natural habitats (saltmarshes, mangroves, etc.) with artificial structures. In densely developed areas, 50–90% of shorelines can be armored, resulting in a significant loss of natural habitats and ecosystem services. This infrastructure development alters ecosystem services and functions by negatively impacting biodiversity, ecological conditions, and environmental quality, decreasing resilience to natural hazards and climate change. These human-environment interactions shape the future of coastal ecosystems, and decisions that modify the biophysical environment impact its ecological functionality. These alterations can change individual and societal ecological knowledge. Few studies have empirically tested the relationship between urbanization, reduced environmental connectedness, ecological knowledge, and pro-environmental behaviors, even though a lack of environmental connectedness is often cited as an explanation for negative environmental behaviors. This study aims to investigate the relationship between residents' knowledge (mental models) of human-environment interactions, their self-reported pro-environmental behavior, and how these are associated with urbanization.

Existing literature highlights the negative impacts of urbanization on coastal ecosystems and the potential reduction in individual environmental connectedness and ecological knowledge in urbanized areas. The lack of empirical evidence testing this relationship is a major gap addressed by the current study. The concept of "nature-deficit disorder" and its implications for pro-environmental behaviors are discussed. Individual decisions based on limited ecological knowledge can cascade into larger societal impacts due to domino effects, as observed in the tendency of waterfront homeowners to armor shorelines due to the presence of armoring on neighboring properties. Mental models are described as cognitive representations of a system articulating causal relationships among components. The study leverages fuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM) to elicit these mental models.

The study surveyed residents across eight Northeastern US coastal states using a fuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM) approach to elicit mental models of coastal ecosystems. The FCM focused on environmental connectedness, ecosystem health, human well-being, climate, and sustainable coasts. The survey included questions on demographics, self-reported pro-environmental behaviors, and the FCM questions designed to (1) select important components of coastal shorelines and (2) define causal relationships and assign edge weights between selected components. A total of 1397 residents participated; 1226 provided usable FCM data, which were translated into graphical representations. Clustering analysis identified two clusters of mental models, representing distinct types of cognition about coastal ecosystem complexities. Demographic data (age, race, education, income, etc.) and urbanization level (NCHS Urban-Rural Classification) and the percent of armored shorelines were compared across the clusters. Network analysis was used to measure systems thinking (complexity score, cycles basis, reciprocal motifs, feedback motifs) and linear thinking (connectedness, hierarchy, efficiency, LUBedness) indicators, comparing these across clusters. Pairwise cognitive distances between mental models were calculated using Jaccard distance and Euclidean squared distance between underlying graphs' spectra to assess mental model homogenization across clusters. Finally, participants' self-reported adoption of pro-environmental behaviors was compared across clusters.

Two clusters of mental models were identified. Cluster 1, compared to Cluster 0, showed stronger representation of social and physical attributes of coastal urban areas: higher proportion of residents in large central metros, younger population, and greater racial diversity. Cluster 1 residents were also more likely to live in areas with a higher percentage of armored shorelines. Cluster 0 exhibited significantly higher levels of systems thinking (measured by complexity score, cycles basis, reciprocal motifs, and feedback motifs), while Cluster 1 showed significantly higher levels of linear thinking (measured by connectedness, efficiency, and LUBedness). Cluster 1 mental models displayed significantly greater homogenization (smaller mean pairwise cognitive distances). Individuals in Cluster 0 (less urban) were significantly more likely to report adoption of pro-environmental behaviors (three out of six items showed statistically significant differences).

The findings empirically demonstrate a positive association between urbanization and mental model homogenization and a negative association with systems thinking. Homogenized and linear thinking limit urban residents' ability to perceive the complexities of human-environment interactions and choose environmentally beneficial behaviors. The study suggests a reinforcing feedback loop between reduced understanding of complexity, environmentally harmful decisions, and further environmental degradation. While the study does not determine causality, it strongly suggests a self-reinforcing trap where homogenized mental models contribute to ecosystem degradation. The limitations of the study include the inability to definitively determine causality and the focus on large-scale phenomena, independent of distance from green spaces or other amenities.

Urbanization is strongly linked to homogenization of mental models and limited systems thinking regarding coastal ecosystems. This "Urbanized Knowledge Syndrome" (UKS) is associated with reduced pro-environmental behaviors. Addressing UKS requires a multi-faceted approach: (1) designing local institutions with heterogeneous land-management policies; (2) fostering environmental connectedness; and (3) promoting adaptive learning and ecological knowledge. Further research should explore the causal relationships and develop strategies for promoting systems thinking and ecological literacy in urban populations.

The study does not establish causality between urbanization and UKS, only correlation. The focus is on large-scale patterns, disregarding factors like proximity to green spaces or individual differences in environmental experience. The self-reported pro-environmental behaviors may not perfectly reflect actual behavior.