New Ecological Paradigm Scale – Revised

What it measures

Measures endorsement of a pro-ecological worldview — the belief that humans are part of nature, that the natural environment has limits, and that ecological crises are real and serious. The most widely used measure of environmental attitude in the social sciences. In tourism research, NEP scores predict responsible tourist behaviour, sustainable accommodation choice, willingness to pay green premiums, and carbon offset adoption. Alternating pro-NEP and anti-NEP wording across items controls for acquiescence bias. Used extensively to segment tourism markets by environmental orientation and to identify 'green' tourist profiles.

Representative items

• We are approaching the limit of the number of people the Earth can support. (Limits to Growth)
• Humans have the right to modify the natural environment to suit their needs. (R – Anti-Anthropocentrism)
• The Earth is like a spaceship with very limited room and resources. (Fragility)
• Despite our special abilities, humans are still subject to the laws of nature. (Anti-Exemptionalism)
• Humans are severely abusing the environment. (Eco-Crisis)

Citation

Dunlap, R.E., Van Liere, K.D., Mertig, A.G., & Jones, R.E. (2000). Measuring endorsement of the new ecological paradigm: A revised NEP scale. Journal of Social Issues, 56(3), 425–442.