People & Planet

Episode Description In this episode, Conservation Psychologist and Marine Biologist, Dr. Brock Bergseth explores how human behaviour — not just environmental science — sits at the heart of today’s ecological challenges. Dr. Brock breaks down how social norms influence science and subconscious decision-making shape everything from illegal fishing and poaching to everyday consumer habits, and why understanding people is key to protecting the planet. We discuss how tools borrowed from criminology, behavioural economics, and advertising can be used to shift behaviour toward conservation, the role of cultural norms in shaping compliance, and why modern life has disconnected us from nature in ways that impact both planetary health and mental health. Through real-world research, compelling stories, and a hopeful look at social tipping points, this conversation highlights how small individual actions can scale into meaningful collective change. Key Themes & Takeaways Human Behaviour & Conservation Why the environmental crisis is driven as much by human psychology and social behaviour as by science or policy. Social Norms, Conformity & Group Influence How humans are wired to follow the crowd — and how this shapes everyday environmental decisions. Behavioural Science as a Tool for Change How insights from psychology, behavioural economics, and advertising can encourage pro-environmental behaviour at scale. Culture & Environmental Action Why different cultures respond differently to rules, norms, and conservation strategies. Social Tipping Points & Collective Momentum How small behavioural shifts can trigger rapid, large-scale change once they become socially normal. Individual Actions & Ripple Effects Why personal choices matter more than we realise by influencing others around us. Hope, Resilience & Real-World Success Stories What past environmental wins reveal about humanity’s ability to adapt and reverse damage. Timestamps 00:00 — Intro 00:58 — What Is a Conservation Psychologist? 1:43 — Why Study Criminology to Protect the Environment? 4:50 — How Do You Change Human Behaviour for Environmental Action? 11:06 — Do People Behave Differently Across Cultures? 13:52 — Applying Behavioural Science to Ocean Conservation 18:32 — Are Humans Hardwired to Follow the Crowd? 19:01 — Is Human Conformity Driving the Environmental Crisis? 22:21 — How Do We Get People to Care About the Planet? 24:05 — What Actually Motivates Environmental Action? 26:36 — Do Small Individual Actions Really Matter? 29:31 — How to Connect With Nature Without Living Near It 34:55 — How Nature Improves Mental Health and Wellbeing 39:07 — Why Your Actions Influence Other People 42:31 — Real Examples of Environmental Change That Give Hope 48:39 — How to Stay Hopeful While Working on Climate Change 55:03 — Final Thoughts & Outro Connect with Dr. Brock Bergseth  Website: www.brockbergseth.com Instagram: @doc.brock_ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brock-bergseth-12a07131/   Connect with Me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholesome_practice/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100049758914001 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PeopleAndPlanetPodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alya-alhamad Website: https://alyaalhamad.com/ Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not replace the advice of your doctor or physician. Always consult a medical professional before making changes to your diet, lifestyle, or medication protocol.