Awareness of the importance of environmentally friendly behavior is increasing both through conventional public discourse and in various media. The massive environmental damage has encouraged the emergence of discourse on the urgency of environmentally friendly behavior from various parties. This behavior aims to maintain the sustainability of the earth through efforts to mitigate environmental damage. However, the implementation of environmentally friendly behavior often poses a dilemma. Some individuals or groups may find it easy to implement, while others experience internal contradictions. This occurs due to personal and social expectations that can influence an individual's decision to act sustainably. Under certain conditions, individuals may feel pride or appreciation for their environmentally friendly behavior. On the other hand, individuals sometimes face obstacles in their implementation.

The Dilemma of Eco-Behavior in the Era of Environmental Awareness

In recent decades, awareness of environmental sustainability has increased. More and more people claim to care about the environment, but not all of them actually change their behavior. For example, many consumers have positive attitudes toward green products, but still choose conventional products that are cheaper and more accessible. This phenomenon is known as the "environmental dilemma" and is thought to create a conflict between personal and group interests. This contradiction has implications for environmental mitigation efforts because decisions are often influenced by economic, social, and political factors.

The environmental dilemma reflects tensions in collective decision making as expressed by Horwitz (2000) on environmental activities. According to him, individuals tend to prioritize human rights while recognizing the importance of protecting biodiversity and ecosystems. In some cases, the decision to support environmentally friendly actions conflicts with individual rights or economic policies that benefit certain groups. The concept of the "tragedy of the commons" also illustrates a form of environmental dilemma. This occurs when individuals or groups use common resources without considering the long-term consequences.

What is Environmental Dilemma?

An environmental dilemma is a situation where individuals, groups, or governments must choose between two or more options that have significant consequences for ecological balance and economic development. These dilemmas often arise from conflicts between human interests and environmental sustainability, as well as differences in perspective in assessing short-term and long-term benefits. Environmental dilemmas are conflicts between human interests and ecosystem sustainability. Choices often involve conflicts between economic growth and environmental protection. In this context, decisions made may bring benefits to the economic sector. But they also risk causing irreversible damage to ecosystems (Zozuľak & Zozuľaková, 2022). Horwitz (2000) identifies several key factors that lead to environmental dilemmas, including:

1. Resource Exploitation vs. Conservation. For example, oil extraction provides economic benefits but damages the environment.
2. Infrastructure development vs. conservation. For example, dam projects that provide electricity but threaten river ecosystems.
3. Individual rights versus collective interests. For example, a landowner's right to develop property conflicts with a community's need for green space.
4. Technological progress vs. environmental impact. Technological innovation often improves industrial efficiency, but can also increase pollution.
5. Culture and tradition vs. conservation. Cultural practices that sacrifice endangered species or deforestation for farmland.

Types of Dilemmas in Green Behavior

Environmental behavior is often confronted with dilemmas that reflect conflicts between values, interests, and policies. These dilemmas arise when individuals, groups, or governments must choose among options that have environmental, livelihood, social, and political consequences. In many cases, the options that appear most environmentally friendly often conflict with economic interests or individual rights, creating tensions that are difficult to resolve. In addition, different perspectives on assessing short- and long-term environmental impacts sometimes complicate decision-making. To better understand the complexity of implementing sustainable behavior, these dilemmas can be categorized based on the type of conflict that arises (Horwitz, 2000), as follows:

1. Ethical dilemmas involving moral considerations of how humans should treat the environment and other species.
2. Economic dilemmas, which arise when there is a conflict between economic gain and environmental sustainability.
3. Regulatory vs. Individual Freedom Dilemma, often environmental policies conflict with individual freedom or community rights.
4. Global vs. Local Dilemma, involves how local actions can affect the global environment or vice versa.
5. Social and political dilemmas, arise when there are conflicting interests between social groups or countries.

Strategies for Overcoming the Green Dilemma

Overcoming the dilemma of adopting environmentally friendly behaviors requires a strategic approach that creates a system to support sustainable change. Vringer et al. (2017) suggest several strategies that can be implemented to support and overcome individual dilemmas, including:

• Financial incentives, in the form of subsidies or green taxes, to encourage sustainable behavior.
• Public education, raising public awareness of the long-term benefits of adopting green behaviors.
• Progressive regulation, developing rules that encourage sustainable behavior without unduly restricting individual freedom.

Case Study

One example is young people who face a dilemma in choosing environmentally friendly means of transportation for their daily activities. Individuals are beginning to realize that using private vehicles such as motorcycles contributes to air pollution and high carbon emissions. On the other hand, public transportation still suffers from limitations such as irregular schedules, routes that do not cover all areas, and uncomfortable conditions during peak hours. The dilemma is whether individuals should continue to use public transportation to reduce their carbon footprint. Despite the inconvenience and longer travel time, or use private vehicles, which are more flexible but have a negative impact on the environment. In addition, other options such as using electric bicycles or walking are limited by infrastructure that is not yet friendly to pedestrians and cyclists. Finally, individuals try to find solutions by combining the use of public transport or electric vehicles. This is despite the fact that these measures are more expensive than using a private vehicle.

Conclusion

The dilemma of implementing environmentally friendly behavior is a complex challenge that requires a balanced solution between human interests and ecosystem sustainability. By integrating communication strategies, using the right media, and using public space as a forum for advocacy, the dilemma can be overcome more effectively. With a shared commitment, we can create a healthier and more sustainable environment for future generations.

-Rosmalia Ahmad & Diana Anggraeni

References

Horwitz, W. (2000). Environmental Dilemmas: The Resolutions of Student Activists. Ethics & Behavior, 10(3), 281–308. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327019EB1003_6

Vringer, K., Heijden, E. van der, Soest, D. van, Vollebergh, H., & Dietz, F. (2017). Sustainable Consumption Dilemmas. Sustainability, 9(6), 942. https://doi.org/10.3390/su9060942

Zozuľak, J., & Zozuľaková, V. (2022). Ethical and Ecological Dilemmas of Environmental Protection. Management Systems in Production Engineering, 30(3), 282–290. https://doi.org/10.2478/mspe-2022-0036