Biodiversity and unified ecological systems are deteriorating worldwide. Ecology is characterized by unity-in-diversity. An experience of beauty is defined by a majority of philosophers as apprehending the unity-in-diversity of the object under contemplation. Therefore, it seems plausible that engaging with nature's beauty will motivate people toward proenvironmental, ecologically sound, behavior. This study examines the relationships between three predictor variables: (1) the character strength (CS) of appreciation of beauty (ABE), (2) the trait of engagement with natural beauty (EnB), and (3) the emotion of elevation (engagement with moral beauty [EmB]), with two criterion variables, self-reported proenvironmental behavior (PEB) and intention for PEB (I-PEB). An on-line sample of 14,647 (49% American; 51% from 117 other countries) from the VIA Institute on Character completed measures of Appreciation of beauty and excellence (ABE), EnB, EmB, PEB, and I-PEB. Through multiple regression, it was found that ABE, EnB, and EmB were all significant predictors of both PEB and I-PEB. Multiple regression with 24 different CSs found that ABE was the strongest predictor of PEB, followed by love of learning, bravery, gratitude, and forgiveness. ABE was also the strongest predictor of I-PEB of any of the 24 strengths, followed by love of learning, forgiveness, curiosity, and bravery. ABE was also the strongest predictor of susceptibility to elevation, again, followed by spirituality, love of learning, gratitude, and kindness. Although the gender differences for both PEB and I-PEB were significant, the effect size was so minimal as to render it meaningless. However, age positively correlated with both PEB and I-PEB, and in a sequential multiple regression it was shown to be a stronger predictor of PEB than ABE, EnB, or EmB. It does appear that the CS of ABE may be able to help save the world. Noticing and embracing the beauty of nature's unity-in-diversity is a critically important avenue for humanity's way forward.
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