The basic idea of the SEQUOIA scale

The basic idea for the use of this scale is to help ascertain an individual's or a group's attitudes toward their environment. The scale might eventually be able to be used as some kind of national scale that could be tracked over time to evaluate changes in attitudes toward the environment -- from an historical context.

Why measure environmental attitudes?

When trying to work efficiently and effectively with people one-on-one or in a group, it is oftentimes helpful to get an idea of "where they are coming from". Knowledge of a person's attitudes about certain issues can help you provide more effective and useful assistance. 

By capturing information about a community's attitudes toward the environment, a planner or conservationist can help to guide the planning efforts in the direction that best serves the community.

When can this scale be used?

It would be useful to know people's attitudes about the environment when working with a small farming community to plan a water supply structure. It is crucial to find out what is important to this community and how they feel about certain key issues involved in building a large dam in a small community. One way to do this is to ask people about their attitudes toward basic issues, such as how they feel about certain aspects and uses of the environment, their desire for comfort in more urban settings, and their level of self-sufficiency and independence.

With a basic background of where the community "is coming from" you can provide the appropriate kind of assistance to enable that community to meet it's goals.

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