Which of Maslow’s needs are related to our environmental health?
a. physical
b. social
c. safety
d. esteem
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: c. safety
Environmental health is closely tied to the safety level in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Maslow’s theory of human motivation outlines five levels of needs, and the safety needs come just after basic physiological needs like food and water. Safety needs include personal security, health, stability, and protection from harm. A healthy environment is a major component of this because it directly affects a person’s sense of safety and well-being.
People rely on clean air, safe drinking water, uncontaminated food, and secure shelter to feel safe in their surroundings. If the environment is polluted or hazardous, these conditions pose threats to physical health and survival, which can lead to fear, anxiety, or illness. For example, exposure to toxic chemicals, unsafe waste disposal, or high noise levels in neighborhoods undermines a person’s environmental safety and can create long-term health issues. People living in such conditions may experience constant stress due to the fear of developing diseases or experiencing accidents.
Environmental disasters like floods, droughts, or wildfires also shake the sense of security, especially if people are left without shelter, food, or clean water. In this way, a damaged or unsafe environment directly threatens a person’s safety needs. When safety is compromised, it becomes difficult for individuals to focus on higher needs like social belonging, esteem, or self-actualization.
Furthermore, communities with poor environmental health often face other challenges like low income and limited access to healthcare, which compound their sense of insecurity. Improving environmental conditions strengthens safety by reducing exposure to risks and ensuring that basic health protections are in place. Thus, promoting a safe environment is not only an ecological concern but also a psychological one rooted in Maslow’s safety needs.