Humans are known to be self-centred, and do not often consider factors that do not directly involve themselves. Similar to the tragedy of the commons, people do not place the right the environment as a suitable priority for them.

In the age of industrialization, people are conditioned to behave towards rapid development, or in any way improve financially. Operant conditioning, developed by B. F. Skinner, suggest that behaviour can be enforced when given rewards or punishments. Because of rapid growth of humans, more rewards have been given to people who are famous for contributing to the development of the economy, such as the CEO of a popular company. However, less recognition and awards are given to successful and passionate environmentalist. Many popular magazines and documentaries feature people who are rich, and succeed in business. Hence, more and more people are conditioned to place the economy as a priority, more than the environment. This is especially so for Singapore, which is a tiny country where many people think that earning a lot of money is their top priority.

Linking back to exotic species, because the environment is assumed to be not a priority for most people, little care will be given to whether a foreign species will bring damage to the existing ecosystem.

Biophilia Hypothesis

The Biophilia hypothesis suggests that there is an instinctive bond between humans and other living systems. It suggest that people have an affectionate bond to nature. Therefore humans should place the environment as a top priority, over financial success.