Perhaps this could mean they are yet to know what they want exactly- but dignity entails being able to keep that choice for yourself - of how you want to form your identity. However, these are only as good as being informed sufficiently of the implications of these choices.
I say, identity-formation is an active and conscious choice rather than a passive one. Engaging, however, the interest on the environment, is there such a thing as a right choice or a correct identity- an individual immensely partial towards protecting the environment? I think, in this issue, the answer is yes. With what method and at what point in the gradience- this is the space for further discourse. But doing good, I believe, means taking on the responsibility to be better and more knowledgeable so when faced with choices of trade-offs against short-term economic gains, etc., we are armed with precise and innovative ideas that eliminate or limit the damages we inflict.
Identity-formation cannot be completed in a vacuum. It exists in a state of constant tension, constant bargaining with the rest of society as we develop a shared identity that frames our collective interests. Many of our choices affect one another.
Identities and priorities can change, and dignity must be able to protect one’s ability to revise, revert and evolve towards a new identity. While anger, aggression and ostracization may work on some fronts, the ability to reform identities, and to choose the environment must be made easy.
It is then well within the overall framework of dignity protection that we curate economic, political and social institutions in such a way that people could actualize their principled choice to shift lifestyles and protect the environment. This translates to, for example, increasing access to sustainable food options, affordable low-emitting appliances and efficient mass transport systems, as well as integrating the environment into education curriculum- steps that aims to restructure systems, reform policies, and give more access to relevant information and choices.
Inevitably, however, this whole process is an extension of our convictions, the re-imagining of the self, and our roles in this shared space. In any case, the dichotomy between the principle and the pragmatic is imaginary at best.