ECO POLI

Environmentalism

A political and social movement aimed at protecting the environment from human damage.

Ecologism

A radical, philosophical ideology that sees nature as an interconnected whole and challenges human-centered perspectives.

Sustainable Development

Economic growth that coexists with environmental protection.

Homeostasis

The concept of balance within ecosystems, where everything affects everything.

Anthropocentric

Human-centered worldview that regards nature primarily as a resource with instrumental value.

Ecocentric

Nature-centered worldview that recognizes the intrinsic value of nature, animals, and land.

Shallow Ecology

A human-focused approach that seeks to reform the system while aiming for sustainability.

Deep Ecology

A nature-centered perspective that emphasizes intrinsic value and calls for radical change.

Gaia Hypothesis

The theory that Earth is a self-regulating living system that maintains balance.

Tragedy of the Commons

A problem where shared resources are overused, leading to environmental destruction.

Environmental Ethics

The extension of morality to include animals and ecosystems, arguing against traditional human-centered ethics.

From 'Having' to 'Being'

A critique of consumerism and materialism, advocating for a focus on quality of life.

Ecosocialism

The belief that capitalism is responsible for environmental crises.

Eco-anarchism

A decentralized movement that promotes harmony with nature.

Ecofeminism

The theory that links patriarchy to environmental harm.

Heidegger's Argument

A critique of modernity that treats nature as a resource, emphasizing human dominance over coexistence.

Critiques of Capitalism

The argument that capitalism leads to exploitation and environmental degradation.

Future of Ecologism

Increasing relevance due to climate crisis and challenges such as economic dependence on growth.

Core Themes of Ecologism

Holistic, anti-humanist, sustainability-focused, and system-changing.

Environmentalism

A political and social movement that seeks to protect the environment while allowing sustainable economic growth

Ecologism

A radical, philosophical ideology that sees nature as an interconnected whole and challenges human-centered thinking

Difference environmentalism vs ecologism

Environmentalism works within the system and supports sustainable growth, while ecologism seeks to change the system and often supports de-growth

Core themes of ecologism

Ecology, sustainability, environmental ethics, anti-humanism, and the shift from having to being

Ecology

The study of interconnected ecosystems where all parts affect each other

Homeostasis

The natural balance within ecosystems that ecologism seeks to preserve

Anthropocentric

A human-centered worldview where nature is valued for its usefulness to humans

Ecocentric

A nature-centered worldview where nature has intrinsic value independent of humans

Instrumental value

Viewing nature as a resource for human use

Intrinsic value

Viewing nature as valuable in itself regardless of human benefit

Rights in anthropocentrism

Focus on private property rights

Rights in ecocentrism

Includes rights of nature, land rights, and animal rights

Shallow ecology

A reformist approach focused on sustainability and human benefit

Deep ecology

A radical approach that values nature intrinsically and calls for major societal change

Systems thinking

Viewing the world as an interconnected system rather than separate parts

Holism

The idea that the whole system matters more than individual parts

Gaia hypothesis

The idea that Earth is a self-regulating living system that maintains balance

Sustainability

Meeting present needs without compromising future generations

Degrowth

Reducing economic production and consumption to stay within environmental limits

Tragedy of the commons

The overuse of shared resources due to individual self-interest leading to environmental degradation

Environmental ethics

Extending moral consideration beyond humans to animals and ecosystems

Speciesism

The belief that humans are superior to other species

Animal rights

The belief that animals deserve moral and legal consideration

From having to being

The shift from material consumption to quality of life and personal fulfillment

Industrial Revolution and ecologism

Triggered environmental damage and led to the emergence of modern ecologism

1960s environmentalism

Period when concern for environmental survival became widespread

1970s–80s environmentalism

Became a mainstream political issue

Modern environmental problems

Pollution, pesticides, resource depletion, extinction, ozone depletion, and climate change

Heidegger

Argued modernity turns nature into a “standing reserve” to be controlled and exploited by humans

Standing reserve

Viewing nature as a resource to be used and dominated

Rachel Carson

Raised awareness about environmental damage, especially from pesticides

Arne Naess

Founder of deep ecology emphasizing intrinsic value of nature

James Lovelock

Developed the Gaia hypothesis

E.F. Schumacher

Critiqued economic growth and promoted sustainability

Murray Bookchin

Developed social ecology linking environmental problems to social systems

Environmentalism (reformist)

Supports sustainable development within capitalism

Ecosocialism

Argues capitalism causes environmental destruction and must be replaced

Eco-anarchism

Advocates decentralized societies living in harmony with nature

Ecofeminism

Links environmental destruction to patriarchy and domination of nature

Ecologism critique of ideologies

Argues most ideologies wrongly assume humans are the center of existence

Future of ecologism

Increasing importance due to climate crisis but faces challenges from economic dependence on growth