1.1. EVS and environmental movements

Environmental Value System (EVS)

A worldview or paradigm that shapes how individuals or groups perceive and evaluate environmental issues.

Ecocentric

An environmental value system that integrates social, spiritual, and environmental dimensions into a holistic ideal, emphasizing the central importance of ecology and nature.

Anthropocentric

An environmental value system that posits humans must sustainably manage the global system and emphasizes human-centered approaches to environmental management.

Technocentric

An environmental value system that believes technological developments can provide solutions to environmental problems, favoring a pro-growth agenda.

Intrinsic Value

The inherent worth of an organism or ecosystem, regardless of its utility to humans, with different EVSs attributing different levels of intrinsic value.

Cognitive Dissonance

The psychological phenomenon where a person experiences discomfort due to holding conflicting beliefs or values, such as attaching intrinsic value to something but acting contrary to it.

Paradigm

A typical example or pattern of something, or a worldview underlying the theories and methodologies of a particular scientific subject.

Cultural Context

The influences of culture, religion, economics, and socio-political factors that shape an individual's or society's environmental value system.

Biorights

The ethical consideration that all living beings have rights and should be prioritized in environmental decision making.

Deep Ecology

A philosophy advocating for the intrinsic worth of all living beings regardless of their utility to human needs, often associated with ecocentric views.

Cornucopian

An optimistic viewpoint within the technocentric perspective that assumes human ingenuity and technology will provide solutions to environmental challenges.

Environmental Attitude Questionnaire

A tool used to gauge individuals' beliefs and attitudes towards various environmental statements and issues.