Pespectives

Values - qualities or principles that you feel have worth and importance.

Values can underpin our perspectives can be seen in our communications and wider actions.

Arguements can be used to support or counter a perspective.

Environmental value systems (EVS): a model that shows the inputs affecting our perspectives and the outputs resulting from our perspectives.

Inputs - media, school, peers, religion, culture. Outputs - decisions, actions, choices.

Environmental perspectives (worldviews) can be classified into 3 broad categories. All of them accept there is an environmental issue. But the solutions are different.

• Ecocentric - bio rights, education, and self restraint

• Technocentric - use technology to solve problems, no need to change human behaviour.

• Anthropocentric - manage but sustainability, laws, taxes.

You can have opinions from multiple. Complete and thorough solutions will require some from all three.

• Extreme ecocentrists = deep ecologists (radical change is needed)

• Anthropocentrists = environmental managers (natural resources should be managed by us)

• Extreme technocentrists = cornucopians (no limit to growth)

Ecocentrism

Ecocentrism is a nature-centred environmental value system that sees nature as having inherent value. From the ecocentric point of view, actions involve minimum disturbance of natural processes and combine spiritual, social, and environmental aspects. The main aim of ecocentric actions is to achieve sustainability for the whole earth and involves self-imposed restraint of natural resource use.

• Deep ecologists: Advocate for a radical shift in human consciousness and behaviour, emphasising the intrinsic value of all living beings and ecosystems, and calling for profound changes to achieve a harmonious and sustainable coexistence with nature.

• Soft ecologists: Advocate for sustainable living through community-based solutions and reduced consumption, prioritising the health and integrity of natural systems over human-centric goals

Strengths and Limitations of Ecocentric EVS

Strengths:

• Approaches focus on sustainability.

• Promotes methods in harmony with natural systems.

• Does not have to wait for technological developments to occur.

Limitations:

• Conservation can be costly, with little economic return.

• Requires individual change, which can be difficult to encourage in a wider population.

Anthropocentrism

Anthropocentrism is a people-centred environmental value system that believes it is important for everyone in society to participate in environmental decision-making. It focuses on people’s ability to sustainably manage the global system, through government-imposed regulations and legislation. Anthropocentrism prioritizes a need to be managed holistically and encourages debate to reach a consensual, pragmatic approach to solving environmental issues.

• Soft-reliance, soft ecologists (Anthropocentric): Emphasize sustainable living through community-based solutions and reduced consumption, believing human well-being is best achieved by aligning practices with natural systems and minimizing our ecological footprint.

• Environmental managers: Prioritize sustainable resource use and pollution control to ensure long-term human health, economic prosperity, and environmental stability.

Strengths and Limitations of Anthropocentric EVS

Strengths:

• Supports economic development by promoting sustainable use of resources.

• Human-focused strategies are easier to plan and justify.

Limitations:

• Lack of protection for species and habitats that do not provide direct human benefits.

• High-resource-consuming nations may prioritize their own development at the expense of poorer nations.

Technocentrism

Technocentrism is a technology-centred environmental value system that sees technology as the main solution to environmental problems. It states that technology can keep pace with and provide solutions to environmental issues, which is emphasized by scientific research, prediction before policy-making, and sustained market and economic growth.

• Environmental managers (Technocentric): Rely on technological innovations and scientific advancements to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development.

• Cornucopians: Believe that through technological innovation and free-market mechanisms, humanity can indefinitely overcome environmental challenges and resource limitations, ensuring continuous economic growth and prosperity.

Strengths and Limitations of Technocentric EVS

Strengths:

• Economic Growth: Supports sustainable development through technology-driven solutions that boost productivity and economic prosperity.

• Problem-Solving: Focuses on finding technical fixes to environmental issues, often providing rapid responses to complex challenges.

Limitations:

• Resource Intensity: Technological solutions can be resource-intensive and may lead to new environmental issues, such as e-waste or increased energy consumption.

• Equity Issues: Access to technology can be unequal, potentially widening the gap between affluent and poorer communities, both globally and locally.

Case Studies

Indigenous communities

Many indigenous communities exhibit an ecocentric EVS, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life forms and the importance of preserving natural ecosystems.

Developed Nations

In many developed nations, there is a blend of anthropocentric and technocentric EVS. These societies often invest in sustainable technologies while balancing economic growth and environmental protection.

Developing Nations

Developing nations might lean towards an anthropocentric EVS due to the immediate need for economic development and poverty alleviation.