Further EVS Categories
- The spectrum of environmental value systems (from ecocentrism to anthropocentrism to technocentrism) can be broken down into further categories
- These categories can either be extreme forms of a particular end of the EVS spectrum (such as deep ecologists and cornucopians), or they can lie somewhere between two EVSs (such as soft ecologists and environmental managers) as they contain a mixture of different values and perspectives from the three broader EVS categories
- EVSs vary greatly depending on cultures and time periods
- This means that in reality, they rarely fit simply or perfectly into any single EVS classification
Ecocentrism, anthropocentrism and technocentrism can be divided into further EVS categories
Deep Ecologists
- View nature as having intrinsic value beyond its usefulness to humans
- Believe in preserving biodiversity and ecosystems as a moral obligation
- Advocate for reducing human impact on the environment and promoting sustainability
- Prioritise the needs of the environment over those of human societies
Soft Ecologists
- View individual responsibility and self-sufficiency in living sustainably as highly important for societies
- Believe in reducing consumption, waste, and dependence on technology
- Advocate for small-scale and local solutions to environmental problems
- Prioritise self-sufficiency and personal freedom over environmental regulations
Environmental Managers
- View the environment as a resource to be managed and conserved for human benefit
- Believe in balancing economic development with environmental protection
- Advocate for regulations and policies that promote sustainable resource use
- Prioritise the needs of human societies over those of the environment
Cornucopians
- View the environment as a resource to be exploited for human benefit
- Believe in human ingenuity and technological advancements to overcome environmental problems
- Advocate for economic growth and development as a means to address environmental issues
- Prioritise the needs of human societies over those of the environment
Strengths and Limitations of Contrasting EVSs
| EVS | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|
Ecocentrism (Deep ecologists) |
|
|
|
Technocentrism (Cornucopians) |
|
|
Worked example
Plastic pollution in the oceans is a major environmental problem. Outline how humans might use an ecocentric approach and a technocentric approach to try and solve this problem.
Answer
The problem of plastic pollution in the oceans can be addressed using an ecocentric approach or a technocentric approach.
Ecocentric Approach:
The ecocentric approach prioritises the preservation of natural ecosystems and biodiversity. In the context of plastic pollution, an ecocentric approach would focus on reducing the amount of plastic waste that enters the oceans in the first place.
This could involve reducing the production and use of single-use plastic items, implementing stricter regulations and enforcement to prevent illegal dumping of plastic waste into the oceans, and promoting sustainable alternatives to plastic products. Additionally, an ecocentric approach would prioritise the restoration and protection of marine ecosystems that have been impacted by plastic pollution, such as coral reefs and sea turtle nesting habitats
Technocentric Approach:
The technocentric approach relies on technological solutions to environmental problems. In the context of plastic pollution, a technocentric approach would focus on developing new technologies to clean up plastic waste from the oceans and prevent further pollution.
This could involve the use of advanced filtration systems or autonomous robots to remove plastic waste from the oceans, as well as the development of biodegradable plastics that break down more quickly in marine environments.
Overall, the ecocentric approach emphasises the need for systemic change (fundamental changes in human behaviour and resource use) in order to reduce the amount of plastic waste entering the oceans and preserve marine ecosystems, while the technocentric approach focuses on developing new technologies to address the problem (allowing current rates of plastic use to continue).
