ENVIRONMENTAL VALUE SYSTEMS 7 1 Environmental value systems

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ENVIRONMENTAL VALUE SYSTEMS 7. 1 Environmental value systems and philosophies

ENVIRONMENTAL VALUE SYSTEMS 7. 1 Environmental value systems and philosophies

Assessment Statements 7. 1. 1 State what is meant by an environmental value system.

Assessment Statements 7. 1. 1 State what is meant by an environmental value system. 7. 1. 2 Outline the range of environmental philosophies with reference to the evolution of environmentalist objectives and strategies in the seventies. 7. 1. 3 Discuss how these philosophies influence the decision-making process with respect to the environmental issues covered in this course.

Assessment Statements 7. 1. 4 Outline key historical influences on the development of the

Assessment Statements 7. 1. 4 Outline key historical influences on the development of the modern environmental movement. 7. 1. 5 Compare and contrast the environmental value systems of two named societies. 7. 1. 6 Justify your personal viewpoint on environmental issues.

7. 1. 1 State what is meant by an environmental value system. Environmental value

7. 1. 1 State what is meant by an environmental value system. Environmental value system – is a particular worldview or set of paradigms that shapes the way an individual or group perceive and evaluate environmental issues which is shaped and influenced by cultural factors, economic, sociopolitical context. Like all systems an EVS has inputs (Education, Cultural Influence, Religious texts and doctrine, The media) and outputs (Perspectives, decisions on how to act regarding environmental issues, courses of action. )

7. 1. 2 Outline the range of environmental philosophies with reference to the evolution

7. 1. 2 Outline the range of environmental philosophies with reference to the evolution of environmentalist objectives and strategies in the seventies. There a large range of environmental philosophies, but there are three broad ones that most fall under. Ecocentrist (nature centered) -worldview sees nature as having inherent value. Lean towards minimal disturbance of natural processes. Has a focus on integration of spiritual, social, and environmental dimensions. Center on self-reliant communities with a framework of global citizenship. Have selfimposed restraints on resource use.

7. 1. 2 Outline the range of environmental philosophies with reference to the evolution

7. 1. 2 Outline the range of environmental philosophies with reference to the evolution of environmentalist objectives and strategies in the seventies. Anthropocentrist (people centered) worldview spans the EVS and includes both eco and techno centrists. Views people as environmental managers of sustainable global systems. Lends equal weight to population control and resource use. Strong regulation by independent authorities required.

7. 1. 2 Outline the range of environmental philosophies with reference to the evolution

7. 1. 2 Outline the range of environmental philosophies with reference to the evolution of environmentalist objectives and strategies in the seventies. Technocentrist (Technology centered) – worldview states that technology will provide solutions to environmental problems, even when human effects are pushing natural systems beyond their normal boundaries. Resource replacement saves resource depletion. Feels the need to understand natural processes to control them. Has a strong emphasis on scientific analysis and prediction prior to policy making. Lends importance of market and economic growth.

7. 1. 4 Outline key historical influences on the development of the modern environmental

7. 1. 4 Outline key historical influences on the development of the modern environmental movement. There are many events in the past century which have shaped the environmental movement. They include the following: In 1956 a new disease was discovered in Japan, which was named Minamata disease. It was found to be linked to the release of methyl mercury into the waste-water produced by the Chisso Corporation’s chemical factory. It accumulated in seafood, and caused mercury poisoning. It damaged the senses. In extreme cases it led to insanity, paralysis, and death.

7. 1. 4 Outline key historical influences on the development of the modern environmental

7. 1. 4 Outline key historical influences on the development of the modern environmental movement. In 1962 American biologist Rachel Carson’s influential book Silent Spring was published. It remains one of the most influential books of the environmental movement. The case against chemical pollution was strongly made by documenting the harmful effects of pesticides, and the book led to widespread concern about the use of pesticides and the pollution of the environment.

7. 1. 4 Outline key historical influences on the development of the modern environmental

7. 1. 4 Outline key historical influences on the development of the modern environmental movement. Protests about environmental disasters, and concern about unsustainable use of the Earth’s resources have led to pressure groups, both local and international. One of the most influential is Greenpeace, which was founded in the 1970’s, and made its name in 1975 by mounting an anti -whaling campaign (becoming the “Save the Whale”)dealing with Soviet whalers in the pacific ocean.

7. 1. 4 Outline key historical influences on the development of the modern environmental

7. 1. 4 Outline key historical influences on the development of the modern environmental movement. On Dec 3 1984, the Union Carbide pesticide plant in Bhopal in India released 42 tons of toxic methyl isocyanate gas due to a processing tank overheating and bursting. Some 500, 000 people were exposed to the gas. It has been estimated 810, 000 people died in the first 72 hours, with up to 25, 000 dying since due to gas related diseases.

7. 1. 4 Outline key historical influences on the development of the modern environmental

7. 1. 4 Outline key historical influences on the development of the modern environmental movement. On April 26 1986 reactor number 4 at the Chernobyl plant in the Ukraine exploded. A plume of highly radioactive dust was sent into the atmosphere and fell over an extensive area. Large areas were contaminated. 336, 000 people were evacuated. The fallout caused increased rates of cancer in most of the exposed area. Much of the area is still irradiated. These events led to environmental pressure groups, the concept of stewardship, and increased media coverage raising public awareness.

7. 1. 4 Outline key historical influences on the development of the modern environmental

7. 1. 4 Outline key historical influences on the development of the modern environmental movement. Other significant milestones: 1972 Club of Rome publishes “The Limits to Growth” showing the consequences of a rapidly growing population with a limited supply of resources Also in 1972 the first environmental conference (Stockholm Conference) was held. In 1979 James Lovelock’s book “Gaia” was published looking at the earth as a living organism

7. 1. 4 Outline key historical influences on the development of the modern environmental

7. 1. 4 Outline key historical influences on the development of the modern environmental movement. In 1987, a report by the UN world commission on Environment and Development was published called “Our Common Future” as a follow-up to the Stockholm Conference. In 1992 the UN’s Earth Summit was held leading to the adoption of Agenda 21: the blue print for sustainable development In 2006, the film “An inconvenient truth” examined the issue of climate change.

7. 1. 6 Justify your personal viewpoint on environmental issues. A society is an

7. 1. 6 Justify your personal viewpoint on environmental issues. A society is an arbitrary group of individuals who share common characteristics such as geographical location, cultural background, historical timeframe, religious perspective, and value system. Your personal value system depends on social influences: demographic characteristics (age, sex, and social class); exposure to environmental issues via the media, options available to you to act in response to global issues; how you have been brought up (education, values of your parents and those around