Worldviews & Environmental Perspectives (HL IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))
Revision Note
Understanding Worldviews
What are worldviews?
Worldviews can be described as the lenses through which groups of people to see and understand the world around them (it is just their "view of the world")
They are made up of cultural beliefs, philosophical ideas, political opinions, religious teachings and many other factors
For example, in some cultures, the idea of family and community is highly valued, while in others, individual achievement and success are prioritised
Worldviews shape how people think, what they believe and how they behave
They influence our moral compass, our judgments and our decisions
For example, a person who grew up in a religious household may have different views on topics like abortion or marriage compared to someone who didn't
How do worldviews differ from perspectives?
Worldviews generally encompass a broader and deeper set of beliefs, values and ideologies that shape how individuals or groups perceive and interpret the world around them, whereas perspectives are usually more specific and immediate viewpoints or attitudes individuals hold on particular issues or topics
Perspectives are often more situational and may be more likely to change based on circumstances or new information
Impact of technology and media
With the rise of the internet and social media, people are exposed to a wide range of worldviews beyond their local community
For example, a teenager from one part of the globe can quickly learn about different world cultures, religions, and political ideologies just by scrolling through their social media feed
Attempts to categorise different perspectives into groups can be challenging because individuals often have a complex mix of beliefs and opinions
For example, a person might identify as liberal on social issues but be more conservative on economic policies
Exam Tip
Remember that worldviews are diverse and complex, and individuals may hold a variety of beliefs that don't fit neatly into categories.
You should be able to use real-world examples to illustrate different worldviews and their impact on society. Whilst studying the ESS course, make a note of any case studies or examples you come across that could be used to demonstrate certain worldviews.
Environmental Value Systems
An environmental value system (EVS) is the way that an individual, or any group of people, perceives the environment and the resources it provides them with
That includes you - your environmental value system determines the way that you perceive and evaluate environmental issues, as well as the course of action you might decide to take regarding these issues
A person’s or group’s environmental value system is shaped and influenced by a variety of factors, including cultural, religious, social, political, economic and environmental factors
These factors act as flows of information into individuals within societies
Individuals then process and transform this information into their perception of the environment and how to act on environmental matters
EVS inputs and outputs
An environmental value system is considered as a system because it is determined by a set of inputs (i.e. the factors described above) and generates a set of outputs (in the form of the person’s or group’s perceptions, evaluations, decisions and actions)
Environmental value system categories
Although there is a very wide spectrum of environmental value systems, environmental perspectives or worldviews can be broadly divided into three categories. These are:
Ecocentric environmental value systems (ecocentrism)
Anthropocentric environmental value systems (anthropocentrism)
Technocentric environmental value systems (technocentrism)
Ecocentrism
Ecocentrism is a philosophical and ethical approach that prioritises the intrinsic value of nature and the environment over human needs and interests
This approach emphasises that all living organisms and ecosystems have inherent worth and should be protected for their own sake
Ecocentrism advocates for sustainable practices that maintain the balance and integrity of ecosystems and the natural world, rather than exploiting them for human benefit
This approach is often associated with environmental movements and conservation efforts that aim to protect biodiversity, ecosystems and natural resources
Anthropocentrism
Anthropocentrism is a worldview that places human beings at the centre of the universe, prioritising human needs and interests over those of other living beings and the environment
This approach emphasises that humans have the right to use natural resources and ecosystems for their own benefit
Although an anthropocentric viewpoint would ideally involve sustainable managing global systems, in reality, anthropocentrism often results in unsustainable practices such as overexploitation of natural resources, habitat destruction, and pollution
This approach only values preserving biodiversity when it can provide economic and ecological advantages to humans
This approach is often criticised by environmentalists and conservationists for ignoring the intrinsic value of nature and its ecosystems
Technocentrism
Technocentrism is a worldview that places technology and human ingenuity at the centre of all problem-solving and decision-making processes, often overlooking the impact on the environment and other living beings
This approach emphasises the use of technology to overcome environmental problems and maintain human well-being
Technocentrism often assumes that all environmental problems can be solved through technological innovation and economic growth, which may lead to neglect of the need for conservation and sustainability
This approach is often criticised by environmentalists for being short-sighted and ignoring the complex and interconnected nature of environmental issues
Strengths and Limitations of Contrasting EVSs
EVS | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
Ecocentrism | Reuses materials so more sustainable Minimises environmental impact by encouraging restraint Better for long-term human wellbeing No need to wait for technology to develop | Conservation can be expensive with no obvious or quick economic return Many countries are still developing economically and argue they should be allowed to continue Difficult to change individual attitudes |
Technocentrism | Substitutes materials so avoids costly industrial change Provides solutions so people are not inconvenienced Allows social and economic progress | Allows even greater rates of resource consumption May give rise to further environmental problems High cost Humans increasingly disconnected from nature |
Case Study
Plastic pollution in the oceans
Plastic pollution in the oceans is a major environmental problem. Humans might use an ecocentric approach or a technocentric approach to try and solve this problem.
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.
Conclusion:
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).
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