Syllabus Edition
First teaching 2015
Last exams 2025
Contrasting Environmental Value Systems
Written by: Alistair Marjot
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
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) |
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Technocentrism (Cornucopians) |
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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).
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