1.1 Environmental Value Systems

Question 1

What is the EVS Spectrum

Answer 1

MOST ECOCENTRIC
- Deep Ecologists
- Self-reliance/Soft Ecologist
- Environmental Managers
- Cornucopians
MOST TECHNOCENTRIC

Question 2

What is technocentrism?

Answer 2

(people centered)
Argues that technological developments can provide solutions to environmental problems

• due to their optimistic view of the role humans play in improving humanity
• Scientific research is encouraged to form policies and understand how systems can be controlled, manipulated and exchanged to solve resource depletion/other problems.

Question 3

What is ecocentrism?

Answer 3

An ecocentric viewpoint integrates social, spiritual, and environmental dimensions into a holistic ideal.

• It puts ecology and nature as central to humanity and emphasizes a less materialistic approach to life with greater self-sufficiency of societies.

Question 4

What is anthropocentrism?

Answer 4

An anthropocentric viewpoint argues that humans must sustainably manage the global system.

• Done through taxes, environmental regulation and legislation.

Question 5

What is self reliance/Soft ecologist?

Answer 5

Believes that living things have intrinsic moral value; favors self-restraint, legislation, and community organizing and participation; mistrust of technology

• Small-scale, local community action
• Individuals can make a difference
• Self-sufficiency in resource management
• Against large-scale profits, prefer small-scale local markets

Question 6

Define Environmental value system (EVS)

Answer 6

Worldview or paradigm that shapes the way an individual or group of people perceive and evaluate environmental
issues. This will be influenced by cultural, religious, economic and socio-political
context.

Question 7

What are environmental managers?

Answer 7

no radical political agenda but promote working to create change within the existing social and political structures. Current economic growth can be sustained if environmental issues are managed by legal means or political agreement. (believe that the environment can be used if manage properly)

Question 8

Define deep ecologist

Answer 8

• extreme ecocentric
• nature before humans
• humans equal to other species
• Not all natural resources are for human use, humans should consume less.
• Seek a more holistic view of the world we live in.
• Believe everyone should be involved in making decisions about the environment.

Question 9

Define Cornucopian

Answer 9

Believe that humans will always find a way out of any difficulties, either political, scientific or technological and believe resource replacement will solve resource depletion

Question 10

Define Biocentric

Answer 10

Ethical point of view that extends inherent value to all living things

Question 11

Inputs in EVS

Answer 11

• Family
• Peers
• Media
• Religion
• Education
• Politics
• Science

Question 12

Output of EVS

Answer 12

• Course of action
• Perspectives
• Decisions

Question 13

Technocentric Beliefs

Answer 13

• Nature is a model but can be replaced by technology when needed.
• Human health and well-being are central to decision-making.
• Technology can keep pace with and provide solutions to environmental problems.
• We must understand natural processes to manage and control resources.
• We can solve any problem we cause.
• Economic growth is good and necessary.

Question 14

Cornucopian Beliefs

Answer 14

• The world has infinite resources.
• They do not see environmental issues as problems because humans have always found a way out of difficulties in the past.
• New resources and technologies will solve any environmental problems as they are encountered.
• There is no need for a radical agenda, socio-economic or political reform.
• Growth and capitalism are the best ways to manage the free-market economy.