Environment Flashcards
What is environmental sociology?
The study of the interaction between human society and physical environment.
What is the relationship between climate change and mental health?
It impacts the mental health of people that are both indirectly and acutely (e.g. natural disaster) as well as people that are directly and chronically affected (e.g. food shortages, drought). But, the impacts of these issues are not distributed equally.
What is “eco-anxiety”?
The worries and stress associated with watching the world deteriorate and fear for the future. This includes people that are indirectly affected.
What is anthropocentrism?
The view that humans are separate from nature, and is above nature. It prioritizes human needs over the environment/nature.
Where does anthropocentrism come from?
- The enlightenment
- Technological invention and the Industrial Revolution
- Early sociology
- Capitalism & communism
- Western Christianity (Lynn White thesis)
What is the Treadmill of Production Theory?
A theory by David Schnailberg about how humans are in a constant state of interaction with the natural world.
Withdrawals: continuously extracting raw materials from the environment
Additions: wastes and byproducts created through production
These create ecological “disruptions”.
Capitalism in insatiable appetite for growth vs the Earth’s capacity (finite) - they are incompatible.
What is the Triple Bottom Line?
Concept by Elkington in the 1990s. Based on the philosophy that what your measure is what you get.
- traditional bottom line of profits only
- “people account” - social responsibility
- “planet” account - environmental responsibility
What is the Ecological Modernization Theory?
An optimistic view for the future that has a faith in technology to create positive advancements to assist the environment. That since capitalism responds to market demands, it will continue to respond to the market demand for more environmentally responsible products and practices.
Eventually, capitalism becomes more sustainable and damage is lessened.
What is intergenerational tyranny? (from The Corporation: Morality)
Intergenerational tyranny = taxation without representation
What are the trends of the relationship between wealth and carbon output? (Oxfam 2015)
Economic inequality is closely related to carbon inequality.
Greater wealth = greater carbon output
Poorest 50% globally = 10% global emissions
Richest 10% globally = 50% global emissions
Emissions are highly unequal within and between countries.
Poorest people are the most responsible, yet the most vulnerable to climate change.
What can we do as individuals to combat climate change?
Become aware - environmental awareness, green consumerism, etc.
What is environmental racism?
Minority groups face a disproportionate share of environmental hazards and polluting industries. More powerful countries/companies/groups transfer risks and costs to disadvantaged minorities.
What are some examples of environmental racism?
- “Dumping in Dixie” (Bullard exposé)
- Union Carbide gas leak, Bhopal, India
- Grassy Narrows - mercury poisoning from pollution, Canadian Indigenous peoples
What is ecofeminism?
Connections between the domination of nature and the domination of women (the exploitation of the environment is closely related to the exploitation of women). It looks to traditional western though for how it justifies domination in relationships.
What is the ecofeminist solution for taking better care of the environment?
Move beyond power and dualism, and focus on reciprocity and responsibility. Focus on the interconnectedness of life, and have an ecocentric view (rather than an anthropocentric view).
