Environmentalisms

Question 1

Ecosocialism

Answer 1

merges principles of socialism and environmentalism, advocating for an end to capitalism to create a sustainable and equitable society where humans live in harmony with nature.

Question 2

Postcolonial Environmentalism

Answer 2

examines how colonialism has shaped environmental practices, policies, and exploitation of natural resources, especially in former colonies.

Question 3

Aspects of Postcolonial Environmentalism

Answer 3

1. Colonial Exploitation of Natural Resources
2. Disruption of Indigenous Knowledge:
3. Environmental Injustice

Question 4

Ecological Imperialism

Answer 4

colonization not only impacted political and economic systems, but the land itself)

Question 5

Environmental Sovereignty

Answer 5

emphasizes the right of indigenous and postcolonial communities to self-determination, especially regarding their natural resources and environmental governance.

Question 6

Biocentrism

Answer 6

the ethical viewpoint that all living beings, human and non-human, have inherent worth.

Question 7

anthropocentrism

Answer 7

the belief that humans are the most important beings in the universe, placing human needs, values, and interests above those of other species or the environment.

Question 8

Decolonization and Environmental Sovereignty

Answer 8

A consistent theme is the decolonization of environmental policies and practices, focusing on indigenous rights and self-determination.

Question 9

Critique of Western Environmentalism

Answer 9

1. frames issues like climate change or deforestation as global, ignoring the local contexts
2. Exclusion of Indigenous Knowledge
3. comodification of nature
4. Prioritization of Aesthetic “Nature”
5. heavy reliance on technological solutions (e.g., renewable energy, geoengineering), without addressing the root causes of environmental degradation, like overconsumption and economic growth

Question 10

Global vs. Local

Answer 10

The tension between local, culturally specific environmental practices and the need for global environmental solidarity is central in postcolonial environmental thought.

Question 11

environmentalism

Answer 11

response to climate crisis unfolding under capatialism

Question 12

market oriented environmentalism

Answer 12

If being green saves money or makes money, people and businesses will choose it.

Question 13

market oriented environmentalism is achieved through

Answer 13

private property rights

internalizing costs

emphasis on innovation

Question 14

environmental kuznets costs

Answer 14

as economic development increases, environmental degradation decreases

Question 15

Coase theorem

Answer 15

without government intervention, as long as three conditions are met:

1. Clearly defined property rights: It’s clear who owns what.
2. No transaction costs: It’s easy and inexpensive for the parties to negotiate.
3. Willingness to negotiate: Both sides are open to bargaining.

Simple Example:
Imagine a factory produces smoke that harms nearby residents. According to the Coase Theorem:

1. If the residents have the right to clean air, the factory might pay them to allow some pollution.
2. If the factory has the right to pollute, the residents might pay the factory to reduce emissions.

Question 16

What is needed to address climate change

Answer 16

market oriented (free market mechanisms driven by private properties)

Marxism (to reduce exploitation of nature)

Post-colonial (important or indigenous environment sovereignty and rejects anthropocentrism)

Question 17

Metabolic rift

Answer 17

a concept from Marxist theory that describes the broken relationship between humans and nature caused by capitalism

Question 18

Promethean

Answer 18

growth of material wealth is the most important goal

Question 19

Oligopolistic

Answer 19

a market where only a few big companies dominate and control most of the supply of a product or service