Foundation - 1.1 Perspectives Flashcards
Perspective
How a particular situation is viewed and understood by an individual
Argument
A statement made to support a personally held perspective or to counter a different one
Values
Qualities or principles that people feel have worth and importance in life (may be individual or held by a group)
Worldviews
Lenses shared by groups of people through which they percieve, make sense of, and act within their environment
Environmental value system?
A model that shows the inputs affecting our perspectives and the outputs resulting from our perspectives.
What can influence EVS? (4 factors)
- cultural
- religious
- socio-cultural
- economic
Intrinsic value
Nature has value in its own right, independent of human causes
Ecocentrism
A philosophical and ethical approach that prioritises the intrinsic value of nature and the environment over human needs and interest
Anthroprocentrism
A worldview that places human beings at the centre of Earth, prioritising their needs and interest over other living beings and the environment
Technocentrism
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
Features of ecocentrism (name 3)
- Nature has inherent value
- Minimum disturbnace to natural processes
- Nature is central to humanity
- Self-imposed restraint on use of natural resources
- Prioritises biorights and emphasises importance of environmental education
Features of anthropocentrism (name 3)
- Humans must sustainably manage global systems (through taxes, legislation, regulations etc.)
- Everyone should participate in environmental decision-making
- Economic growth and exploitation of natural resources can continue if managed carefully
Features of technocentrism (name 3)
- Despite exploitation of resources, technology will provide the solution to environmental problems
- Scientific research and predictions
- Emphasises importance of sustaining global market and ensuring economic growth
Advantages of Ecocentrism (name 2)
- Reuses materials so increases sustainability
- Minimises environmental impact by encouraging restraint
- Better for long-term human wellbeing
- No need to wait for technology to develop
Disadvantages of Ecocentrism (name 2)
- 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
Advantages of Technocentrism (name 2)
- Substitutes materials so avoids costly industrial change
- Provides solutions so people are not inconvenienced
- Allows social and economic progress
Disadvantages of Technocentrism
- Allows even greater rates of resource consumption
- May give rise to further environmental problems
- High cost
- Humans increasingly disconnected from nature
Factors influencing perspectives (name 4)
- Sociocultural norms
- Scientific understandings
- Laws
- Religion
- Economic conditions
- Local and global events
- Lived experience
What do different perspectives lead to? (3)
- Diverse views on environmental and social issues
- People’s choices and actions
- Shape how individuals interpret information and events
Factors influencing environmental movement (7)
- Individuals
- Literature
- Media
- Major environmental disaster
- International agreements
- New technologies
- Scientific discoveries
An individual (case study)
Ser David Attenborough (conservation)
* Description: Renowned naturalist and broadcaster who raises awareness to issues through documentaries
* Effects: Educated and inspired audiences worldwide, fostering greater appreciation and concern for natural world
Literature (case study)
Rachel Carson, Silent Spring (1962)
* Description: Outlines harmful effects of DDT pesticide passing along food chains to top predators
* Effects: Led to widespread concern about dangers of pesticice use and awareness of environmental pollution
Major environmental disaster (case study)
Chernobyl nuclear meltdown, Soviet Ukraine (1986)
* Description: Reactor exploded - radioactive fallout covered large areas of Ukraine, Belarus and Russia - 336,000 people evacuated
* Effects: Reinforced society’s fear and negative perceptions surrounding nuclear power, strengthened call for safer energy alternatives and stricter regulations
International agreements (case study)
COP28 (2023)
* Description: 28th UN climate change conference, held in Expo City, Dubai, UAE
* Effects: Final agreement made here commits signatory countries to move away from carbon energy sources to mitigate climate change effects
New technologies (case study)
Green revolution
* Description: Agricultural advancements increasing crop yields in mid-20th century, addressing food scarcity
* Effects: Improved food security and reduced pressure on natural habitats, also raised concerns on environmental impacts of intensive farming practices
Scientific discoveries
Pesticide and biocide toxicity - DDT (1972)
* Description: Studies revealing harmful effects of pesticides and biocides on ecosystems and human health
* Effects: Increased awareness of environmental risks, leading to regulatory measures
Value surveys
Investigate the perspectives of social groups towards varius environmental issues
Behaviour-time graphs
Show changes in behaviour or lifestyle over time and help visualise trends, patterns and shifts in behaviour related to environmental actions
Advantages of behaviour-time graphs (name 3)
- Monitor progress towards sustainability goals
- Evaluating the effectiveness of environmental initiatives
- Visualise impact of interventions
- Identify areas for further improvement
