1.1 Environmental value systems
Introduction
Environmental Value Systems (EVS) is a crucial concept in Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) within the International Baccalaureate (IB) syllabus. Understanding EVS helps students grasp how different cultures, societies, and individuals perceive and interact with the environment. This study note will summarise the topic into digestible sections to facilitate a comprehensive understanding.
What is an Environmental Value System?
An Environmental Value System is a worldview or paradigm that shapes the way individuals or groups perceive and evaluate environmental issues. It is influenced by cultural, economic, religious, and socio-political contexts.
Components of an EVS
- Inputs: These include education, cultural influences, religious doctrines, media, and personal experiences.
- Processes: These involve assimilating information, evaluating it, and making decisions based on values and beliefs.
- Outputs: These are the resultant actions, decisions, and behaviours regarding environmental issues.
An EVS is not static; it can evolve as new information and experiences are integrated.
Types of Environmental Value Systems
Ecocentrism
Ecocentrism is a nature-centred environmental value system that sees nature as having inherent value. From the ecocentric point of view, actions involve minimum disturbance of natural processes and combine spiritual, social, and environmental aspects. The main aim of ecocentric actions is to achieve sustainability for the whole earth and involves self-imposed restraint of natural resource use.
- Deep ecologists: Advocate for a radical shift in human consciousness and behaviour, emphasising the intrinsic value of all living beings and ecosystems, and calling for profound changes to achieve a harmonious and sustainable coexistence with nature.
- Soft ecologists: Advocate for sustainable living through community-based solutions and reduced consumption, prioritising the health and integrity of natural systems over human-centric goals
A society that practices ecocentrism might prioritize the protection of endangered species and natural habitats over economic development. For example, Marine Protected Areas like the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in Australia apply zoning regulations, where extractive activities like fishing and mining are strictly prohibited.
Strengths and Limitations of Ecocentric EVS
Strengths:
- Approaches focus on sustainability.
- Promotes methods in harmony with natural systems.
- Does not have to wait for technological developments to occur.
Limitations:
- Conservation can be costly, with little economic return.
- Requires individual change, which can be difficult to encourage in a wider population.
Anthropocentrism
Anthropocentrism is a people-centred environmental value system that believes it is important for everyone in society to participate in environmental decision-making. It focuses on people’s ability to sustainably manage the global system, through government-imposed regulations and legislation. Anthropocentrism prioritizes a need to be managed holistically and encourages debate to reach a consensual, pragmatic approach to solving environmental issues.
- Soft-reliance, soft ecologists (Anthropocentric): Emphasize sustainable living through community-based solutions and reduced consumption, believing human well-being is best achieved by aligning practices with natural systems and minimizing our ecological footprint.
- Environmental managers: Prioritize sustainable resource use and pollution control to ensure long-term human health, economic prosperity, and environmental stability.
A government following an anthropocentric approach might focus on developing renewable energy sources to ensure long-term human prosperity. For example, Germany’s Climate Law sets a framework that aims to source 100% of electricity supply from renewable energy sources by 2035, while coal is to be completely phased out.
Strengths and Limitations of Anthropocentric EVS
Strengths:
- Supports economic development by promoting sustainable use of resources.
- Human-focused strategies are easier to plan and justify.
Limitations:
- Lack of protection for species and habitats that do not provide direct human benefits.
- High-resource-consuming nations may prioritize their own development at the expense of poorer nations.
Technocentrism
Technocentrism is a technology-centred environmental value system that sees technology as the main solution to environmental problems. It states that technology can keep pace with and provide solutions to environmental issues, which is emphasized by scientific research, prediction before policy-making, and sustained market and economic growth.
- Environmental managers (Technocentric): Rely on technological innovations and scientific advancements to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development.
- Cornucopians: Believe that through technological innovation and free-market mechanisms, humanity can indefinitely overcome environmental challenges and resource limitations, ensuring continuous economic growth and prosperity.
A technocentric approach to climate change might involve investing heavily in carbon capture and storage technologies. For example, Shell applies carbon capture and storage technology in Alberta, Canada.
Common MistakeIt is a common misconception that technocentrism ignores environmental concerns. In reality, it seeks to address them through technology.
Strengths and Limitations of Technocentric EVS
Strengths:
- Economic Growth: Supports sustainable development through technology-driven solutions that boost productivity and economic prosperity.
- Problem-Solving: Focuses on finding technical fixes to environmental issues, often providing rapid responses to complex challenges.
Limitations:
- Resource Intensity: Technological solutions can be resource-intensive and may lead to new environmental issues, such as e-waste or increased energy consumption.
- Equity Issues: Access to technology can be unequal, potentially widening the gap between affluent and poorer communities, both globally and locally.
Case Studies
Indigenous communities
Many indigenous communities exhibit an ecocentric EVS, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life forms and the importance of preserving natural ecosystems.
ExampleIndigenous farmers in the Amazon practice shifting cultivation, using resources sustainably and aligning their lifestyles with the forest by making homes, canoes, and medicines from forest materials. They mimic the forest structure in farming to protect crops, return to farmed sites only after 50 years to restore soil fertility, and respect the forest spiritually as animists. Their practices are less destructive and closely connect social and ecological systems.
Developed Nations
In many developed nations, there is a blend of anthropocentric and technocentric EVS. These societies often invest in sustainable technologies while balancing economic growth and environmental protection.
ExampleEnergy and gasoline companies have been developing technological solutions to carbon dioxide emissions in order to alleviate global warming. Carbon-capture-and-storage (CCS) techniques involve taking the carbon dioxide produced from industrial processes and storing it in various ways. This means it is not released into the atmosphere and does not contribute to global warming. For example, the Norwegian company Sleipner has been using the CSS technique since 1996 as a part of the Sleipner CO2 Storage Project in the North Sea.
Developing Nations
Developing nations might lean towards an anthropocentric EVS due to the immediate need for economic development and poverty alleviation.
ExampleIn June 2008, Kenya started the Vision 2030 initiative, which has been demonstrating anthropocentric strategies. It focuses on economic growth through infrastructure development and industrialization, aiming to improve living standards and reduce poverty, reflecting an anthropocentric approach prioritizing human needs.
Development of the modern environmental movement (HL)
There are key historical events that have shaped the modern environmental movement. Many of them have come from literature, the media, major environmental disasters and technological developments.
Case study: Minamata disaster
The Minamata disaster occurred in Minamata, Japan, during the 1950s and 1960s. It was caused by the Chisso Corporation, which discharged methylmercury into Minamata Bay. Because of that action, toxic compounds accumulated in marine life, leading to widespread contamination of the local food chain. The local population, particularly fishermen and their families suffered severe health issues, including numbness, muscle weakness, loss of vision and hearing, paralysis, and, in many cases, death, leading to the discovery of the Minamata disease.
As a result of mass health and environmental issues caused by the contamination, the disaster has significantly increased awareness of industrial pollution’s effects on human health and the environment. It led to stricter environmental laws and regulations globally, emphasizing the importance of waste management and emission control. The Minamata disaster inspired grassroots movements and international agreements, such as the Minamata Convention on Mercury in 2013, which aimed at reducing mercury emissions and protecting global health and the environment.
Case study: The UN Rio Earth Summit
The UN Rio Earth Summit, held in 1992, was the first UN conference to focus explicitly on sustainable development. Attended by representatives from 172 nations, the summit had a global impact, emphasizing the necessity of worldwide cooperation and action. The summit's message was radical, advocating for nothing less than a complete transformation of our attitudes and behaviours to bring about the essential changes required for sustainable development.
One of the key outcomes of the summit was the adoption of Agenda 21, a comprehensive blueprint for action to achieve sustainable development globally. Agenda 21 outlined detailed strategies and initiatives for governments, organizations, and individuals to implement, aiming to address the complex environmental, social, and economic challenges facing the world. This landmark event marked a significant step forward in international efforts to promote sustainability and protect the planet for future generations.
TipYou can use the same example later on in Topic 6 - Atmospheric Systems and Societies.
Summary
Environmental Value Systems are diverse and complex, shaped by various cultural, economic, religious, and political factors. Understanding different EVS is essential for addressing global environmental challenges collaboratively.
TipRecognizing and respecting different EVS can lead to more effective and inclusive environmental policies and practices. Recognizing different EVSs in management strategies is crucial for Paper 2.
