1.1 Perspectives
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.
Note
An EVS is not static; it can evolve as new information and experiences are integrated.
Types of Environmental Value Systems (HL)
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
Example
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.
Example
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.
