2021
Topic 1
FOUNDATIONS OF ESS
IVÁN DEZA
CBA |
, 1
1. Environmental value systems
1.1. Key concepts
Over time, our conception and vision of the environment has changed. The geographical
location, the society, the economic activities in which we are involved, historical events and
beliefs have shaped our ideas regarding the ecosystems that surround us. This set is called the
environmental value system.
An environmental value system is a certain worldview that shapes the way an individual or
group of people perceive and evaluate environmental issues. It is influenced by cultural context
(including religious beliefs), economic and socio-political.
There are different approaches and systems. Later we will see how they are classified. By
definition, a value system is not incorrect, but we must not fall into relativism and we must bear
in mind that one's own actions have effects on others.
A value system presents inputs,the information we receive from the environment (education,
newsreels, society) and outputs (decisions made, actions, ideas).
A society is an arbitrary group of people with common elements, such as geographical location,
a cultural context, a historical time frame, a religious perspective or a value system, among
others.
Keep in mind that ecosystems often cross-national borders, so the control of natural resources
can cause conflicts. Fish stocks in a typical example of a resource that causes conflicts between
countries (cod wars, for example).
Topic 1.docx Page 1 of 10
Topic 1
FOUNDATIONS OF ESS
IVÁN DEZA
CBA |
, 1
1. Environmental value systems
1.1. Key concepts
Over time, our conception and vision of the environment has changed. The geographical
location, the society, the economic activities in which we are involved, historical events and
beliefs have shaped our ideas regarding the ecosystems that surround us. This set is called the
environmental value system.
An environmental value system is a certain worldview that shapes the way an individual or
group of people perceive and evaluate environmental issues. It is influenced by cultural context
(including religious beliefs), economic and socio-political.
There are different approaches and systems. Later we will see how they are classified. By
definition, a value system is not incorrect, but we must not fall into relativism and we must bear
in mind that one's own actions have effects on others.
A value system presents inputs,the information we receive from the environment (education,
newsreels, society) and outputs (decisions made, actions, ideas).
A society is an arbitrary group of people with common elements, such as geographical location,
a cultural context, a historical time frame, a religious perspective or a value system, among
others.
Keep in mind that ecosystems often cross-national borders, so the control of natural resources
can cause conflicts. Fish stocks in a typical example of a resource that causes conflicts between
countries (cod wars, for example).
Topic 1.docx Page 1 of 10
