Ecologism – Overview of Ecologism:
Mechanistic world view – Environment can be endlessly exploited for the benefit of humans
through scientific and technological innovations. Also, belief that any damage can be
directly repaired in that area alone.
Anthropocentrism – Human-centred view on the natural world that puts the needs of the
humanity first.
Environmentalism/Light Green Ecologism/Shallow Ecologism (/Enlightened
Anthropocentrism acc. Deep Ecologists):
largely believe in environmental protection for preservation of humankind and our quality
of life.
Ethical Capitalism/Green Parties – Believe that, while environmental degradation can be
addressed by the free market, capitalism must also be reformed and restrained by ensuring
protections for the natural world. (This has helped to improve politics as a whole by raising
awareness and seeing greener energy sources). Source of innovation needed to solve
environmental problems.
Green Pressure Groups – Believe changing the views of electorate is v. important to see
change, both politically to get green parties votes and to get free market to respond. (Want
3.5% of global population actively pushing for environmentalism).
Eco-capitalism/The Consumer Model – Believe capitalism is the solution, as the free market
will respond to individuals once they become environmentally conscious by producing
goods that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Their evidence is that the environmental crisis was created by the free market as it
responded to peoples’ demand for the cheapest goods possible.
Rachel Carson:
Cause - Through research, she exposed the impact of pesticides on humans and biodiversity
and the need to hold industry and government accountable (mainstay of modern
environmentalism).
Believed the relationship between man and the natural environment was being overlooked
(holism?), and believed pesticide use to solely help humans without a care for the
environment was abhorrent – anthropocentrism.
Solution – Sought to regulate capitalism by forcing producers to factor in environmental
impact of their activities.
Ernst Schumacher (more eco-socialism, but can be both, especially capitalism and unlimited
economic growth)
Destroying the natural world sees destruction of economy, so we must protect to preserve
any kind of lifestyle.
Mechanistic world view – Environment can be endlessly exploited for the benefit of humans
through scientific and technological innovations. Also, belief that any damage can be
directly repaired in that area alone.
Anthropocentrism – Human-centred view on the natural world that puts the needs of the
humanity first.
Environmentalism/Light Green Ecologism/Shallow Ecologism (/Enlightened
Anthropocentrism acc. Deep Ecologists):
largely believe in environmental protection for preservation of humankind and our quality
of life.
Ethical Capitalism/Green Parties – Believe that, while environmental degradation can be
addressed by the free market, capitalism must also be reformed and restrained by ensuring
protections for the natural world. (This has helped to improve politics as a whole by raising
awareness and seeing greener energy sources). Source of innovation needed to solve
environmental problems.
Green Pressure Groups – Believe changing the views of electorate is v. important to see
change, both politically to get green parties votes and to get free market to respond. (Want
3.5% of global population actively pushing for environmentalism).
Eco-capitalism/The Consumer Model – Believe capitalism is the solution, as the free market
will respond to individuals once they become environmentally conscious by producing
goods that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Their evidence is that the environmental crisis was created by the free market as it
responded to peoples’ demand for the cheapest goods possible.
Rachel Carson:
Cause - Through research, she exposed the impact of pesticides on humans and biodiversity
and the need to hold industry and government accountable (mainstay of modern
environmentalism).
Believed the relationship between man and the natural environment was being overlooked
(holism?), and believed pesticide use to solely help humans without a care for the
environment was abhorrent – anthropocentrism.
Solution – Sought to regulate capitalism by forcing producers to factor in environmental
impact of their activities.
Ernst Schumacher (more eco-socialism, but can be both, especially capitalism and unlimited
economic growth)
Destroying the natural world sees destruction of economy, so we must protect to preserve
any kind of lifestyle.
