subtopic 1.1: perspectives

Picturehttps://psychologycompass.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/point-of-view.jpeg
In our daily lives, we often encounter the same situations but react to them in different ways. This variation in responses can be attributed to our unique perspectives. A perspective is the lens through which we view the world, shaped by our individual and collective experiences, values, and beliefs. These perspectives influence how we interpret information, make decisions, and interact with our environment and others around us. Understanding perspectives is crucial, especially when addressing complex social and environmental issues, as it helps us appreciate diverse viewpoints and enhances our ability to engage constructively in discussions and solutions. By exploring perspectives, we gain insights into the underlying reasons behind differing opinions, which is essential for collaboration and problem-solving in a multifaceted world.

​This unit is 3 hours.
Guiding Questions
  • How do different perspectives develop?
  • How do perspectives affect the decisions we make concerning environmental issues?

Perspectives and values

1.1.1 A perspective is how a particular situation is viewed and understood by an individual. It is based on a mix of personal and collective assumptions, values and beliefs.
  • Explain how personal values might influence an individual's perspective on a proposed local recycling program.
  • Discuss how differing perspectives on climate change can affect environmental policy decisions at a national level.
Picturehttps://waldencroft.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2020/02/shutterstock_1024980271.jpg
​A perspective is how individuals view and interpret situations, shaped by their personal values, assumptions, beliefs, and the collective norms of their society.
  • Importance of perspectives:
    • They influence how people understand and react to environmental and social issues.
    • Cultural background, education, and experiences create a wide range of viewpoints, affecting opinions, policies, and actions.
  • Examples:
    • Someone valuing biodiversity may advocate conservation, while someone focused on economic growth might prioritize development, even if it impacts the environment.
  • Significance for students:
    • Recognizing and respecting diverse perspectives enables inclusive discussions and balanced solutions.
    • Future environmental scientists will need to understand these differences to effectively address complex environmental challenges.
1.1.2. Perspectives are informed and justified by sociocultural norms, scientific understandings, laws, religion, economic conditions, local and global events, and lived experience, among other factors.
  • Identify 3 inputs you think might inform your perspective
  • Explain how economic conditions and sociocultural norms might influence an individual's perspective on water conservation in a developing country.
  • Evaluate how religious beliefs and scientific understandings can shape differing perspectives on climate change.
  • Distinguish between perspective and argument
Perspectives are not formed in isolation. They are shaped and justified by a myriad of factors that encompass our social, cultural, and environmental contexts. Here are some key influences:
  • Sociocultural Norms: The social and cultural environments in which we live play a crucial role in forming our views. Traditions, customs, and societal norms influence our thinking and behavior, molding our perspective from an early age.
  • Scientific Understandings: Scientific discoveries and theories provide us with a framework for understanding the physical world and our place within it. These insights influence how we perceive and react to environmental challenges.
  • Laws and Regulations: The legal framework within which we operate can significantly influence our perspectives, especially regarding compliance and civic responsibilities towards environmental conservation.
  • Religion and Spirituality: Spiritual beliefs often guide our ethical and moral judgments, impacting how we perceive environmental stewardship and our responsibilities towards nature.
  • Economic Conditions: Our economic environment, including our personal financial situation and the broader economic climate, can strongly influence our views, particularly on issues like resource utilization and sustainability.
  • Local and Global Events: Events at both the local and global levels, such as natural disasters or international agreements on climate change, can reshape our perspectives by highlighting specific issues or solutions.
  • Lived Experience: Personal experiences, whether through direct interaction with nature or through environmental impacts on our lifestyle, can profoundly shape our perspectives on environmental issues.

Perspective vs. Argument

It’s important to distinguish between a perspective and an argument. A perspective is a viewpoint or a way of seeing the world, influenced by various external factors. In contrast, an argument is a series of logical statements constructed to support or defend a perspective. Understanding this distinction is vital for effective communication and debate on environmental issues. By recognizing the foundation of our own and others' viewpoints, we can engage more constructively in discussions and develop more robust, well-rounded arguments to support our views.
Dakota Access Pipeline Conflict Case Study
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Background:
The Dakota Access Pipeline is a 1,172-mile-long underground oil pipeline in the United States, intended to transport crude oil from North Dakota to Illinois. It became the center of international attention and controversy due to its proposed crossing under the Missouri River, just north of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. The local tribes and environmental groups opposed the pipeline, fearing that it could contaminate their water supply and disturb sacred lands.

Stakeholders:
  • Standing Rock Sioux Tribe: Opposed the pipeline due to potential threats to water safety, sacred sites, and treaty rights.
  • Energy Transfer Partners: The company behind DAPL, arguing the pipeline is a safer, more environmentally friendly way of transporting oil than trucks or trains.
  • Environmental NGOs: Supported the tribe’s concerns, highlighting risks to water sources and advocating for renewable energy alternatives.
  • Federal and State Governments: Varied positions; some officials supported the economic benefits of the pipeline, while others expressed concerns about environmental justice and indigenous rights.
Events:
  • Protests and Media Coverage: The project drew massive media attention and public protests, both in situ and online, highlighting the clash between industrial development and environmental and indigenous rights.
  • Legal Battles: Numerous lawsuits were filed concerning the legality of the pipeline’s route and the adequacy of the environmental reviews.
Discussion Points
  • How did economic conditions influence perspectives toward the pipeline’s construction?
  • In what ways did sociocultural norms and lived experiences shape the local community's and activists' views and arguments?
  • How did religious or spiritual beliefs of the indigenous peoples impact their perspective and their presented arguments against the pipeline?
​1.1.3 Values are qualities or principles that people feel have worth and importance in life.
  • Define 'values' 
  • Discuss how values related to sustainability and economic growth might conflict in the management of a coastal area
  • Examine how the values of respect for nature and economic development might lead to different approaches to managing a natural reserve.
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Values are deeply held principles that shape perspectives, influence behavior, and guide decisions in life, impacting how people and communities approach environmental issues.









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  • Variation in Values:
    • Values can differ greatly between individuals and cultures; some prioritize economic growth, while others emphasize environmental preservation.
    • These differences lead to diverse approaches in resource management, biodiversity conservation, and climate action.
  • Connection to Environmental Ethics:
    • Environmental values like respect for nature, sustainability, and intergenerational equity form the basis of ethical environmental management.
  • Significance for Students:
    • Understanding both personal and societal values helps students see the motivations behind environmental policies and responses.
    • Recognizing these values aids in communication, negotiation, and problem-solving when addressing environmental challenges.


Definitions
Broad Values: general moral guiding principles and life goals (e.g. freedom, justice, responsibility, harmony with nature, harmony with Mother Earth, health, prosperity) informed by people's world-views and beliefs.

Specific Values:  judgements regarding nature's importance in particular situations. They can be grouped into instrumental, intrinsic and relational values.
  • Instrumental values: relate to things that are a means to a desired end and tend to be associated with nature (e.g. as asset, capital, resources) and its contributions to people.
  • ​Intrinsic values: relate to the values of nature expressed of any reference to people as valuers and include entities such as habitats or species that are worth protecting as ends in and of themselves.
  • Relational values: refer to the meaningfulness of people-nature interactions, and interactions among people (including across generations) through nature (e.g., sense of place, spirituality, care, reciprocity).
Contrasting Perspectives on Oil Exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR)
Picturehttps://www.creationjustice.org/blog/arctic-national-wildlife-refuge-is-in-danger-take-action-now
Background:

The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in northeastern Alaska is one of the most pristine wilderness areas in the United States. It is also believed to contain significant oil reserves. The debate over whether to allow oil exploration and development in ANWR has been ongoing for decades, involving environmental groups, oil companies, indigenous communities, and government entities.


Picturehttps://alaskawild.org/blog/the-gwichin-and-the-arctic-national-wildlife-refuge/
Stakeholders:
  • The Gwich’in People: Indigenous group whose subsistence lifestyle and cultural heritage are closely tied to the Porcupine caribou herd that calves in the ANWR.
  • Inhabitants of Kaktovik: Primarily Inupiat, who live within the boundaries of the ANWR on Barter Island on the coast of the Beaufort Sea.
The Gwich’in Perspective: Environmental and Cultural Preservation
  • Value Emphasized: Ecological Integrity and Cultural Heritage
  • Position: The Gwich’in are staunch opponents of oil exploration in the ANWR. They value the preservation of the land and wildlife, which are integral to their cultural beliefs and physical survival.
  • Argument: The Gwich’in argue that the health of the Porcupine caribou herd, which is vital for their subsistence lifestyle, would be jeopardized by the disruption and environmental degradation that oil exploration and extraction would entail. They view the protection of these lands as a moral and spiritual duty to maintain their way of life and the ecological balance of the area.
  • Specific Example: The Gwich’in Steering Committee has been vocal at national and international forums, advocating for the protection of the ANWR and presenting their case based on rights to sustain their traditional lifestyle and the environmental risks associated with oil drilling.
​The Kaktovik Perspective: Economic Development
  • Value Emphasized: Economic Benefits
  • Position: Many residents of Kaktovik support oil exploration within the ANWR. They believe that it could bring economic benefits such as jobs, improved infrastructure, and increased revenue for the community.
  • Argument: Proponents argue that oil development can be done responsibly with minimal environmental impact. They emphasize the potential for economic development to improve living conditions and reduce the high cost of living in the Arctic.
  • Specific Example: The City of Kaktovik has sometimes expressed support for limited oil exploration, citing the need for economic diversification and the potential for community development funds that can be derived from oil revenues.

Contrast in Values: The Gwich’in prioritize ecological and cultural preservation, viewing the land as sacred and untouchable, while the Kaktovik community sees an opportunity for economic improvement and autonomy.

Impact on Policy: These contrasting perspectives influence political decisions and have led to a polarized debate at both state and federal levels. Environmental assessments, legislative proposals, and lobbying efforts are all heavily shaped by these community inputs.
1.1.4 The values that underpin our perspectives can be seen in our communication and actions with the wider community. The values held by organizations can be seen through advertisements, media, policies and actions.
  • Identify and describe how an organization's commitment to sustainability might be reflected in its advertising campaigns
  • Evaluate how the value of inclusivity is communicated through the actions and policies of a specific multinational corporation.
  • Role of Values:
    • Values shape how individuals and organizations engage with the world, influencing perspectives, communication, and actions.
  • Individual Impact:
    • On a personal level, values drive how people communicate and interact. For example, someone who values sustainability may promote renewable energy and make eco-friendly lifestyle choices like cycling to work or joining clean-up activities.
  • Organizational Influence:
    • Organizations also reflect their values in policies, media, and community actions, impacting public perceptions and community behaviors.

Organizational Policies and Media

Organizations express their values through official policies, the type of projects they undertake, and how they engage with their stakeholders and the community:
  • Advertisements and Promotions: Organizations often use advertising to align with the values they wish to project. For example, a company that values innovation may advertise its latest technology to highlight its commitment to advancing modern solutions.
  • Media Content: The content produced and shared by an organization, whether through social media, press releases, or public engagements, often reflects its core values. A nonprofit focused on education might regularly feature stories about student success and educational equity.
  • Policies and Actions: The policies adopted by an organization, such as diversity hiring practices or sustainable resource use, clearly reflect its values. These policies not only guide internal operations but also send a message to the external world about what the organization stands for.
​Case Study: Patagonia's "Don't Buy This Jacket" Campaign
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Background:

Patagonia, a company known for its outdoor clothing and gear, has long emphasized environmental sustainability as a core value. The "Don't Buy This Jacket" advertising campaign, launched in 2011 in The New York Times on Black Friday, challenges the norms of consumer culture and promotes environmental responsibility.

Stakeholders:
  • Patagonia, Inc.: Spearheads the campaign, using it to enhance its reputation as an environmental leader.
  • Consumers: Target audience of the campaign, specifically environmentally conscious consumers and outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Competitors: Other outdoor and apparel companies that monitor Patagonia's innovative marketing strategies.
  • Environmental Organizations: Collaborate and align with Patagonia due to shared values and goals.

Communication of Values Through Advertising:

This bold statement was accompanied by an explanation that emphasized the environmental cost of production for every item made, including Patagonia products. The ad detailed the water and energy used to produce the featured jacket and encouraged consumers to consider the environmental impact of their purchases.
The campaign aligned with Patagonia's broader mission to reduce consumption and promote sustainability. It directly challenged consumers to rethink their buying habits, reflecting Patagonia's commitment to environmental ethics and responsibility.

Impact of the Campaign:
  • Brand Identity: Reinforced Patagonia's position as an environmentally responsible brand. By promoting reduced consumption, Patagonia differentiated itself from competitors in the apparel industry.
  • Consumer Perception: Shifted consumer perception by highlighting the environmental impact of manufacturing and consumption. It fostered brand loyalty among consumers who prioritize sustainability.
  • Market Influence: Influenced the broader apparel industry by setting an example of corporate responsibility. It showcased how companies can use their influence to promote environmental awareness and drive change within the industry.
Impact of Values on Community Interaction

The interaction between personal and organizational values and the wider community can lead to significant social impacts. For example:
  • Community Engagement: Organizations that value community involvement often engage in local events and support community-based projects, which can foster strong local ties and support reciprocal relationships.
  • Public Policy Influence: Both individuals and organizations can influence public policy through advocacy that reflects their values. Lobbying efforts, public campaigns, and participation in public forums are ways these values are communicated to shape policy-making.

Values are not static; they evolve as individuals and organizations interact with changing societal norms and global challenges. By understanding and identifying the values that underpin actions and communications, students can better analyze and predict behaviors in environmental systems and societies. This understanding is crucial for effectively navigating and influencing the world around them.
​The Navajo Generating Station and the Hopi Tribe vs. Environmental Groups.
Picturehttps://www.eenews.net/articles/the-navajo-circled-by-coal-see-jobs-vanish-as-co2-falls/
Background

The Navajo Generating Station (NGS) was a 2.25-gigawatt coal-fired power plant located in northern Arizona, one of the largest of its kind in the United States. While it provided substantial employment opportunities to the Navajo and Hopi communities, it was also a significant source of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.



Stakeholders:
  • Navajo and Hopi Tribes: Depended on the NGS for economic revenue and jobs. Both tribes valued the plant for its economic contributions, which supported community services and infrastructure.
  • Environmental Groups: Including national organizations like the Sierra Club, these groups campaigned for the closure of the NGS due to its environmental impact, emphasizing values related to clean energy and climate change mitigation.
  • Federal and State Environmental Agencies: Involved in regulating emissions and assessing the environmental impact of the plant.

Tensions and Values:
  • Economic Stability vs. Environmental Sustainability:
  • Tribal Perspectives: The tribes valued the NGS for the economic stability it provided. The closure of the plant threatened significant economic repercussions, including job losses and decreased governmental revenue which funded schools, healthcare, and other critical services.
  • Environmental Groups’ Perspective: Advocated for the closure of the NGS to reduce carbon emissions and other pollutants. They valued environmental health and sustainability, promoting a transition to renewable energy sources as crucial for long-term ecological welfare.

Public and Policy Impact:

The debate over the NGS showcased significant tensions between the need for economic development in tribal regions and broader environmental and health objectives.

Advocacy by environmental groups led to increased regulatory scrutiny, contributing to the decision to close the plant in 2019, citing economic unfeasibility and the lower cost of renewable energy sources.

Outcome:

The closure of the NGS marked a critical transition point for the Navajo and Hopi tribes, necessitating the search for new economic bases beyond coal. It also highlighted the need for sustainable transition plans that include job training and investments in renewable energy projects on tribal lands.

For environmental groups, the plant’s closure was a significant victory in efforts to combat climate change. However, it also underscored the challenges of ensuring that environmental justice includes economic justice for affected communities.

Which perspective would you take? Justify your answer in terms of what you view as the important values in this example, from your own perspective

value surveys

1.1.5 Values surveys can be used to investigate the perspectives shown by a particular social group towards environmental issues.
  • D​escribe how values surveys can be used to assess public opinion on renewable energy initiatives in a specific community
  • Evaluate the importance of using values surveys to guide environmental policy-making
Picturehttps://www.questionpro.com/features/survey-design/
Values surveys gauge public perspectives on environmental issues by revealing underlying values, beliefs, and attitudes. This information helps guide policy and community outreach.
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  • Key Survey Design Considerations:
    • Inclusive Questions: Use both closed and open-ended questions to capture diverse views without bias.
    • Cultural Sensitivity: Tailor questions to be relevant and respectful of the targeted group’s cultural context.
    • Clear Objectives: Focus on specific environmental issues relevant to the audience to enhance clarity and result interpretation.
    • Accessibility: Ensure surveys are accessible by considering language, literacy, and platform access.
  • Impact of Values Surveys:
    • Informing Policy: Provides data that aligns policy decisions with community values.
    • Guiding Advocacy: Helps environmental groups focus on the public's main concerns.
    • Enhancing Communication: Enables effective communication strategies that resonate with community values.
Application of skills: Design and carry out questionnaires/surveys/interviews, using online collaborative survey tools, to correlate perspectives with attitudes towards particular environmental or sustainability issues. Select a suitable statistical tool to analyze this data. Students may use and develop behavior-time graphs to show lifestyle changes.
Creating a Survey
The starting point is deciding what information you want to find out and why as a research question.
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NDI: Air pollution top environmental concern in Georgia
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https://oc-media.org/ndi-air-pollution-top-environmental-concern-in-georgia/
Types of Questions for a Values Survey on Environmental Issues
Typically, the questions prompt the survey participant to make a judgment​

Demographic Questions:
  • Start with basic demographic questions to understand the background of the respondents. This includes age, gender, education level, occupation, and location. Demographic data helps in analyzing how different segments of the population view environmental issues.
Likert Scale Questions:
  • These questions measure the degree of agreement or disagreement with a statement related to environmental topics. For example:
  • "On a scale of 1 to 5, how strongly do you agree with the following statement? 'It is important to invest in renewable energy sources.'"
  • This type allows for quantifying attitudes and can help identify the intensity of feelings about specific issues.
Multiple-Choice Questions:
  • Useful for identifying preferences or knowledge about environmental practices. For instance:
  • "Which of the following do you believe is the most effective way to combat climate change? a) Recycling, b) Reducing carbon emissions, c) Planting trees, d) None of the above."
  • These questions can provide clear, direct insights into the beliefs and priorities of the respondents.
Ranking Questions:
  • Ask respondents to rank options in order of importance or preference. This helps in understanding priorities concerning environmental actions. For example:
  • "Rank the following actions (1 being most important) you believe your local government should take to improve environmental sustainability: a) Implement stricter pollution laws, b) Subsidize renewable energy, c) Enhance public transportation, d) Increase green spaces."
Open-Ended Questions:
  • Allow respondents to express their thoughts in their own words, providing depth and context to their values and perspectives. Examples include:
  • "What are your main concerns regarding environmental policies in your area?"
  • "Can you describe a personal experience that has significantly shaped your views on environmental conservation?"
  • Open-ended questions can uncover nuanced insights that structured questions might miss.
Scenario-Based Questions:
  • Present hypothetical situations to understand how respondents might react in specific environmental contexts. For example:
  • "If you were faced with a choice between a job that pays well but harms the environment and a job that pays less but is environmentally friendly, which would you choose? Why?"
Behavioral Questions:
  • Ask about past behaviors to gauge actual commitment to environmental practices:
  • "In the past month, how many times have you used public transportation instead of driving your own vehicle?"
  • This type can help correlate stated values with actual behaviors, providing a more accurate picture of environmental commitment.

worldviews

1.1.6 Worldviews are the lenses shared by groups of people through which they perceive, make sense of and act within their environment. They shape people’s values and perspectives through culture, philosophy, ideology, religion and politics.
  • Explain how the internet and social media have expanded the range of worldviews a person might be exposed to today compared to the pre-internet era
  • Compare the environmental actions and policies advocated by individuals from culturally and geographically diverse backgrounds.
  • Suggest how exposure to multiple worldviews through social media has influenced the environmental policies of a specific country
A worldview is a comprehensive perspective shaped by cultural, philosophical, ideological, religious, and political influences that guides how individuals interpret and interact with their environment. Each worldview is unique, shaped by personal experiences and beliefs.
  • Influence on Values and Perspectives:
    • Worldviews shape values, influencing behaviors and decisions. For example, someone from a conservation-focused community might prioritize environmental protection, while a development-focused community may prioritize industrial growth.
Picturehttps://mobilemarketingwatch.com/social-media-logos/
  • Impact of the Internet and Social Media:
    • Broader Influence: Access to global perspectives enables a broader understanding of cultural and environmental issues.
    • Complexity: Exposure to diverse viewpoints fosters complex, hybrid beliefs, unique to the individual.
  • Challenges in Classifying Perspectives:
    • Variability: Individuals' unique experiences create perspectives that don’t fit neatly into traditional categories.
    • Dynamism: Perspectives evolve over time, especially with new information from digital media.
Examples of World Views
Canada - Oil Businessman
  • Background: An executive in a major oil company.
  • Environmental View: Strongly supports the oil industry and sees oil as a crucial resource for global energy needs. While aware of environmental issues, he believes that economic imperatives and energy security should take precedence, and that environmental impacts can be managed through technological improvements rather than reducing oil production

Rohit, India - Urban Developer
  • Background: A real estate developer from Mumbai who focuses on expanding urban infrastructure to accommodate rapid population growth.
  • Environmental View: Prioritizes urban expansion and believes in leveraging land for maximum economic benefit, viewing environmental regulations as obstacles to development and economic progress.

Indigenous American - Mining Consultant
  • Background: A consultant for mining operations on indigenous lands, advocating for the economic benefits of resource extraction.
  • Environmental View: Supports the extraction of natural resources as a path to economic development for indigenous communities, emphasizing job creation and business opportunities over environmental preservation
United Kingdom - 16-Year-Old Environmental Advocate
  • Background: A high school student from London who organizes local community clean-up events and climate change awareness campaigns.
  • Environmental View: Motivated by a desire for a sustainable future, she is active in youth movements pushing for aggressive climate policies.


Indigenous American - Activist
  • Background: A Navajo activist who campaigns against the exploitation of sacred lands for mining and drilling.
  • Environmental View: Fights for the protection of indigenous lands, advocating for policies that respect tribal sovereignty and promote environmental justice.

Kaia, Māori Community Leader, New Zealand
  • Background: A community leader from a Māori tribe who focuses on preserving traditional land-use practices that are environmentally sustainable.
  • Environmental View: Combines traditional ecological knowledge with modern conservation science to manage fisheries and forests sustainably.
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Enviornmental Value systems

1.1.7 An environmental value system is a model that shows the inputs affecting our perspectives and the outputs resulting from our perspectives.
  • Identify two inputs and two outputs that might influence a person’s Environmental Value System.
  • Discuss the role of media as an input in an Environmental Value System 
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An Environmental Value System (EVS) is a conceptual framework that helps explain how individual and collective environmental perspectives are formed and how they influence behavior. It maps out the inputs (such as cultural, educational, and social influences) that shape our beliefs and values about the environment, and the outputs (such as decisions and actions) that result from these perspectives.

Inputs of an EVS:
  • Cultural Influences: Traditions and cultural heritage that dictate how nature is perceived and treated.
  • Educational Experiences: Formal and informal education that shapes knowledge and awareness about environmental issues.
  • Economic Factors: Economic background and interests that can prioritize certain uses of the environment.
  • Media Exposure: Information from television, newspapers, and the internet, including the expanding role of social media, which can broaden or narrow our understanding of environmental issues.
  • Religious or Moral Beliefs: Spiritual or ethical values that dictate what is considered right or wrong in the context of environmental stewardship.

Outputs of an EVS:
  • Personal Decisions: Choices in daily life, such as recycling, conservation, and consumption habits.
  • Public Advocacy: Participation in or support for environmental movements, policy-making, and community projects.
  • Career and Professional Practices: Engagement in professions and practices that reflect one’s environmental values, potentially influencing larger industry standards and practices.

Function of an EVS:
  • Interpretation and Sense-Making: An EVS helps individuals and groups make sense of complex environmental information and challenges, providing a lens through which to interpret the world.
  • Guidance and Direction: It guides behavior and decision-making, aligning actions with deeply held values and beliefs.
  • Communication and Expression: It influences how environmental issues are discussed and debated within various forums, shaping advocacy and educational efforts.
1.1.8 Environmental perspectives (worldviews) can be classified into the broad categories of technocentric, anthropocentric and ecocentric.
  • Define the term 'technocentric worldview' and give one example of how this perspective might influence environmental policy.
  • Define the term 'anthropocentric worldview' and give one example of how this perspective might influence environmental policy.
  • Define the term 'ecocentric worldview' and give one example of how this perspective might influence environmental policy.
  • Analyze the effectiveness of a technocentric approach versus an ecocentric approach in managing climate change
In 1981, O'Riordan proposed a straightforward classification system for Environmental Worldviews, dividing them into three broad categories: technocentric, anthropocentric, and ecocentric. These categories serve as frameworks through which individuals and societies perceive and engage with the environment, each offering a unique perspective on the relationship between humans and the natural world.​
Technocentric Worldview
  • Definition: The technocentric view posits that technology can prevent or solve environmental problems. This perspective is rooted in a strong faith in human ingenuity and technological advancement.
  • Belief: Technocentrists believe that any ecological challenges can be addressed through scientific and technological innovation. They see technology as a means to sustain human life and economic growth without necessarily reducing consumption or waste.
Pictureimage from Chegg
Anthropocentric Worldview
  • Definition: Anthropocentrism places humans at the center of existence, viewing all environmental elements in terms of their value to humanity.
  • Belief: This perspective varies widely but generally involves managing the environment for human benefit. It can range from conservation efforts aimed at preserving resources for future human use to exploiting natural resources for immediate human gain.
Pictureimage from Chegg
Ecocentric Worldview
  • Definition: Ecocentrism regards the natural environment as the most important component of existence, emphasizing the intrinsic value of all living and non-living elements of the ecosystem.
  • Belief: Ecocentrists advocate for the protection of nature regardless of the direct benefit to humans. This view supports the idea that ecological considerations should be at the forefront of decision-making processes, often advocating for significant changes in lifestyle and policies to preserve natural habitats and biodiversity.
​Complexity and Variability

While these categories are useful for understanding different environmental philosophies, it's important to recognize that they are not mutually exclusive, nor are they perfect. Many people hold views that blend elements from different categories or change their views in response to new information or changing circumstances.
Environmental perspectives are dynamic and can evolve as individuals interact with different cultures, experiences, or global challenges, reflecting a complex and multifaceted approach to understanding and solving environmental issues.
Some people believe that all / some elements of the natural environment have intrinsic value. They should be valued just because they exist. There are a number of countries which have given an equal right to nature in their constitutions, such as Equador and Bolivia. There is also a growing movement to give rivers the right to exist.

Common Aboriginal Australians  EVS’s
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Connection to Country:
  • Deep spiritual and physical bond with the land, viewed as a living entity essential to identity and well-being.
Custodianship and Stewardship:
  • A duty to manage and care for the land, ensuring its health for future generations through practices like cultural burning and sustainable harvesting.
Sustainability and Reciprocity:
  • Practices emphasize taking only what is needed and giving back to maintain ecological balance and resource availability.
Spiritual and Cultural Practices:
  • Rituals, ceremonies, and art forms connect directly to the land, expressing respect and reinforcing spiritual balance with nature.
Seasonal Living:
  • Life activities are guided by natural cycles, aligning resource use with the optimal times for harvesting and hunting.
The Dreaming:
  • Mythological narratives that explain natural laws and one’s place in the world, reinforcing environmental ethics and coexistence with nature.
1.1.9 Perspectives and the beliefs that underpin them change over time in all societies. They can be influenced by government or non-governmental organization (NGO) campaigns or through social and demographic change.
  • Identify one significant NGO campaign and describe how it has influenced public attitudes toward recycling in the past decade
  • Discuss the impact of demographic changes on environmental perspectives in urban areas
  • Evaluate how government initiatives have influenced changes in meat consumption in a specific country.
  • Compare the effectiveness of government versus NGO campaigns in changing public behaviors about plastic use.
Environmental perspectives and the beliefs that support them are not static; they evolve continually across all societies. This evolution can be influenced by a multitude of factors, including campaigns by governments or non-governmental organizations (NGOs), as well as through broader social and demographic changes.

Influences on Perspectives:
  • Campaigns by Governments and NGOs: Targeted campaigns aimed at raising awareness or changing behaviors can significantly alter public perspectives. For instance, anti-smoking campaigns have effectively shifted public opinion and behaviors regarding tobacco use in many countries.
The Great Green Wall (African Union)
  • Description: An African-led movement with an epic ambition to grow an 8,000km natural wonder of the world across the entire width of Africa.
  • Impact: Focuses on landscape restoration, climate resilience, and enhancing the livelihoods of millions of people in the Sahel region.

Cycle to Work Day (Cyclescheme, UK)
  • Description: An annual event promoting cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation, encouraging commuters to cycle to work.
  • Impact: Promotes physical health, reduces traffic congestion, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions.
Earth Hour (WWF)
  • Description: An annual global event organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) where millions of people turn off their lights for one hour to raise awareness about climate change and energy consumption.
  • Impact: Encourages individuals, communities, and businesses to turn off non-essential electric lights, highlighting the potential for energy conservation and climate change action.

Tree Planting Campaigns (Various global entities including governments and NGOs)
  • Examples: One Tree Planted, National Tree Day (Australia), Arbor Day Foundation (USA).
  • Impact: These campaigns aim to restore forests, improve air quality, and reduce carbon footprints through community-driven tree planting events.
  • Social and Demographic Changes: As societies evolve, so do their values and beliefs. Changes in demographics, such as age distribution and urbanization, can lead to shifts in environmental perspectives. For example, younger generations might prioritize sustainability more than previous ones, influencing policies on waste management and resource conservation.
Interpreting Behavior-Time Graphs
  • Example 1: Reduction in Smoking Rates: The decline in smoking over decades highlight the impact of health campaigns and changing societal attitudes toward smoking.
  • Example 2: Changes in Meat Consumption: Trends in meat consumption, reflecting growing environmental and health consciousness.
​Example 3: Plastic Recycling: Trends in plastic recycling, highlighting the effectiveness of plastic reduction policies and increased awareness about plastic pollution

environmental movement

1.1.10 The development of the environmental movement has been influenced by individuals, literature, the media, major environmental disasters, international agreements, new technologies and scientific discoveries.
  • Use examples and evidence to justify how historical events such as major environmental disasters, international agreements, literature, the media and technological developments have shaped the development of the environmental movement
  • Discuss three key historical influences on the development of the modern environmental movement
Pictureimage from www2.epa.gov
Significant historical influences on the development of the environmental movement have come from literature, the media, major environmental disasters, international agreements and technological development.

Consider major landmarks, for example, James Lovelock’s development of the Gaia hypothesis; Minamata disaster; Rachel Carson’s book
Silent Spring (1962);, Davis Guggenheim’s documentary An Inconvenient Truth (2006); Chernobyl disaster of 1986; Fukushima Daiihi nuclear disaster of 2011; Bhopal disaster of 1984; Gulf of Mexico oil spill of 2010; Chipko movement; Rio Earth Summit 2012 (Rio+20); Earth Day; Green Revolution; Copenhagen Accord; recent or local events of student interest., whaling (Save the Whale), First Nation Americans, aka American Indians or Native Americans leading to environmental pressure groups, both local and global, the concept of stewardship and increased media coverage raising public awareness.

Timeline:
Picture
The development of environmental movements is often viewed from a very western perspective. We are going to investigate a couple of examples that will help broaden our understanding of how different societies across the world relate to the environment.

​The societies chosen should demonstrate significant differences
  • First Nation Americans and European pioneers operating frontier economics, which involved exploitation of seemingly unlimited resources
  • Buddhist and Judaeo‑Christian societies and Communist and capitalist societies.
Native American Communal property (no one owns property)
  • see the environment as communal and prior to the arrival of the Europeans in the late 16th century, had a subsistence economy based on barter.
  • low-impact technologies and lived in harmony with environment. 
  • practised an animalistic religion where all things have souls - animals, plants, rocks, mountains, rivers, stars etc.  
  • created conflict with the colonising Europeans who exploited what they saw as unlimited resources.
Buddhism believed that
  • Suffering exists
  • Suffering arises from attachment to desires
  • Suffering ceases when attachment to desire ceases
  • sees humans as an intrinsic part of nature rather than as merely a steward. 
  • emphasises human interrelationships with all parts of nature and considers it unrealistic to see ourselves as isolated from the rest of nature.
  • Reincarnation means a human consciousness/spirit can be reborn as either human or animal. 
  • compassion is the basis for a balanced worldview

Buddhism believe living in balance with nature, therefore they tend to be more ecocentric and have philosophy very similar to that of the deep ecologists.

Also Buddhism's vegetarian diet would benefit the environment as well.

​
Judaeo-Christian believes that
  • Genesis story suggests that God gave the planet to humans as a gift. ​
  • Man are in charge of the nature.



​The philosophy is closer towards anthropocentric (having responsibility to provide better stewardship) or Cornucopians (we can do whatever we want to the planet because God gave it to us)
Capitalism
  • heavily based in private business
  • private business blamed for environmental degradation
  • maximize profit at the expense of the environment
  • checks and balance to ensure sound use of resources
  • allows free speak and environmental awareness
  • find it difficult to reduce environmental abuse
Picture
Water cannon gold minining
Communism
  • meant to distribute the wealth evenly, but they may have used resources without care
  • victims of the "Tragedy of Commons"
  • free speech not allowed
  • find it difficult to reduce environmental abuse
  • criticised for poor environmental record. 
  • could argue that the economic principles of communism inevitably lead to environmental degradation when free natural resources are seen as existing to serve the state. 
  • Communist ideal of equal distribution of resources with no profit motive meant that energy, materials and natural resources could be squandered without care
Picture
Forty Thousand Buffalo Hides in the corral of Wright & Rath, Dodge City, Kansas
Correct use of terminology is a key skill in ESS. It is essential to use key terms correctly when communicating your understanding, particularly in assessments. Use the quizlet flashcards or other tools such as learn, scatter, space race, speller and test to help you master the vocabulary.
Key Terms
perspective
​Intrinsic values
​animism
​environmental value system
​technocentric
anthropocentric
ecocentric
value
relational values
​confirmation bias
​biocentric​
paradigm
biorights
capitalism
argument
beliefs
​behaviour
​environmentalism
socio-political
socialism
democracy​
Instrumental values
​worldview​
communism
totalitarianism
​pastoralists
​stewardship
Classroom Activities
Subtopic 1.1 Perspectives.pptx
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Subtopic 1.1 Perspectives Workbook.docx
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  • Choose an environmental campaign by an NGO or government and analyze its effectiveness. Consider the campaign’s strategies, the perspectives it appeals to, and its impact on public behavior or policy
  • Select an environmental behavior (e.g., recycling rates, electric vehicle adoption) and research historical data. Create a behavior-time graph and interpret the trends, correlating them with specific policies, technological advancements, or cultural shifts.
  • Create a multimedia presentation that explains the three major environmental worldviews. Include current examples of how these worldviews influence environmental decision-making globally.
  • Conduct research within the community to gather data on local environmental perspectives
  •  Compare and contrast two different case studies where environmental decisions were influenced by contrasting perspectives. 
  • Research a local environmental issue:
    • Describe the issue
    • State arguments of the pressure group
    • State opposing arguments to their case
    • Consider, economic, aesthetic, socio-political and cultural values
    • State your position and defend/justify your argument.
  • Select one example of influence from each of the following categories.
    • An individual environmental activist
    • An author
    • The media
    • An environmental disaster
    • International agreements
    • Technological developments
    • Scientific discovery

Great American Bison Case Study
Case Study_ Traditional Indigenous vs Western Environmental Values​
​What Do You Know About The Environment Activity
Personal Environmental Value Systems worksheet
Environmental Issue Scenario Activity.
History of the Environmental Movement Activity
Environmental Value System Perspective
​Paper-bag of Values activity

View the videos A through H. Decide where each of them lie on the environmental philosophies continuum

A. Matt Ridley—The Natural Optimist
B. Going Green—Militant bicyclists and more
C. Rush Limbaugh blasts a Global Warming caller
D. Bjorn Lomborg talks about Al Gore overselling Climate Change
E Taking the Heat - A Silver Lining - Geoengineering a Brighter Cloud
F. Life in a Russian Eco-village
​G. 7 Years After An Inconvenient Truth, Al Gore May Actually Be Winning
H. Satish Kumar explains the meaning of Deep Ecology




Useful Links
​
The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)
The American Climate & Environmental Values Survey
World Values Survey (WVS)
The Atlas of European Values
Green Marketing
Environmental value systems: Lake Victoria vs Gulf of California - SlideShare
World Changing
Click the following link to find out more WORLD VILLAGE
​
In The News

Biden-Harris Administration Advances 15 Onshore Clean Energy Projects with Potential to Power Millions of Homes
EU eyes easing green rules on farmers to defuse protests
Latest planned Amazon dam project threatens Indigenous lands, endemic species
Sustainable by design: A blueprint for sourcing green building materials
Swiss farmers dump dead sheep in protest against rising wolf numbers​

TOK:
  • What challenges are raised by the dissemination of knowledge

International-Mindedness
  • Ecosystems may often cross national boundaries an conflict may arise from the clash of different value systems about exploitation or recourses (for example, migration of wildlife across borders in souther Africa)

Video Clips
​The assessment  of the diverse values and valuation of nature provides guidance to navigate pathways for reconciling people’s good quality of life with life on Earth and advancing the intertwined economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development in a balanced manner.
Bob Randall, a Yankunytjatjara elder and traditional owner of Uluru (Ayer's Rock), explains how the connectedness of every living thing to every other living thing is not just an idea but a way of living. 
This video provides visual examples of how we value the world around us in various manners.  
This video is a part of Conservation Strategy Fund's collection of environmental economics lessons and was made possible thanks to the support of Jon Mellberg and family.  This series is for people who want to learn - or review - the economics of conservation.
Youth Perspective on Environmental Justice and Racism
​Man vs Earth. Will Man win the Battle against Climate Change?
Through visually stunning footage from over fifty countries, all shot from an aerial perspective, Yann Arthus–Bertrand shows us a view most of us have never seen. He shares with us his sense of awe about our planet and his concern for its health. With this film, Arthus-Bertrand hopes to provide a stepping-stone to further the call to action to take care of our HOME.
Bruce is shown how to hunt off the land and is invited to be initiated into the tribe. Fascinating culture films from Tribe - BBC worldwide.
Short documentary on the environmental movement (1960-1970) 
​Robert J. Smith, Director of the Center for Private Conservation, explains in this short video how the modern environmentalist movement began in America. A celebrated author and environmental historian, Smith shows how the antiwar movement during the 1960s evolved into an anti-capitalism movement that pushed for public stewardship of the environment.
​This project illuminates the diverse histories within the environmental movement that are often overlooked, watered-down, or entirely erased. Throughout the video’s progression, friends of IE unpack the vital contributions that Black, Indigenous + people of color have made to the environmental movement.
A graduate from the UTSC journalism program, Emily Hunter has graced the world stage with her empowering and innovative work as an environmental advocacy journalist, who is constantly reporting throughout the climax of global activist movements
Manvendra Singh Shekhawat's love for carefully preserving cultural heritage and traditions and reframing them in a modern context whilst maximising human potential is uniquely expressed through his experiential hotels. His NGO launched Jaisalmer’s largest conservation and cleanliness campaign in 2013 and he is currently creating an ever-evolving, cross-disciplinary, collaborative, whole-system community for a more productive and personally fulfilling societal model.