subtopic 1.1: perspectives
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.
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.
In the context of environmental systems and societies, a perspective is essentially how an individual views and interprets a particular situation. This viewpoint is shaped not solely by one's personal experiences but is deeply influenced by a combination of personal assumptions, values, beliefs, and the collective norms of their community or society.
Perspectives are critical because they shape how people understand and respond to environmental and social issues. Everyone's perspective is unique, influenced by their cultural background, education, personal experiences, and much more. These diverse perspectives lead to a variety of opinions and positions on any given environmental issue, which can influence debates, policies, and individual actions.
How we see the world affects our behavior towards it. For instance, someone who values biodiversity may advocate for conservation efforts, while another person who prioritizes economic growth may support industrial development, even if it poses a risk to the environment. Understanding that each perspective is shaped by a different set of values and beliefs can help us appreciate the wide range of responses to environmental and social challenges.
It's essential to recognize and respect diverse perspectives, especially when discussing solutions to environmental issues. By understanding where others are coming from, we can foster more inclusive discussions and work towards more balanced and effective solutions. As future environmental scientists, students will need to navigate these differing viewpoints to address the complex challenges that lie ahead in managing our planet's resources sustainabl
Perspectives are critical because they shape how people understand and respond to environmental and social issues. Everyone's perspective is unique, influenced by their cultural background, education, personal experiences, and much more. These diverse perspectives lead to a variety of opinions and positions on any given environmental issue, which can influence debates, policies, and individual actions.
How we see the world affects our behavior towards it. For instance, someone who values biodiversity may advocate for conservation efforts, while another person who prioritizes economic growth may support industrial development, even if it poses a risk to the environment. Understanding that each perspective is shaped by a different set of values and beliefs can help us appreciate the wide range of responses to environmental and social challenges.
It's essential to recognize and respect diverse perspectives, especially when discussing solutions to environmental issues. By understanding where others are coming from, we can foster more inclusive discussions and work towards more balanced and effective solutions. As future environmental scientists, students will need to navigate these differing viewpoints to address the complex challenges that lie ahead in managing our planet's resources sustainabl
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:
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.
- 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
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:
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.
- 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.
- 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.
Values are the deeply held principles and qualities that individuals and societies hold dear. They represent what people consider important and worthy in life. Values influence behavior, shape perspectives, and guide decisions, playing a crucial role in how we interact with the world around us. In the context of environmental systems and societies, understanding values is essential, as they directly impact how individuals and communities respond to environmental issues.
Values can vary widely from one individual or culture to another. For instance, some may value economic growth and development above all, while others might prioritize environmental preservation and sustainability. These differing values can lead to diverse approaches to managing natural resources, conserving biodiversity, and addressing climate change.
In environmental systems and societies, values are closely linked to environmental ethics, which examines the moral basis of environmental responsibility. Values such as respect for nature, intergenerational equity, and sustainability are central to forming ethical approaches to environmental management. Understanding these values helps students appreciate the complexity of environmental issues and the variety of ethical responses that such issues can provoke.
It is important for students to explore both their personal values and the values prevalent in their societies. This exploration can help them understand the motivations behind different environmental policies and actions. For example, a society that highly values biodiversity may have strict conservation laws, whereas a society that prioritizes industrial growth may have more lenient regulations.
By recognizing and analyzing the values that underpin responses to environmental challenges, students can better understand the diverse perspectives that exist on these issues. This understanding is crucial for effective communication, negotiation, and problem-solving in the field of environmental systems and societies.
Values can vary widely from one individual or culture to another. For instance, some may value economic growth and development above all, while others might prioritize environmental preservation and sustainability. These differing values can lead to diverse approaches to managing natural resources, conserving biodiversity, and addressing climate change.
In environmental systems and societies, values are closely linked to environmental ethics, which examines the moral basis of environmental responsibility. Values such as respect for nature, intergenerational equity, and sustainability are central to forming ethical approaches to environmental management. Understanding these values helps students appreciate the complexity of environmental issues and the variety of ethical responses that such issues can provoke.
It is important for students to explore both their personal values and the values prevalent in their societies. This exploration can help them understand the motivations behind different environmental policies and actions. For example, a society that highly values biodiversity may have strict conservation laws, whereas a society that prioritizes industrial growth may have more lenient regulations.
By recognizing and analyzing the values that underpin responses to environmental challenges, students can better understand the diverse perspectives that exist on these issues. This understanding is crucial for effective communication, negotiation, and problem-solving in the field of environmental systems and societies.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
- 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
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.
- 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.
Values play a fundamental role in shaping how individuals and organizations interact with the world. These underlying principles not only determine personal perspectives but also influence broader communications and actions within the community. Recognizing how values manifest in various forms can provide deeper insights into the motivations behind certain behaviors and decisions.
Individual Actions and Communication
On an individual level, values influence how people communicate their ideas and interact with others. For instance, someone who values sustainability might frequently discuss topics related to renewable energy and advocate for policies that promote environmental responsibility. Their daily choices, such as cycling to work, participating in local clean-up activities, or choosing eco-friendly products, are practical manifestations of their values.
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:
Individual Actions and Communication
On an individual level, values influence how people communicate their ideas and interact with others. For instance, someone who values sustainability might frequently discuss topics related to renewable energy and advocate for policies that promote environmental responsibility. Their daily choices, such as cycling to work, participating in local clean-up activities, or choosing eco-friendly products, are practical manifestations of their values.
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
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:
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:
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:
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 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.
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:
Tensions and Values:
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
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.
- Describe 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
Values surveys are a key tool used to gauge the perspectives of different social groups on environmental issues. These surveys help to uncover the underlying values, beliefs, and attitudes that inform individuals’ views on topics such as climate change, conservation, and sustainability practices. By asking targeted questions, researchers and policymakers can gather crucial data on public opinion, which can guide environmental policy and community outreach programs.
Designing Effective Values Surveys
The effectiveness of a values survey depends significantly on its design. Here are some key considerations for creating a survey that accurately captures diverse perspectives on environmental issues:
Values surveys can significantly impact how environmental issues are addressed by:
Values surveys are a powerful method for exploring how different social groups perceive and prioritize various environmental issues. By effectively designing these surveys, organizations can gain a deeper understanding of the community’s environmental values, which is essential for developing responsive and effective environmental policies and programs. This tool bridges the gap between diverse public opinions and the formulation of strategies that seek to address environmental challenges in a manner that respects and incorporates community values.
Designing Effective Values Surveys
The effectiveness of a values survey depends significantly on its design. Here are some key considerations for creating a survey that accurately captures diverse perspectives on environmental issues:
- Inclusive Questioning: Questions should be framed in a way that includes a wide range of perspectives, avoiding bias and allowing respondents to express their views fully. This might involve using both closed-ended questions for quantitative analysis and open-ended questions to capture more nuanced responses.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding and incorporating cultural contexts is crucial, especially when surveys target specific ethnic or demographic groups. This ensures that the questions are relevant and respectfully framed.
- Clear Objectives: The survey should have a clear objective, focusing on specific environmental issues relevant to the surveyed group. This clarity helps in formulating questions that directly relate to the objectives and in interpreting the results more effectively.
- Accessibility: Surveys must be accessible to all participants, considering factors like language, literacy levels, and access to digital platforms if the survey is online. This inclusivity ensures a broader and more accurate representation of the community’s values.
Values surveys can significantly impact how environmental issues are addressed by:
- Informing Policy: Data from these surveys can provide insights into public opinion that help policymakers make informed decisions that align with the values and needs of the community.
- Guiding Advocacy: Environmental groups can use survey results to tailor their advocacy efforts, focusing on areas of greatest concern or interest to the public.
- Enhancing Communication: Understanding the values and perspectives prevalent in a community allows for more effective communication strategies that resonate with the public’s concerns and aspirations.
Values surveys are a powerful method for exploring how different social groups perceive and prioritize various environmental issues. By effectively designing these surveys, organizations can gain a deeper understanding of the community’s environmental values, which is essential for developing responsive and effective environmental policies and programs. This tool bridges the gap between diverse public opinions and the formulation of strategies that seek to address environmental challenges in a manner that respects and incorporates 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.
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:
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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."
- 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.
- 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?"
- 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 represents the comprehensive perspective through which groups of people perceive, interpret, and interact with their environment. These perspectives are shaped by a complex mixture of cultural, philosophical, ideological, religious, and political influences. Worldviews fundamentally shape how people understand the world around them and guide their behaviors and decisions. No two world views are the same, your worldview is unique to you.
Influence of Worldviews on Values and Perspectives
Each person's worldview contributes to the formation of their specific values and perspectives. For example, someone raised in a community that values environmental conservation might see the natural world as something to be protected and preserved. Conversely, a community focused on industrial growth might prioritize development over conservation.
Influence of Worldviews on Values and Perspectives
Each person's worldview contributes to the formation of their specific values and perspectives. For example, someone raised in a community that values environmental conservation might see the natural world as something to be protected and preserved. Conversely, a community focused on industrial growth might prioritize development over conservation.
The Role of the Internet and Social Media
In the modern era, the internet and social media have dramatically expanded the range of worldviews that individuals can access. Unlike the past, when individuals were mostly influenced by their immediate, local environment, today's digital landscape allows people to be influenced by global opinions and ideologies. This access to a myriad of perspectives encourages individuals to develop unique, often hybrid views that do not neatly fit into traditional models:
Challenges of Classifying Perspectives
While models that classify perspectives into categories (such as environmentalist, conservationist, industrialist) are useful for analysis, they often fall short of capturing the full complexity of individual beliefs:
In the modern era, the internet and social media have dramatically expanded the range of worldviews that individuals can access. Unlike the past, when individuals were mostly influenced by their immediate, local environment, today's digital landscape allows people to be influenced by global opinions and ideologies. This access to a myriad of perspectives encourages individuals to develop unique, often hybrid views that do not neatly fit into traditional models:
- Expansion of Influence: Individuals can interact with diverse global perspectives, leading to a broader understanding of different cultural and environmental issues.
- Complexity of Perspectives: With increased exposure comes a more complex set of beliefs and values, as individuals synthesize information from multiple sources to form their views.
Challenges of Classifying Perspectives
While models that classify perspectives into categories (such as environmentalist, conservationist, industrialist) are useful for analysis, they often fall short of capturing the full complexity of individual beliefs:
- Variability: People’s perspectives are influenced by a mix of experiences and information, leading to unique viewpoints that may not align perfectly with any single model.
- Dynamism: Perspectives can change over time as individuals encounter new information and experiences, especially in the rapidly evolving landscape of digital media.
Examples of World Views
Canada - Oil Businessman
Rohit, India - Urban Developer
Indigenous American - Mining Consultant
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United Kingdom - 16-Year-Old Environmental Advocate
Indigenous American - Activist
Kaia, Māori Community Leader, New Zealand
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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
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:
Outputs of an EVS:
Function of an EVS:
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.
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.
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.
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
Connection to Country:
Common Aboriginal Australians EVS’s
Connection to Country:
- Deep spiritual and physical bond with the land, viewed as a living entity essential to identity and well-being.
- A duty to manage and care for the land, ensuring its health for future generations through practices like cultural burning and sustainable harvesting.
- Practices emphasize taking only what is needed and giving back to maintain ecological balance and resource availability.
- Rituals, ceremonies, and art forms connect directly to the land, expressing respect and reinforcing spiritual balance with nature.
- Life activities are guided by natural cycles, aligning resource use with the optimal times for harvesting and hunting.
- 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:
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)
Cycle to Work Day (Cyclescheme, UK)
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Earth Hour (WWF)
Tree Planting Campaigns (Various global entities including governments and NGOs)
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- 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
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:
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:
- 1860 - George Washington Carver
- 1903 Charles Young
- 1920: Biopesticides
- 1948: IUCN Founded
- 1952: Great Smog in London kills 4,000, caused by coal burning during cold winter
- 1956: Minamata deaths from mercury pollution in food chain
- 1958: Start of UN Law of the Sea
- 1960s: Green Revolution
- 1961: WWF Founded
- 1962: Rachel Carson publishes //Silent Spring//
- 1969: Cuyahoga river catches fire due to ignition of oil and chemical pollution
- 1970 James Lovelock's Gaia Hypothesis
- 1974: CITES started
- 1977: Greenpeace " Save the Whale" campaign
- 1978: Love Canal
- 1979: World Climate Conference raises awareness of climate change
- 1980: World Conservation Strategy; Friends of the Earth begins confrontational protests
- 1984: Bhopal Disaster 3,000-4,000 die due to explosion of pesticide factory in India
- 1986: Chernobyl disaster
- 1991: One million tonnes of crude oil dumped into Persian Gulf at end of Gulf War
- 1992 Rio Earth Summit
- 1997: Kyoto Protocol
- 2004 Wangari Maathai
- 2004 The Day after Tomorrow
- 2003: Tesla
- 2005: Hurricane Katrina hits US Gulf Coast
- 2006: Al Gore's //An Inconvenient Truth//
- 2007: Great Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch discovered
- 2009: Perovskite solar cell
- 2010: Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
- 2011: Japan- Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster
- 2014 Josephine Mandamin
- 2014 Flint Water Crisis
- 2014 Cowspiracy
- 2015 Paris Climate Change Conference
- 2016 Before the Flood
- 2016: PETase
- 2017 Ridhima Pandey
- 2018 Greta Thunberg
- 2018 Autumn Peltier
- 2018 Nina Gualinga
- 2018 Vanessa Nakate
- 2019-2020 Australian Brush Fires
- 2020 Keystone Pipeline
- 2020 David Attenborough
- 2021 Plant Based Meats
- 2021 Seaspiracy
- 2022 COP15 Convention on Biological Diversity
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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
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.
- 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
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
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
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Communism
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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 | |
File Size: | 16836 kb |
File Type: | pptx |
Subtopic 1.1 Perspectives Workbook.docx | |
File Size: | 5153 kb |
File Type: | docx |
- 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.