Ecologism

What is Ecologism?

• Regard protection of the environment as a primary goal
• Can be divided into shallow ecology & deep ecology

The Origins of Ecologism

• Began to develop in the 1960s
• A Silent Spring (Cerson, 1962) exposed the dark side of science - how pesticides were damaging the environment
• Quality of life is viewed as more important than economic growth

Shallow Ecology

• Coined by deep ecologist Arne Naess to describe ecologists whose concern with the natural environment is purely utilitarian & human-centred
• Seek to preserve the environement for human benefit - preservation of resources for future generations
• Anthropocentric - human interests are at the centre of concerns and species are in a pyramid, with man at the top

Types of Shallow Ecology

• Eco-feminists: Saving the environment requires abolishing the patriarchy
• Eco-socialists: Saving the environment requires abolishing capitalism
• Eco-anarchists: Saving the environment requires the abolition of the state
• Eco-capitalists: Consumer demand for environmentally-friendly goods will help save the environment

Deep Ecology

• Ecocentric - All living things are of equal value & worthy of moral respect, & the human species is no more important than any other
• Humans are the most damaning & destructive species on the planet
• Some argue that only a huge reduction in the human population can save the planet (some argue this is inevitable)

Light Greens

• Focus on effects of ecological crises
• Respond to specific environmental problems
• Support sustainability
• Investment in eco technology; environmental taxes; recycling; water meters

Dark Greens

• Committed environmentalists, with a comprehensive political & moral critique of modern industrial societies
• Still antropocentric, but willl challenge or reject the intrinsic value of economic growth