Environmental Value System

Environmental Value System

1. Technocentric

   • Humans are the most important species
   • There will always be more resources to eploit
   • We can solve any pollution problem that we cause
   • Economic growth is is a good thing and we can always keep the economy growing

2. Ecocentric

   • The Earth is here for all the species
   • Resources are limited
   • We should manage growth so that only beneficial forms occur
   • We should work with the Earth not against it
   • We need the Earth more than we need us

3. Historical Events

   • Rachel Carson - Silent Spring, 1962
     • The banning of DDT.
   • Montreal Protocol 1987
     • Nations agreed to reduce CFC usage.
   • Kyoto Protocol 1992-2005
     • 174 countries signed to reduce carbon emissions to 15%.
   • UN Climate Change Conference, 2009
     • Reaffirm the need to reduce carbon emissions, 192 nations represented.

4. What is it?

   • Your view of the world is formed through your experiences of life, your background, culture, educations and the society that you live in. This is your paradigm or worldview. Your paradigm affects how you view the environment and the issues facing it. It affects your assumptions that you make based on your values and attitudes.