MSD 023: Unit 14 – Environmentalism, resources and environmental justice

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 UNIT 14: ENVIRONMENTALISM, RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

14.0 Introduction

Environmentalism is a broad social and political movement aimed at protecting the natural environment from degradation and promoting sustainable practices. It encompasses efforts to reduce pollution, conserve natural resources, protect biodiversity, and ensure a healthy and equitable relationship between humans and the Earth. The rise of industrialization, climate change, and unsustainable consumption patterns have led to an increased focus on environmental issues globally. Environmentalism is not just a concern of scientists or policymakers but a collective responsibility involving civil society, grassroots movements, and international organizations.

14.1 Objectives

After completing this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Define environmentalism and understand its origin and evolution.
  • Identify different phases, types, and classifications of environmentalism.
  • Distinguish between biocentrism and ecocentrism.
  • Explore the link between resource use and environmental justice.
  • Evaluate current environmental justice issues and frameworks.

14.2 Environmentalism: Concept, Context, and Brief History

Definition:
Environmentalism refers to a wide range of ideologies, actions, and movements focused on protecting the natural world from human-induced harm. It includes efforts to influence environmental policy, promote sustainability, and foster environmental ethics.

Historical Context:
The roots of environmentalism can be traced back to indigenous traditions of nature worship and conservation. However, as a modern movement, it emerged in the 19th century during the industrial revolution, when rapid industrial growth began to visibly harm air, water, forests, and biodiversity.

Milestones:

  • 19th Century: Early conservation efforts (e.g., Yellowstone National Park in the USA).
  • 1960s-70s: Rise of modern environmentalism (e.g., Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring”).
  • 1980s-90s: Global environmental summits (e.g., Earth Summit 1992, Kyoto Protocol).
  • 21st Century: Focus on climate change, environmental justice, and sustainability (e.g., Paris Agreement 2015).

14.3 Phases, Types, and Classification of Environmentalism

Phases:

  1. Conservationism (late 19th–early 20th century): Focused on protecting natural resources from overuse.
  2. Preservationism: Advocated for preserving nature in its pristine state (e.g., John Muir’s work).
  3. Modern Environmentalism (1960s onwards): Focused on pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change.
  4. Global Environmentalism (21st century): Integrated global challenges such as climate justice, sustainable development, and indigenous rights.

Types:

  • Deep Ecology: Advocates for intrinsic value of all life forms, regardless of their utility to humans.
  • Ecofeminism: Links environmental degradation with gender oppression, emphasizing inclusive ecological ethics.
  • Social Ecology: Focuses on the relationship between social structures (e.g., capitalism) and environmental degradation.
  • Political Ecology: Examines power, inequality, and resource access in environmental issues.

Classification (Based on Ideologies):

  • Reformist Environmentalism: Works within existing political and economic systems.
  • Radical Environmentalism: Demands systemic changes in societal structures and economic practices.
  • Technocratic Environmentalism: Relies on technological innovation to solve environmental problems.

14.4 Biocentrism vs. Ecocentrism

Biocentrism
Biocentrism is the ethical viewpoint that all living organisms have an inherent right to exist. It places humans and non-human species on an equal moral footing, emphasizing the intrinsic value of life.

  • Example: Protecting endangered species even if they have no direct human utility.
  • Prominent Thinkers: Albert Schweitzer, Paul Taylor.

Ecocentrism
Ecocentrism expands the focus from individual organisms to ecosystems and ecological wholes. It considers the health and integrity of entire ecosystems to be of paramount ethical importance.

  • Example: Prioritizing river ecosystem conservation even if it limits certain economic activities.
  • Prominent Thinkers: Aldo Leopold (Land Ethic), Arne Naess.

Comparison:

Criteria

Biocentrism

Ecocentrism

Focus

Individual organisms

Whole ecosystems

Ethical Value

Life-centric

System-centric

Approach

Moral equality for species

Health of ecosystems takes priority

Both philosophies challenge anthropocentrism and contribute to conservation ethics.

14.5 Resources and Environmental Justice

Concept of Environmental Justice:
Environmental justice refers to the fair distribution of environmental benefits and burdens, ensuring that no group—especially marginalized communities—bears a disproportionate share of pollution, resource depletion, or climate change impacts.

Resource Use and Inequality:
Unequal access to natural resources and exposure to environmental hazards often follow lines of poverty, race, caste, and gender.

  • Global North vs. Global South: Wealthy countries often extract resources from poorer countries, leading to ecological degradation and social injustice.
  • Urban vs. Rural: Rural areas frequently suffer from mining, deforestation, and water scarcity without benefiting from resource profits.

Case Studies:

  1. Narmada Valley (India): Large-scale dam construction displaced tribal communities without proper rehabilitation.
  2. Cancer Alley (USA): Marginalized communities in Louisiana living near petrochemical plants experience higher cancer rates.
  3. Oil extraction in Nigeria: The Niger Delta suffers severe ecological damage due to oil pollution affecting indigenous livelihoods.

Key Principles of Environmental Justice:

  • Equitable resource distribution.
  • Informed participation in environmental decision-making.
  • Recognition of cultural and ecological rights of marginalized groups.

14.6 Let’s Sum Up

Environmentalism has evolved from simple conservation efforts to complex, globally networked movements addressing sustainability, equity, and climate change. Philosophies like biocentrism and ecocentrism underpin the ethical foundations of these movements. The concept of environmental justice has emerged to address inequities in resource use and environmental impacts, especially on vulnerable populations. A comprehensive understanding of environmentalism is essential for creating sustainable, inclusive, and just environmental policies and actions.

14.7 Keywords

  • Environmentalism: A movement aimed at protecting the environment.
  • Biocentrism: Ethical belief in the intrinsic value of all living beings.
  • Ecocentrism: Ethical view prioritizing ecosystems over individual species.
  • Environmental Justice: Fair distribution of environmental benefits and burdens.
  • Sustainability: Meeting present needs without compromising future generations.
  • Ecofeminism: Intersection of ecological concerns and feminism.
  • Social Ecology: Links social structures to environmental problems.

 

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