Unit 1.1

Question 1

EVS

Answer 1

worldview or paradigm that shapes the way an individual, or group of people, perceives and evaluates environmental issues, influenced by cultural, religious, economic, and socio-political contexts.

Question 2

Ecocentric

Answer 2

An ecocentric viewpoint integrates social, spiritual, and environmental dimensions into a holistic ideal.

Question 3

Anthropocentric

Answer 3

An anthropocentric viewpoint argues that humans must sustainably manage the global system.

Question 4

Technocentric

Answer 4

A technocentric viewpoint argues that technological developments can provide solutions to environmental problems.

Question 5

Rachel Carson

Answer 5

• Silent Spring documented/highlighted the problems caused by the widespread use of synthetic pesticides;
• The focus was placed on the activities of chemical companies;
• Explained impact of the use of insecticides/pesticides on birds of prey;
• Led to widespread awareness amongst (American) public of environmental issues/bioaccumulation/biomagnification;
• Was a focal point for the social/environmental movements of the 1960s
• Inspired many other environmentalists
• Led to ban on DDT for agricultural uses
• Inspired the formation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Question 6

Fukushima Daichii (2011)

Answer 6

• A natural disaster/earthquake/tsunami led to the biggest nuclear disaster since Chernobyl at Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant;
• Estimates vary about the number of people affected by the disaster / no direct deaths initially / over 600 deaths by workers/thousands with increased risk of cancers;
• As the disaster was able to happen in a “developed” country like Japan, many societies came to the conclusion that nuclear power could not be “safe”;
• This has led to increased public pressure to phase out nuclear power generation;

Question 7

Cornucopians

Answer 7

Those people who see the world as having infinite resources. Through technology and our inventiveness, environmental problems can be solved. Essentially, it is a part of the technocentric view.

Question 8

Environmental managers

Answer 8

Sees the earth as a garden that needs tending. Environmental managers hold the view that there are problems and we need governments to legislate to protect the environment.

Question 9

Deep ecologists

Answer 9

They put more value on nature than humanity. They believe in biorights - universal rights where all species and ecosystems have an inherent value and humans have no right to interfere with this.