HUMAN CENTERED:

We are the planet's most important species, and we are apart from and in charge of the rest of nature.

There is always more.

All economic growth is good, and the potential for global economic growth is essentially limitless.

Our success depends upon how well we can understand, control and manage the earths's life-support systems for our benefic.

BIOCENTRIC OR ECOCENTRIC:

We are a part on nature, and nature does not exist just for us

There is not always more

Some forms of technology and economic growth are environmentally beneficial and should be encouraged, but some are environmentally harmful and should be discouraged.

Our success depends on (1)learning how the earth sustains itself and adapts to ever-changing environmental conditions and (2) integrating such scientific lessons from nature into the way we act.

 

What is your view?

Anti-Environmental Actions:

Some leaders of corporations and people in positions of economic and political power see environmental laws and regulations as threats to their wealth and power.

Some citizens see environmental laws and regulations as threats to their private property rights and jobs.

Some people disagree with the basic beliefs behind environmental worldviews.

Some state and local government officials are tired of having unfunded mandates from the federal government.

Some Variations of the Human-Centered World View:

The no-problem school -- There are no environmental, population, or resource problems.

The free-market school -- The best way to manage the planet for human benefit is through a free-market global economy with minimal governmental interference.

The responsible planetary management school -- We have serious environmental problems but we can sustain our species with a mixture of market-based competition, better technology, and some government intervention

For this class let's avoid saying or feeling that:

it is hopeless

there is nothing you can do and that we have no control

technology (technofixes) will save us

we need more information before we do anything