Environmental value systems - Environmental Systems & Societies IB Study Notes
Overview
Have you ever argued with a friend or family member about whether it's okay to throw a plastic bottle in the trash or if you should recycle it? Or maybe about whether it's better to drive a car or ride a bike? These everyday disagreements often come from something called an **Environmental Value System (EVS)**. It's like a hidden rulebook in our minds that tells us what's right and wrong when it comes to nature and how we treat our planet. Understanding EVS helps us see why people, communities, and even whole countries make different choices about the environment. It explains why some people might think we should protect every single tree, while others believe we should use nature's resources to help humans grow and develop. It's super important because these different viewpoints shape our world, from the food we eat to the laws governments make about pollution.
What Is This? (The Simple Version)
Imagine you and your friends are planning a picnic. One friend might think, "Let's go to the park, enjoy the fresh air, and make sure we don't leave any trash behind." Another friend might say, "Let's just find a spot, eat our food, and not worry too much about the mess, someone else will clean it." These different ways of thinking about the picnic are like Environmental Value Systems (EVS).
An EVS is basically your worldview (how you see the world) or your paradigm (a set of beliefs) about how humans should interact with the environment. It's a collection of beliefs, values, and ideas that guide how you think about nature, what you consider important, and what actions you believe are right or wrong when it comes to the planet. It's like having a special pair of glasses that colors everything you see about the environment. Some people's glasses might make them see nature as something sacred to protect, while others might see it as a giant store of resources for humans to use.
Real-World Example
Let's think about building a new road through a forest.
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Person A (with a strong 'nature-first' EVS): This person might say, "No way! That forest is home to so many animals and plants. It helps clean our air and water. We should find another route, even if it costs more or takes longer. The forest's health is more important than a faster commute." Their EVS values the intrinsic worth of nature (nature's value just for existing, not because it helps humans).
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Person B (with a 'human-first, use-resources' EVS): This person might argue, "We need this road! It will help people get to work faster, bring in new businesses, and create jobs. We can always plant new trees somewhere else. Human progress and comfort are the top priority." Their EVS values nature primarily for its instrumental value (its value because it helps humans).
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Person C (with a 'balance' EVS): This person might suggest, "Can we build the road but also set aside a large part of the forest as a protected area? Maybe we can build bridges for animals to cross safely, or plant double the trees we cut down. We need to find a way to meet human needs while also trying our best to protect nature." Their EVS tries to find a compromise between human development and environmental protection.
As you can see, the same situation (building a road) leads to totally different ideas and solutions depending on each person's EVS.
How It Works (Step by Step)
Think of how your EVS develops, step-by-step: 1. **Family & Friends:** Your parents, siblings, and close friends often teach you your first ideas about nature, like whether to recycle or save water. 2. **Culture & Religion:** The stories, traditions, and beliefs of your community or religion can ...
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Key Concepts
- Environmental Value System (EVS): A set of beliefs, values, and ideas about how humans should interact with the environment.
- Anthropocentric EVS: A human-centered worldview where humans are seen as the most important species and nature exists to serve human needs.
- Ecological EVS (or Ecocentric EVS): A nature-centered worldview where nature is seen as having intrinsic value, and humans are just one part of the ecosystem.
- Technocentric EVS: A worldview that believes technology and human ingenuity can solve environmental problems, often promoting economic growth.
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Exam Tips
- →When asked to describe an EVS, always explain the *core belief* first, then give *examples* of actions or policies that would result from that belief.
- →Be ready to compare and contrast different EVS (e.g., how would an anthropocentric view differ from an ecocentric view on a specific issue like deforestation?).
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