Shallow and Deep Ecologism

Shallow and Deep Ecologism

News: Recent effects of climate change (Heatwaves, droughts etc.) have brought into focus two strands of environmental philosophy that reinvent the relationship between nature and humans-shallow and deep ecologism.

• The concepts emerged in the 1970s, when Norwegian philosopher Arne Næss sought to look beyond the popular pollution and conservation movements of his milieu to address environmental degradation.
• In his study of ecological concerns, Næss is more preoccupied with the role of the individual in nature. He believes that owing to increased anthropocentrism, humans have cut themselves off from nature, viewing nature and themselves as competing entities and establishing a master-slave dynamic.
• By placing humans at the heart of the environmental crisis, Næss outlines the difference between the two styles of ecologism.

What is Shallow Ecologism?
• The powerful and fashionable fight against pollution and resource depletion is shallow ecologism or environmentalism. Exponents of this philosophy believe in continuing our present lifestyle, but with specific tweaks aimed at minimising the damage to the environment.
• It may include the use of vehicles that cause less pollution or air conditioners that do not release chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

What is Deep Ecologism?
• It believes Humans should radically change their relationship with nature. It aims to sustain nature by making large-scale changes to our lifestyle.
• It may include limiting the commercial farming of meat to preserve forest areas and reduce the artificial fattening of animals, or reshaping of transport systems which involve the use of internal combustion engines.

What can be done to promote Deep Ecologism?

Socialism
• Deep ecologism in particular belongs to socialism.
• In his writings on deep ecologism, Næss argues that a narrow focus on pollution and conservation movements is counterproductive. He believes that when projects are only implemented to solve pollution, it generates evils of a different kind.
• For instance, the installation of pollution control devices may increase the cost of living, leading to an increase in class difference.
• An ethically responsible ecologism is one which operates in the interest of all economic classes.

Considering Local Interests
• The environment may also become more vulnerable when decisions are strongly influenced by majority rules, without taking local interests into consideration.
• Decentralization of decision making process can help in this case. For example, hierarchy can be minimized. Chain of decision making must involve local board, a nation-wide institution and a global institution.
• A lengthy decision making chain is unfavourable as it may exclude local interests.

Acknowledge Regional Differences
• Næss cautions humans against adopting a ‘vague, global’ approach to the environmental crisis.
• A holistic perspective to the crisis is one which acknowledges regional differences and the disparities between developed and underdeveloped nations.
• Næss stresses that the political potential of the movement be realised, and that those in positions of power be held accountable. The responsibility of solving the climate crisis falls on policy-makers as much as it does on scientists and ecologists.