case studies
Context: A major corporation has been deforesting large areas of the Amazon rainforest for cattle ranching. This has led to significant loss of biodiversity, disruption of local indigenous communities, and increased carbon emissions.
What perspective would likely support the corporation’s actions, and why?
Cornucopian; because they believe in economic growth and technological solutions over environmental conservation.
Which perspective emphasizes the inherent value of all living beings and the right of nature to exist?
Who gave the famous quote- We but mirror the world...If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change.’
Mahatma Gandhi
Name any 1 environmental disaster and state where it happened?
minamata
bhopal gas tragedy
chernobyl
Fukushima
Context: A major corporation has been deforesting large areas of the Amazon rainforest for cattle ranching. This has led to significant loss of biodiversity, disruption of local indigenous communities, and increased carbon emissions.
Explain how the anthropocentric perspective might propose to balance economic interests with environmental protection in this case.
The anthropocentric perspective might propose sustainable ranching practices, reforestation programs, and compensation for affected communities.
State True or false:
a. Anthropocentrism is the view that environmental issues should be managed for the benefit of the entire biosphere.
b. Technocentrism is often associated with sustainable development and the belief in technological innovation.
a. False
b. True
Who is the father of environmental justice?
Robert D. Bullard (Figure 1.19) is known as the
‘Father of Environmental Justice’ and has spent four
decades acting as an advocate of environmental
and racial justice across the USA.
Name an environmental disaster which happened due to the after effect of a natural disaster.
An earthquake in northern Japan caused
a tsunami that hit the coastal Fukushima nuclear
power plant, causing a meltdown in three of the six
nuclear reactors
Context: Beijing has been facing severe air pollution due to industrial emissions and high traffic levels. The government is considering implementing stricter emissions regulations and promoting electric vehicles.
Which perspective would emphasize the economic costs of implementing stricter emissions regulations, and why?
Anthropocentric; because they focus on the economic impact on businesses and industries due to stricter regulations.
What is the fundamental principle of sustainable development from a technocentric viewpoint?
The fundamental principle of sustainable development from a technocentric viewpoint is that technology and innovation can provide solutions to environmental issues while supporting economic growth.
What was the contribution of Wangari Maathai?
Name one the greatest honors she received.
She founded the Green Belt Movement. By the early 2000s this movement had resulted in 30 million trees being planted and had provided jobs and secured firewood for rural communities. She targeted women-led groups, ensuring that trees were planted on their farms and in school and church compounds conserving their environment and improving their quality of life.
She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004
In which country did the Chernobyl disaster happen?
What happened in the disaster?
Give a long term effect of the disaster?
in Ukraine (then part of the Soviet Union)
The disaster resulted in the
evacuation and resettlement of
over 336,000 people.
The area immediately surrounding
the plant, covering approximately
2600 km2, remains under exclusion
due to the high levels of radiation
still present.
Context: Beijing has been facing severe air pollution due to industrial emissions and high traffic levels. The government is considering implementing stricter emissions regulations and promoting electric vehicles.
What measures might a technocentric perspective advocate for reducing air pollution in Beijing?
Describe how an ecocentric perspective would prioritize actions to address Beijing’s air pollution.
A technocentric perspective might advocate for the development and adoption of electric vehicles, cleaner industrial technologies, and air quality monitoring systems.
An ecocentric perspective would prioritize reducing pollution levels to protect all forms of life and ecosystems, possibly by limiting industrial activities and promoting green spaces.
a. Describe the core idea of the anthropocentric view.
b. How do cornucopians view technological development in relation to environmental issues?
The core idea of the anthropocentric view is that human needs and interests are of primary importance in environmental management.
Cornucopians view technological development as a means to overcome environmental limitations and continue economic growth.
Who proposed the mission-‘Heart of Borneo:
Three Countries One Conservation Vision’ ? What was the aim of the mission?
Which three countries were involved?
Dato’ Seri Tengku Dr Zainal Adlin Bin Tengku
Mahamood
It unites Malaysia, Indonesia and
Brunei in protecting one of the largest transboundary rainforests remaining in the world
What happened in the Bhopal gas tragedy?
What was the after effect of the disaster?
Union Carbide pesticide plant (owned by Dow)
in the Indian city of Bhopal released 42 tonnes of the toxic gas methyl isocyanate.
It has been estimated that
between 8,000 and 10,000 people died within the first 72 hours following the exposure
and that up to 25,000 have died since from gas-related diseases.
Context: The Great Barrier Reef is experiencing significant coral bleaching due to rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification. This threatens marine biodiversity and the tourism industry reliant on the reef.
How would a technocentric perspective address the problem of coral reef degradation?
What solutions might an ecocentric view suggest for preserving the Great Barrier Reef?
Explain how an anthropocentric perspective could balance the interests of tourism with coral reef conservation.
Describe the approach a deep ecology perspective would take to tackle the issue of coral bleaching in the Great Barrier Reef.
What kind of policy changes might a biocentric perspective advocate for to protect the Great Barrier Reef?
Technocentric; they might propose solutions like developing heat-resistant coral species or using technology to restore damaged reefs.
An ecocentric view would suggest protecting the reef by reducing carbon emissions, controlling pollution, and preserving marine biodiversity.
An anthropocentric perspective could focus on sustainable tourism practices, reef conservation efforts, and education programs to balance economic and environmental interests.
Deep ecology would advocate for reducing human impact by limiting tourism, banning harmful fishing practices, and addressing climate change at a fundamental level.
A biocentric perspective might support policies that enforce stricter protections for the reef and surrounding marine life, emphasizing their right to exist.
Identify the following:
a. Which perspective is likely to emphasize the importance of maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem stability over economic growth?
b. Which perspective views the earth as a resource base that should be managed wisely to ensure human survival and quality of life?
c. Which environmental value system (EVS) is most likely to support large-scale industrial development and economic growth as a means to improve human welfare?
d. Which perspective is characterized by a belief in human ingenuity and technological advancements to solve environmental problems?
e. Which perspective prioritizes human needs and interests, often advocating for sustainable management of resources?
a. Ecocentric
b. Anthropocentric
c. Cornucopian
d. Technocentric
e. Anthropocentric
Match the following:
Column A Column B
a.Silent Spring James lovelock
b.Our final warning Rachael Carson
c. Gaia hypothesis Mark Lynas
d. Goldman Environmental Prize AI Gore
e. An inconvenient truth Maxima Acuña de Chaupe
a. ii
b iii
c i
d v
e iv
What happened in the Minamata disaster?
Which company was involved?
State three effects it caused to humans
release of methyl mercury in waste water
Chisso Corporation’s chemical factory
The symptoms
were neurological, including numbness of the hands, muscle weakness and damage to
hearing, speech and vision. In extreme cases, Minamata disease led to insanity, paralysis
and death. The pollution also led to birth defects in newborn children