Environmental systems

A perspective is a person's point of view on an issue, based on what they believe and value.

A person's perspective is shaped by their assumptions, values, and beliefs.

An assumption is something a person accepts as true without questioning it.

A value is something a person believes is important, such as economic growth or protecting the environment.

A belief is a strong idea about what is right, wrong, or true.

Perspectives matter because different people see environmental problems differently and support different solutions.

Some people see deforestation as creating jobs and income, while others see it as habitat loss and environmental damage.

Water use: farmers may value irrigation, while conservationists focus on saving water.

Climate change: some see it as a serious global threat, others see it as exaggerated.

Building a large dam to control a river, even if ecosystems are flooded.

Setting fishing limits so fish stocks remain for the future.

Protecting a mountain because it is beautiful, not for money.

Protecting forests because they provide clean water to cities.

Taking only enough fish to feed the community and giving back to nature.

Clearing forests because they exist mainly to provide timber.

Protecting forests because damaging them also harms people.

Seeing food waste as disrespectful because of cultural values.

A person accepts climate change evidence that supports their opinion but ignores data that challenges it.

India has low emissions per person but high total emissions because of population size.

A worldview about the relationship between humans and the natural world that shapes environmental decisions.

Inputs are influences, processes are how you interpret them (values/beliefs), and outputs are the decisions/actions you take.

Examples: cultural traditions, media/social media, scientific information, economic conditions, religion, direct experiences.

How you interpret inputs: evaluating evidence, emotions, moral judgements, and identity/values.

Examples: supporting/opposing laws, lifestyle choices (diet/energy/travel), campaigning/volunteering, political choices.

Ecocentric, anthropocentric, technocentric.

Nature-centred: protect ecosystems and live in balance with the environment.

Human-centred: manage nature responsibly to meet human needs.

Technology-centred: innovation and technology can solve environmental problems.

Put nature first. Protect ecosystems even if humans must change how they live.

They think overuse of resources causes problems, so reducing use and waste stops damage before it happens.

Nature is valuable simply because it exists, not because humans use it.

Examples: protecting forests/rivers, using fewer resources, reducing waste, sustainable farming, recycling/reusing.

Because it floods habitats, blocks fish migration, alters river flow, reduces water quality, and can destroy culturally important land.

Humans are central. Nature matters mainly because it supports human life and development, so it should be managed responsibly.

Through practical management: laws and regulations, planning, education, incentives (e.g. taxes), and international agreements.

Allow controlled logging, require replanting, set limits, and fine illegal cutting to protect forests while supporting the economy.

It may still allow environmental damage if it benefits humans, and may protect ecosystems less if they have no direct human use.

Trust technology and innovation to solve environmental problems while allowing continued economic growth.

Innovation. They prefer smarter, cleaner technology rather than making people use much less.

Examples: renewable energy, electric vehicles, carbon capture, smart grids/LEDs, geoengineering.

They can ignore overconsumption, create new problems (e-waste/mining), be expensive, and give a false sense that tech will fix everything.

A research method that asks questions to a sample of people to find out what they believe, value, and prioritise.

They help identify the environmental perspective of a group (ecocentric, anthropocentric, or technocentric).

They usually rate how much they agree or disagree on a scale (e.g., 1–5 or 1–7).

Examples: environment/sustainability, technology/development, government responsibility, religion/morality, lifestyle/priorities.

Ecocentric (nature-centred; environment has priority).

Technocentric (technology-centred; innovation solves problems).

Human-centred, but supports sustainable management of resources using laws and policies.

Examples: World Values Survey (WVS), European Values Survey (EVS), Pew Global Attitudes Survey.

They reveal patterns in environmental beliefs, show which worldview is dominant, explain reactions to policies, and allow comparisons between groups/countries.

People and organisations working to protect nature, reduce pollution, and use resources sustainably.

Because people become aware that human activities damage the environment and believe action is needed to protect ecosystems and future generations.

Problem identified → awareness spreads → action or policy change follows.

Understanding — using any relevant example and clearly explaining cause → awareness → action.

It exposes hidden environmental damage, raises public concern, and can lead to new laws.

They raise awareness, mobilise public support (e.g., protests/campaigns), and increase political pressure on decision-makers.

They provide evidence of environmental damage, which supports environmental laws and policies.

They make damage visible quickly, shifting public opinion and increasing demand for regulation.

They offer solutions that reduce environmental impacts (e.g., renewable energy and cleaner technology).

They help countries cooperate on global environmental problems and encourage shared action.

Media spreads information widely, increasing awareness, influencing public opinion, and encouraging behaviour change.

A scientist and writer who exposed the harmful effects of pesticides like DDT in her book Silent Spring, helping start the modern environmental movement.

It was used as a pesticide to kill mosquitoes, helping reduce diseases such as malaria.

DDT does not break down easily, can enter soil and water, and builds up in food chains (biomagnification).

Birds received the highest DDT concentrations; eggshells became thin and broke, causing bird populations to decline.

Public awareness increased, pressure on governments grew, and DDT was banned in many countries.

Silent Spring exposed the harmful effects of DDT, increasing public awareness and leading to bans.

A climate activist known for school strikes and speaking to world leaders, increasing pressure on governments to act on climate change.

Climate change and government inaction on emissions.

She organised school strikes, joined public protests, and gave international speeches.

Greta Thunberg raised awareness of climate change and increased political pressure through protest.

A Kenyan scientist and activist who founded the Green Belt Movement, using tree planting to protect ecosystems and support local communities.

She founded the Green Belt Movement and promoted tree planting.

It reduced deforestation and soil erosion, protected water supplies, and empowered local communities.

Wangari Maathai protected ecosystems through tree planting and community action.