EVS

Environmental value systems (EVS)

Big idea: EVS is a type of worldview focused on the relationship between humans and the natural world. It explains why different people and groups think differently about environmental and sustainability issues.

What is an environmental value system (EVS)?

An EVS is a model that shows how external influences shape our thinking and lead to environmental decisions and actions.

Examples of EVS components

An EVS can be thought of as a simple system: inputs → processes → outputs (what influences us, how we interpret it, and what we decide to do).

Your environmental value system shapes how you interpret environmental issues and what actions you take.

Ecocentric Worldview

Big idea: An ecocentric worldview means putting nature first. Ecocentrics believe the environment should be protected even if humans need to change how they live.

Humans are part of nature

Ecocentrics see humans as part of the ecosystem. We are not above nature, so harming nature harms us too.

Why ecocentrics think this way

They believe most environmental problems happen because humans use too many resources. Instead of using new technology to fix problems later, ecocentrics prefer to:

This worldview focuses on prevention — stopping problems before they happen.

How ecocentrics solve environmental problems

They prefer small, low-impact actions that do not damage ecosystems:

These solutions cause less environmental harm than large industrial projects.

Real example — why ecocentrics reject dams

An indigenous community might oppose a dam because flooding a large area to create a reservoir:

1. Kills forests and plants because they cannot survive underwater
2. Destroys animal habitats, so many species lose their homes
3. Blocks fish movement because fish cannot swim upstream to breed
4. Changes the river's natural flow, making water slower, warmer, and full of sediment
5. Reduces water quality because slow water collects algae and pollution
6. Destroys culturally important land that may be sacred or central to traditions

Intrinsic value of nature: Something is important simply because it exists, not because humans use it. A forest is valuable even if no one cuts the trees. A river is valuable even if no one uses the water.

Strengths and limitations

Ecocentrics put nature first, believing that humans are part of ecosystems and should protect the environment through prevention and low-impact living.

Anthropocentric Worldview

Big idea: An anthropocentric worldview places humans at the centre of decision-making. Nature is important, but mainly because it supports human life and development. The environment should be protected — but in ways that allow society, the economy, and human well-being to continue improving.

Humans as environmental managers

Anthropocentrics believe humans have the right and responsibility to manage the environment. Nature is seen as a resource that must be used wisely and sustainably.

Why anthropocentrics think this way

They believe environmental problems exist, but can be solved if humans:

This worldview focuses on management, not extreme protection or extreme exploitation.

How anthropocentrics solve environmental problems

They prefer solutions that are practical and policy-based:

These solutions aim to balance human needs (jobs, energy, food) with protecting nature.

Real example — managing forest resources

Forest management: If a country is losing forest cover, an anthropocentric approach might allow controlled logging (not a full ban), require companies to plant new trees, set limits on how much wood can be taken, and use fines for illegal cutting.

The goal is to protect forests while still supporting the economy.

Strengths and limitations

Anthropocentrics see humans as environmental managers who should use laws, policies, and sustainable practices to balance human needs with environmental protection.

Technocentric Worldview

Big idea: A technocentric worldview trusts technology and innovation to solve environmental problems. Technocentrics believe that humans can keep developing and growing economically, as long as we use better technology.

Humans as problem-solvers

Technocentrics see humans as clever problem-solvers. They believe that:

The focus is on innovation, not on reducing consumption as the main solution.

Examples of technocentric solutions

How technocentrics approach environmental problems

When faced with an environmental issue, a technocentric might say:

• "We can invent cleaner technologies."
• "We should invest in research and development."
• "Economic growth and environmental protection can go together."

Technocentrics are more likely to support big projects (advanced dams, nuclear power, large-scale solar farms) if they are seen as efficient and "high-tech".

Real example — climate change

Faced with climate change, a technocentric response might include:

Instead of mainly asking people to use much less energy, technocentrics focus on making energy production and use cleaner and more efficient.

Strengths and limitations

Technocentrics trust technology and innovation to solve environmental problems, believing that economic growth and environmental protection can go together through smarter, cleaner solutions.