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.
Inputs
External influences (what shapes your views).
Processes
How you interpret inputs (beliefs, values, reasoning, emotions).
Outputs
The actions and decisions that follow.
Examples of EVS components
Inputs
- Cultural traditions
- Scientific information
- Religious teachings
- Economic conditions
- Media & social media
- Direct experiences
Processes
- Evaluating evidence (trusting or doubting scientists, media, or leaders)
- Emotional reactions such as fear, hope, anger or empathy
- Moral judgements about what is "right" or "fair"
- Identity ("What does my group believe?" / "Who am I?")
Outputs
- Supporting or opposing environmental laws
- Choices about diet, energy, travel
- Taking action (campaigning, volunteering)
- Political choices and voting
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.
Classifying environmental value systems
Environmental value systems can be grouped into three broad categories:
- Ecocentric — nature-centred; focused on protecting ecosystems and living in balance with the environment.
- Anthropocentric — human-centred; focused on managing natural resources responsibly to meet human needs.
- Technocentric — technology-centred; believes innovation and technology can solve environmental problems.
These categories help explain why different people support different solutions to the same environmental problem.
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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:
- Use fewer resources
- Reduce waste
- Protect natural areas
- Live more simply
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:
- Community gardens
- Protecting rivers and forests
- Sustainable farming
- Reducing electricity use
- Recycling and reusing
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:
- Kills forests and plants because they cannot survive underwater
- Destroys animal habitats, so many species lose their homes
- Blocks fish movement because fish cannot swim upstream to breed
- Changes the river's natural flow, making water slower, warmer, and full of sediment
- Reduces water quality because slow water collects algae and pollution
- 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
Strengths
- Sustainable for the long term
- Protects wildlife and biodiversity
- Solves environmental problems at the source
Limitations
- Can slow economic development
- Hard to apply in modern, industrialised cities
- Some people see it as too idealistic
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.
They support
- Environmental policies and laws
- Sustainable resource use
- Education to change behaviour
- Balanced decision-making between human needs and nature
Why anthropocentrics think this way
They believe environmental problems exist, but can be solved if humans:
- Manage resources carefully
- Set rules and regulations
- Use science and planning
- Cooperate through governments
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:
- Environmental laws (pollution limits, protected areas)
- Carbon taxes or incentives to reduce emissions
- Education campaigns
- Recycling programmes
- International agreements
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
Strengths
- Focuses on long-term sustainable resource use
- Supports laws and policies that protect nature
- Realistic for modern societies
- Balances environmental and human needs
Limitations
- May still allow environmental damage if it benefits humans
- Less protection of ecosystems with no direct human use
- Can rely too much on government action
Anthropocentrics see humans as environmental managers who should use laws, policies, and sustainable practices to balance human needs with environmental protection.
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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:
- Scientists and engineers can fix most environmental issues
- Technology can make resource use more efficient
- We do not need to reduce development, just make it "smarter"
The focus is on innovation, not on reducing consumption as the main solution.
Examples of technocentric solutions
- Renewable energy – solar panels, wind turbines, hydropower
- Electric vehicles – cars that reduce fossil fuel use
- Carbon capture – machines that remove CO₂ from the air
- High-efficiency tech – LED lights, smart grids
- Geoengineering – large-scale projects to cool the planet
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:
- Rapid expansion of renewable energy technologies
- Developing carbon capture and storage (CCS)
- Investing in electric vehicles and battery tech
- Using AI to optimise energy use and transport
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
Strengths
- Encourages innovation and scientific progress
- Can reduce pollution without stopping economic development
- Attractive to governments and companies wanting growth
- Provides practical tools for large-scale change
Limitations
- May ignore the need to reduce overall consumption
- New technologies can create new problems (e-waste, mining)
- Often expensive and controlled by wealthy countries
- Can give a "false sense of security" that tech will fix everything
Technocentrics trust technology and innovation to solve environmental problems, believing that economic growth and environmental protection can go together through smarter, cleaner solutions.