Ecologism: Core Ideas & Principles (Edexcel A Level Politics): Revision Note

The core ideas of ecologism

• Ecologism argues humans must live sustainably and fundamentally change their relationship with nature to protect the environment and ensure long-term survival

Ecology

• Ecology recognises the importance of all living things and the interdependence of organisms within ecosystems

For ecologists, ecology means

• Interdependence

  • All living organisms are interconnected within ecosystems

• Systems thinking

  • Actions affecting one species impact the wider environment

• Ecological limits

  • Human activity must respect ecological boundaries

  • Humans are part of the ecosystem, not separate from it

• Ecocentrism

  • Nature has intrinsic value beyond its usefulness to humans

• Rejection of anthropocentrism

  • The belief in a species hierarchy placing humans above nature is rejected

• Biodiversity and conservation

  • Protecting species diversity is essential for ecosystem stability

  • Conservation is crucial to maintaining ecological balance

Key thinkers

Agreement within ecologism

• All strands agree on the importance of respecting natural systems

Disagreement within ecologism

• Deep green ecologism

  • Argues for radical ecological limits

  • Prioritises nature over human interests

• Shallow green ecologism

  • Prioritises reform within existing economic systems

• Social ecology (particularly eco-socialists)

  • Argues capitalism causes nature to be viewed as a commodity

Holism

• Holism refers to the belief that nature should be understood as an interconnected whole rather than as separate, isolated parts

For ecologists, holism means

• Interconnected systems

  • Ecosystems should be viewed as integrated wholes

  • Natural systems cannot be understood in isolation

• Challenge to the mechanistic worldview

  • Rejects the idea that nature can be broken down into separate, independent parts

• Interdisciplinary approach

  • Environmental solutions require social, economic and ecological perspectives

• Moral responsibility

  • Humans have ethical duties to the environment

  • Humans are inseparable from ecological and social systems

Key thinkers

Agreement within ecologism

• All strands recognise the importance of holistic ecological thinking

Disagreement within ecologism

• Deep green ecologism

  • Prioritises natural systems over human needs

• Shallow green ecologism

  • Seeks to balance ecosystem health with human priorities

• Social ecology (particularly eco-feminism)

  • Argues the mechanistic worldview stems from patriarchal social structures

Environmental ethics

• Environmental ethics refers to the belief that humans have moral responsibilities towards the natural world, challenging anthropocentric ethical frameworks

For ecologists, environmental ethics means

• Moral responsibility

  • Humans owe ethical duties to the environment

• Intrinsic value of nature

  • Nature has value beyond its usefulness to humans

• Sustainability ethics

  • Human actions should not compromise future generations

Key thinkers

Agreement within ecologism

• All strands agree that humans have inherent ethical duties to the environment

Disagreement within ecologism

• Deep green ecologism

  • Prioritises protection of non-human interests

• Shallow green ecologism

  • Balances environmental responsibility with human benefit

Environmental consciousness

• 'Environmental consciousness' refers to a change in how humans understand and relate to the natural world, emphasising awareness, responsibility and sustainable behaviour

For ecologists, environmental consciousness means

• Awareness

  • Greater understanding of environmental problems and human impacts

• Behavioural change

  • Promotion of sustainable lifestyles and consumption patterns

• Public engagement

  • Collective awareness drives ecological movements

  • Public participation is central to environmental decision-making

Key thinkers

Agreement within ecologism

• All strands support environmental consciousness as a foundation for environmental protection

Disagreement within ecologism

• Deep green ecologism

  • Stresses radical awareness and lifestyle change

• Shallow green ecologism

  • Focuses on technological reform

  • Seeks to balance human needs with environmental protection

• Eco-feminism

  • Argues for a new relationship with nature

  • Rejects historically patriarchal views of the environment

Post-materialism and anti-consumerism

• Post-materialism and anti-consumerism refer to the belief that human values should prioritise ecological integrity and well-being over material wealth and excessive consumption

For ecologists, post-materialism and anti-consumerism mean

• Rejection of consumerism

  • Excess consumption harms ecosystems and social relations

  • Material wealth does not lead to genuine happiness

• Shift in values

  • Ecological integrity should be prioritised over economic growth

• Critique of growth-based economics

  • Economic models focused solely on GDP should be challenged

  • Growth should not be treated as a natural or inevitable objective

• Sustainable lifestyles

  • Ethical and conscious patterns of consumption should be encouraged

Key thinkers

Agreement within ecologism

• All strands support reducing consumption

• All strands prioritise post-materialist values

Disagreement within ecologism

• Deep green ecologism

  • Promotes radical anti-consumer lifestyles

• Shallow green ecologism

  • Seeks moderate reform

  • Supports green capitalism

• Social ecology (particularly eco-socialism)

  • Argues green capitalism is flawed

  • Claims capitalism causes nature to be viewed as a commodity

Sustainability

• Sustainability refers to the long-term protection of the environment through responsible resource use and intergenerational justice

For ecologists, sustainability means

• Resource stewardship

  • Resources should be used in ways that allow natural replenishment

• Intergenerational equity

  • The needs of future generations must be protected

• Sustainable development

  • Ecology, economy and society must be balanced

• Role of government

  • Governments should promote renewable and low-impact systems

Key thinkers

Agreement within ecologism

• All strands support sustainability as a guiding principle

Disagreement within ecologism

• Deep green ecologism

  • Favour radical ecological limits

  • Argue reform alone cannot achieve sustainability

• Shallow green ecologism

  • Support incremental reform within existing systems