Deep ecology considers the ecosystem as a living whole of which humanity is only one part. In this complex web of species, all are dependent on each other for long-term sustainability. No single species can be considered separate, and the idea that the environment is just here to be exploited and fulfill our needs is considered a travesty and shortfall of human consciousness. In addition, deep ecology maintains that the idea of endless economic growth is unsustainable, and that our current economic exploitative model will continue to destroy the beauty and diversity of our world. It also calls for new economic models, which take into account the inherent and intrinsic value of nature, of which it currently does not.
The Deep Ecology Platform
Sources
Naess, A., & Sessions, G. (1984). A Deep Ecology Eight Point Platform. Readings on the Philosophy and Practice of the New Environmentalism. Boston and London: Shambhala.
Drengson. Some Thought on the Deep Ecology Movement. Foundation for Deep Ecology.
Vaughan-Lee, L. (2013). Eco-spirituality: towards a values-based economic structure. Corporate visions of sustainability focus on material prosperity – but leaders must respect the soul as well as the soil. The Guardian.
The Deep Ecology Platform
- The well-being and flourishing of human and nonhuman life on Earth have value in themselves (synonyms: inherent worth, intrinsic value, inherent value). These values are independent of the usefulness of the nonhuman world for human purposes.
- Richness and diversity of life forms contribute to the realization of these values and are also values in themselves.
- Humans have no right to reduce this richness and diversity except to satisfy vital needs.Present human interference with the nonhuman world is excessive, and the situation is rapidly worsening.
- The flourishing of human life and cultures is compatible with a substantial decrease of the human population. The flourishing of nonhuman life requires such a decrease.
- Policies must therefore be changed. The changes in policies affect basic economic, technological, and ideological structures. The resulting state of affairs will be deeply different from the present.
- The ideological change is mainly that of appreciating life quality (dwelling in situations of inherent worth) rather than adhering to an increasingly higher standard of living. There will be a profound awareness of the difference between big and great.
- Those who subscribe to the foregoing points have an obligation directly or indirectly to participate in the attempt to implement the necessary changes.
Sources
Naess, A., & Sessions, G. (1984). A Deep Ecology Eight Point Platform. Readings on the Philosophy and Practice of the New Environmentalism. Boston and London: Shambhala.
Drengson. Some Thought on the Deep Ecology Movement. Foundation for Deep Ecology.
Vaughan-Lee, L. (2013). Eco-spirituality: towards a values-based economic structure. Corporate visions of sustainability focus on material prosperity – but leaders must respect the soul as well as the soil. The Guardian.