Deep Ecology

Deep Ecology Platform

Deep ecology provides a fairly radical framework to analyze the relative position of humans on the planet. Basically, deep ecology requires that we view ourselves as just another species, not more important or less. It requires a radical shift in our moral reasoning to one where our survival and comfort is not of paramount importance, or even a primary consideration. I think it threatens American values more than any others, given our culture's belief that consumption is the key to a satisfying existence.

I think the platform is visionary, particularly given the fact that it was issued when the level of acceptance of a more ecological sensibility was in vogue. Its premises are readily acceptable to communities in Northern California, but I don't think people in middle America are likely to be sign on very quickly.

Ecosystems: Strong and Fragile

Ecosystems are strong and fragile. They show incredible resilience in being to adapt over time to changes. The problem is that rapid change to the environment, for example, threaten that underlying strength. Evolution of a species can take multiple generations, or thousands of years depending on which evolutionary biologists you believe. Similarly, evolution of a complex system like an ecosystem takes a long time. The rate of change in climate and in other aspects of our environment that is being caused by humans is so rapid that ecosystems are being undermined. Their delicate balance is being thrown into chaos. This, unfortunately causes a downward spiral causing more climate change.

Social Ecology

Social Ecology looks at the relationship between social institutions such as government and other cultural entities and the environment. It is only by analyzing both that meaningful improvement in our use of resources can occur. Clearly, at this point, social structures and the environment are on a collision course. Because of the materialist culture which dominates the whole world (west and east), we are consuming without any recognition of scarcity. Scarcity has even become a dirty word in lots of circles. It's all about abundance these days. Think big and get big.

Social ecology challenges social institutions to change the way we see the environment, and to make more sensible choices regarding the way we inhabit the world we live in. I think the idea is promising, but whether we have institutions that are amenable to any agenda other than one promoting consumption and the good life is questionable.