How do EVSs affect perceptions of environmental degradation?

Environmental Value Systems (EVSs) significantly influence individuals' perceptions of environmental degradation through their beliefs, values, and attitudes.

EVSs are the worldviews or ethics held by individuals or societies about the environment and how it should be used or cared for. These systems can be deeply ingrained, often shaped by cultural, religious, economic, and socio-political factors. They play a crucial role in shaping our perceptions of environmental degradation, as they determine what we value in the environment and what we consider to be 'degradation'.

For instance, a person with a deep ecologist EVS, who believes in the intrinsic value of all living beings and ecosystems, might perceive any human-induced change in the environment as degradation. They might see deforestation, pollution, and even some forms of agriculture as harmful and destructive. On the other hand, someone with a technocentric EVS, who believes in the power of technology and human ingenuity to solve environmental problems, might not perceive these same activities as degradation. Instead, they might see them as necessary for human progress and believe that any negative impacts can be mitigated or reversed through technological solutions.

Similarly, someone with an anthropocentric EVS, who values the environment primarily for its usefulness to humans, might have a more nuanced perception. They might see some forms of environmental change as degradation if they threaten human health or economic productivity, but not if they benefit humans in some way. For example, they might perceive pollution as degradation because it harms human health, but not deforestation if it provides valuable resources or land for human use.

In addition, EVSs can also influence how seriously individuals take the issue of environmental degradation and what actions they believe should be taken to address it. For example, a deep ecologist might advocate for radical changes in human behaviour and society to protect the environment, while a technocentric might favour technological solutions and a anthropocentric might support a balance between environmental protection and economic development.

In conclusion, EVSs play a significant role in shaping our perceptions of environmental degradation. They determine what we value in the environment, what changes we perceive as degradation, and what actions we believe should be taken to address it. Understanding these systems can help us to better understand the diverse views and responses to environmental issues in our society.