what is environmental sociology?
study of the interactions between human societies and their natural environments, focusing on social causes, consequences, and solutions to environmental issues
what are the 3 aspects of environment
natural environment
built environment
human altered environment
what is a natural environment
areas that exist mostly without human interference such as forests, oceans, deserts, rivers and mountain ranges
developed through natural processes
what is a built environment
the human-made surroundings that provide the setting for human activity
buildings, homes, schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, parks
what is a human altered environment
ways in which humans change natural landscapes and ecosystems to meet their needs
clearing land for agriculture, urbanization, and resource extraction
indirect effects like pollution and climate change
what defines the 1970s environmental awakening?
rising public awareness about pollution, toxic waste, and environmental harm, driven by activism and grassroots movement
what is the grassroots movement
community driven initiative where people collectively take action to address social, political, or environmental issues
why is Greenpeace important for environmental sociology
founded in Canada in 1971 and it represents early environmental activism and civil society organizing
what major event symbolized environmental awareness in 1970
the first earth day - which raised awareness about pollution and environmental issues
what was the main focus of environmental action in the 1970s
awareness, protest, and activism – not global policy yet
what shift happened in environmental politics during the 1980s and 1990s
environmental issues became global and institutionalized through international agreements and networks
what did the Kyoto Protocol (1997) do
required industrialized countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 5% below 1990 levels
how do the 1980s/1990s differ from the 1970s
there was the shift from grassroots activism to internal governance and policy
how do the 2010s differ from earlier environmental eras?
focus on global commitments, youth movements, and long term climate targets rather than just awareness or coordination
what are the 3 environmental eras
1970s: awareness + activism
1980s/1990s: global coordination + treaties (Kyoto)
2010s: climate movements + national commitments (paris, net-zero)
what is a paradigm
a fundamental model or framework that serves as a way of understanding and interpreting the world
what are the 3 major paradigms
1) Dominant Western Worldview (enlightenment) : DWW
2) Human Exceptional Paradigm (industrial): HEP
3) New Ecological Paradigm (1970s): NEP
what environmental limits are discussed in environmental sociology
climate change
resource depletion
biodiversity loss
ocean acidification
freshwater use
what is Dominant Western Worldview (DWW)?
a worldview rooted in Enlightenment thinking that emphasizes human superiority over nature and belief in technological progress
what are key assumptions of Dominant Western Worldview (DWW)?
humans nominate nature
nature exists for exploitation
technology solves problems
unlimited progress is possible
What is the Human Exceptional Paradigm (HEP)?
humans are unique because of our culture, intelligence and technology
humans are seen as exempt from natural laws that affect other species
what is the main idea of Human Exceptional Paradigm (HEP)?
humans are unique and can overcome biophysical constraints through innovation
what is New Ecological Paradigm (NEP)?
a perspective that sees humans as one species within ecological systems and subject to natural limits
what is the key idea of New Ecological Paradigm (NEP)?
society and environment co-evolve
humans cannot escape ecological constraints
