A recent branch in ecological philosophy, ‘Deep Ecology’, discusses the human role in the environment. Deep ecology believes that humankind is an indispensable part of the environment. The philosophy emphasizes the role and importance of the ecosystem and the interdependence of animal and human beings on the environment. It has created a new method of environmental ethics and led to a foundation of the environment as a whole. This branch believes that the living environment should flourish and exist in the same manner as humankind. Deep ecology is termed ‘deep’ as it seeks an answer to deeper meaning questions related to the living environment and impact of human beings on the ecosphere.
‘Deep Ecology’: The Term
‘Deep ecology’ was coined by Arne Naess, a Norwegian philosopher in 1973. The word ‘ecology’ is derived from the combination of greek words, ‘logos’ and ‘Oikos’. ‘Oikos’ means habitation while ‘logos’ means discourse. Deep ecology refers to the study of human science, community, ecosystem, and biosphere. Deep ecology also refers to improving the life processes of living things in the environment. It assists human activity against self-destruction. There are continuous changes in the environment but stability is also a part of it in many ways. Ecologists believe that massive human activity like the destruction of forests, wastage of resources, etc. has resulted in climate change and other influences. Human interference has developed mass extinction of many animals, birds, and other species.
Principles of Deep Ecology
#1. The well-being and growth of human and non-human life on Earth have value in themselves. These values are not dependent on the usefulness of the biotic life for human purposes.
#2. Richness and diversification of life forms cater to the realization of such values and are also values in themselves.
#3. Humans have no right to lower this richness and diversification of the environment except to satisfy their vital needs.
#4. The blooming of human life and cultures is consistent with a substantial decrease in the human population.
#5. Present human intervention with the non-human world has increased and become excessive, and the situation has become worse to the worst.
#6. The governing socio-political situation in the environment should end. These activities are influencing the basic economic, technological, and ideological structures. The result of these activities will influence the present environment.
#7. Due to these changes, the ideology is evolving from appreciating the quality of life available to the increased standard of living.
#8. Those who support the above points commit directly or indirectly to participate in implementing the necessary changes.
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Green Movement
Deep ecology is known as the green movement, and it is a movement to save the environment from human interference. However, ecology may be classified into global ecology, landscape ecology, ecosystem ecology, and population ecology. Deep ecology guides us to understand how human interference has affected the environment. Therefore, conservation of the environment has become a necessity for humans to save the environment from damage.
How to Prepare for Deep Ecology for UPSC?
It can be confusing as to how to prepare for deep ecology UPSC. For this, you must read the newspaper regularly. While reading the newspaper, you must pick out relevant issues and study them. You must pick out the topic of the central pollution board and statistics. You must refer to three things—NCERT books, newspapers, and the official website of the environment ministry. Therefore, there are various materials for UPSC preparation for studying deep ecology.
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Environment and deep ecology is the most relevant and crucial topic for IAS Prelims and IAS Mains Exam. To prepare for the exam, you must gather knowledge on ecological topics such as ecosystem, the food chain in the ecosystem, and its effect on human beings. However, ecology is a combination of three subjects—Biology, Ecology, and Geography. The areas that require your focus are environmental ecology, biodiversity, and climate change.
Ecological Issues
Consumption of Natural Resources
The world has assumed an infinite capacity environment. Resources are consumed more than the necessary requirement. Some of these resources are non-renewable such as fuel and these cannot be manufactured again. Therefore, humans should think carefully before using resources as it could lead to disastrous effects.
Destruction of Forests
Cities are becoming concrete forests, and humans are destroying the natural forests for their benefit. These natural forests are being cut down and humans are misusing the natural resources and gaining more and more monetary benefit. Big industries and multinational companies play a crucial part in destroying the forests on a large scale. The manufacturing of goods that lead to more pollution such as leather, polyester, plastic, etc has harmful effects on the water level, resources, and all living beings. It leads to loss of biodiversity, habitats, and extinction of flora and fauna.
Environmental Pollution
Environmental pollution has a negative impact on the world. The overall health of people and other living organisms is being negatively impacted by climate change. Environmental pollution can have long-term consequences and can hamper the ecosystem and sustainability of resources. It leads to a growing threat to mankind, biological diversity, and life-support system.
Animal Rights
Flora and fauna also share food and space with humans and they use the earth’s resources for their livelihood. Animal welfare is vital to environmental ethics because animals survive within the natural environment.
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Conclusion
Thus, deep ecology has an immense impact on human life. Our ecosystem plays a vital role in our life. Since we are affecting our ecosystem, this will have an impact on our lives too. Thus, deep ecology helps the IAS aspirants to make policy in those affected areas where the ecosystem is highly affected and accordingly, they have to implement the policies. The above-discussed information about deep ecology will help the student to clear the exam successfully. This material will help the students in preparing about the topic of the environment and its damage caused by human activity for the UPSC exam. What are the principles of deep ecology? Who coined the term deep ecology? Is this knowledge about the environment and ecosystem important for IAS aspirants? and if it is then it will help them to answer the questions in the exam efficiently. To adjust to the climatic changes, humans must add some value to the environment. They should make good use of resources and protect the environment.
How can UPSC Pathshala Help?
We aim to clear your doubts related to the query on what is deep ecology and the associated subtopics. For more information, you can refer to our website or blogs on UPSC Pathshala. However, UPSC Pathshala is an educational product of uFaber. It is an Edutech company that helps its students to prepare for the UPSC exam. The institute provides quality customised subject notes and guides with the candidates to clear the UPSC 2021. Thus UPSC Pathshala understands the needs of students and provides courses accordingly and such courses can be availed as per their needs. UPSC Pathshala also prepares IAS aspirants for the interview round. They also provide the syllabus as per the requirements of the student. To know more about Demo Classes on the subject, visit the website of UPSC Pathshala.
Thank you for providing the important questions, they were very helpful, what do you guys think about this article?
Thank you for this article. It has the updated information for my exams. The questions will help me a lot. Do you have any other query?