Deep Ecology: Protecting Nature Intrinsically
The question asks for the term that describes protecting nature and the wilderness purely for their own existence, valuing them independently of human needs or benefits. This philosophical stance emphasizes the intrinsic value of the natural world.
Understanding Ecological Philosophies
Different schools of thought exist within environmental ethics:
- Deep Ecology: This perspective argues that the well-being of the non-human world is valuable in itself. It calls for fundamental changes in human society to recognize and respect this intrinsic value. Protecting nature "for its own sake" aligns directly with this core principle.
- Shallow Ecology: This approach views environmental protection primarily through the lens of human interests. Issues like pollution or resource depletion are addressed because they harm humans (e.g., health, economy). Nature is valued instrumentally, as a resource for humans.
- Self Ecology / Selfless Ecology: These terms are not standard philosophical concepts in environmental studies. While "selfless" might imply prioritizing something other than oneself, "Deep Ecology" is the established term for valuing nature intrinsically.
Therefore, protecting nature for its intrinsic value is the definition of Deep Ecology.
Important Questions from Basics of Environment
The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022 seeks to implement the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Which of the following statements is correct about CITES?
1. CITES is an agreement between governments to ensure that international trade in the specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species.
2. Under CITES, plant and animal specimens are classified into five categories based on the threat to their extinction.
3. The Convention requires countries to regulate the trade of all listed specimens through permits.
4. It also seeks to regulate the possession of live animal specimens.
Match the following statements related to ecology; List 1 (System description) with those in List 2 (Name of system) and select the best answer using the codes.
List 1
List 2
1.
Physical, chemical and biological factors that the species needs in order to live, and reproduce exist
A.
Climax ecosystem
2.
Presence of rich and unique biological diversity found in an ecotone.
B.
Ecological niche
3.
Stage in the evolution of an ecosystem at which all the species are in dynamic equilibrium among themselves and with the environment
C.
Biome
4.
Formation of plants and animals that have common characteristics due to similar climate and can be found over a range of continents.
D.
Edge effect
- Which of the following is a kind of wave generated during an earthquake?
For a clear night and with windspeeds < 3 m/s, the atmosphere is
- A local population genetically, structurally and functionally adapted to its local environment is called
