Upon learning about environmental science in high school and participating in a variety of field projects, I felt like I had some solid ideas for action. Although ENVS 160 challenged a fair amount of my previous ideals, I now have a wider and more unique toolbox to choose from. Going forward, ideas like awareness of economic incentives, deep ecology, and institutional action will influence how I approach my personal and scholarly life.
Economic incentives
Upon taking ENVS 160 along with an economics class, it is clearer to me than ever before how problems like climate change intricately involve economics – not only physical science and cultural values. As a scholar interested in issues like water rights and distribution, I can now more easily see the hidden web of economic systems that lie behind such issues. The notion of future costs particularly fascinates me. Ideas like the precautionary principle resonate with me as it demonstrates the varying levels of value we put on possible future costs. I now can go forward with greater forethought regarding my daily decisions and can consider not taking action if what I’m about to do might cause future harm (Hulme 2009). Along with placing more consideration on future costs, I will consider externalities – especially regarding my choices as a consumer. I can now see beyond surface costs as I am aware of the negative externalities that come from purchasing fossil fuel intensive products like red meat, for example. I will proceed as a more careful, conscious consumer.
Deep ecological philosophy
Although many of the contemporary ideas we explored, like hybrid nature, resonated with me and gave me new hope for the future, the classic philosophy of deep ecology will continue to guide my actions the most. As an ecological field worker, both in regards to scientific study and eco-tourism, deep ecology will expand how I process the inherent worth of all forms of life around me. As a hiking guide in Yosemite, I’ve always emphasized the “leave no trace” principles for the reason of leaving the area pristine for the next people who may camp there. Now, I will share the leave no trace principals not only for the sake of the next human visitors, but for the well being of all aspects of the ecosystem. As an ecological fieldworker, “the equal right to live and blossom is an intuitively clear and obvious value axiom” (Naess 1973). My focus as a fieldworker will expand to not only embrace anthropocentric values, but include respect for all forms of life and their inalienable rights to live.
Institutional action
In addition to my shifting ideas as an ecological fieldworker, the WRE text gave me new found hope with regards to how rules don’t have to be set in stone. Although I continue to value individual actions that I take on a daily basis like recycling or not eating meat, I’ve come to realize the centrality of institutional action – especially with regards to rulemaking. Social rules lay the base work for what we can or can’t do and what land we can even access. This is particularly relevant to my role as a field worker because I wouldn’t be able to access the lands that I work in if social rules hadn’t made it possible! Although the sets of rules that we live by today may seem unchangeable or “just the way it is,” they can and do evolve. I will carry with me Steinberg’s advice to create new rules that will shape a new normal. A well rounded view is essential as, “we must balance durability… with the recognition that we never have all the answers” (Steinberg 2015, 268). Although easier said than done, I plan to work towards a legacy of change while simultaneously keeping an open mind. This is not to say that I could change the rules by myself, for we must utilize institutional action to truly protect our ecosystems.
Works Cited
Hulme, Mike. 2009. Why We Disagree about Climate Change: Understanding Controversy, Inaction and Opportunity. Cambridge University Press.
Naess, Arne. 1973. “The Shallow and the Deep, Long-Range Ecology Movement.” Inquiry 16: 95–100.
Steinberg, Paul F. 2015. Who Rules the Earth?: How Social Rules Shape Our Planet and Our Lives. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.