Environmental_Schools_of_Thought…

Environmental Schools of Thought… Suzanne McDonald-Halverson Tacoma Campus SCI/362 Instructor: Heather Folk July 13, 2010 Environmental Schools of Thought… "Let every individual and institution now think and act as a responsible trustee of Earth, seeking choices in ecology, economics and ethics that will provide a sustainable future, eliminate pollution, poverty and violence, awaken the wonder of life and foster peaceful progress in the human adventure” (John McConnell, 2010). Anthropocentrism versus biocentrism is the topic of this discussion with a brief look at the environmental impact illegal immigration has on our desserts along the Mexican boarder. This issue has long been debated and unfortunately there is not a satisfying solution; or any light at the end of the tunnel (Merriam-Webster, 2008). Anthropocentrism The definition of anthropocentrism is the human thought of supremacy. This means some humans believe that their existence is the most important in the universe and that the earth was created for human kind; that nothing else on the earth is more important then their survival (Merriam-Webster, 2008). Biocentrism Biocentrism in an ecological perspective, and is a point of view which extends value to ecosystems, and all non- homosapien life on earth. The belief is that without the processes of the world; humans would not be able to exist. This perspective is a contrast to anthropocentrism which focuses only on the value of humans. Issues One of the biggest issues in the news is Arizona immigration and the environmental impact that it has in the deserts. This is a prime example of anthropocentrism versus biocentrism. The issue includes masses of illegal immigrants that are crossing through the Arizona dessert trying to survive, and at the same time there is a fierce environmental impact. The immigrants leave large amounts of trash in the desert. They trample over cactus and other desert plants and disrupt the ecosystems that are a part of that state. How is this compare and contrast of anthropocentrism versus biocentrism' This is earth processes versus human life (Miller, 2010). We the people, hear voices speaking out about saving the earth, and if we don’t protect our natural resources there will someday be nothing left for future generations. However, at the same time we hear about the poor people who cross the border in desperation in search of the land of opportunity, which is the United States of America. Where is the fine line between the two issues' How do we find a solution that benefits both earth and human' Is there an answer' My conscience allows only that the answer lies in a matter of opinion.   References McConnell, J. (2010). Grinning Planet. Retrieved from http://www.grinningplanet.com/6001/environmental-quotes.htm Hacker, 2008. In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hacker Miller, L. A. (2010). Washington Times. Retrieved from http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/oct/25/environment-casualty-immigration-war/