1. What four characteristics of deep ecology does Guha list?
2. What are his criticisms of the four?
3. Why does he think the emphasis on wilderness preservation is harmful?
4. What problems does he have with the invocation of Eastern religions?
5. How is deep ecology related to consumerism?
6. How do Indian environmental views and German green movements better reflect a good environmentalism, according to Guha?
7. How does he believe that elements of deep ecology favor the rich and urban elite in the third world?
8. What point does Guha want to make with the reference to J. K. Galbraith?
SOLUTION
(1) The environmental movement must shift from an “anthropocentric” to a “biocentric” perspective, (2) a focus on the preservation of unspoiled wilderness and the restoration of degraded areas to a more pristine condition, (3) widespread invocation of Eastern spiritual traditions as forerunners of deep ecology, and (4) shared belief that they are the “leading edge” of the environmental movement.
Respondent should summarize in their own words what is found in each respective numbered critique from pages 368-373 but could include the following key points on each: (1) The dichotomy is of very little use in understanding the dynamics of environmental degradation; (2) the emphasis on wilderness is positively harmful when applied to the Third World; (3) it makes the East as the “Other” defined by a uniquely spiritual and non-rational “essence” that denies agency and reason to the East and makes it the privileged orbit of Western thinkers; (4) at best it is a radical trend within the wilderness preservation movement as it runs parallel to the consumer society without seriously questioning its ecological and socio-political basis. Both German and Indian environmental traditions allow for a greater integration of ecological concerns with livelihood and work.
The emphasis on wilderness preservation is harmful because it seriously compounds the neglect by the American movement of far more pressing environmental problems within the Third World. It also provides an impetus to the imperialist yearning of Western biologists and their financial sponsors.
The invocation of eastern religions is problematic because it makes the East as the “Other” defined by a uniquely spiritual and non-rational “essence” that denies agency and reason to the East and makes it the privileged orbit of Western thinkers
Deep ecology is related to consumerism because the enjoyment of nature is an integral part of the consumer society. “Wilderness” and “civilization” coexist as a part of an internally coherent whole in the culture of which deep ecology is the fullest expression of “wilderness” preservation.
They reflect a good environmentalism because they allow for a greater integration of ecological concerns with livelihood and work. They also place a greater emphasis on equity and social justice on the grounds that in the absence of social regeneration environmental regeneration has very little chance of succeeding. Finally they have escaped the preoccupation with wilderness preservation.
They favor the rich and urban elite in the third world by setting aside wilderness areas that result in direct transfer of resources from the poor to the rich. Project Tiger, for instance, made possible the displacement of existing villages and their inhabitants without considering the needs of the local population and with the preserved land benefiting primarily rich tourists.
The point he wants to make with the reference to J.K. Galbraith is that there needs to be a questioning of consumer economy and society and the role they play in environmental concerns. He believes Galbraith's criticisms are nearly as valid today.