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The Ecocentrists: A History of Radical Environmentalism

Vincent Mitchell

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The Ecocentrists is a comprehensive history of the radical environmental movement, from its origins in the 19th century to its present-day manifestations. The book traces the evolution of ecocentrism, from its early roots in transcendentalism and the conservation movement, to its more recent manifestations in deep ecology, ecofeminism, and bioregionalism.

The Ecocentrists is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of environmentalism, or in the current state of the environmental movement. The book is well-researched and well-written, and it provides a comprehensive overview of the radical environmental movement.

The Ecocentrists: A History of Radical Environmentalism

by Keith Makoto Woodhouse

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1411 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	394 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

The Origins of Ecocentrism

The roots of ecocentrism can be traced back to the 19th century, when a number of thinkers began to question the dominant anthropocentric view of the world. Anthropocentrism holds that humans are the center of the universe and that all other creatures and things exist for our benefit. Ecocentrism, on the other hand, holds that all living things have intrinsic value, regardless of their usefulness to humans.

One of the most influential early ecocentrists was Henry David Thoreau. Thoreau was a transcendentalist who believed that the natural world was a reflection of the divine. He argued that humans should live in harmony with nature, rather than trying to dominate it.

Another important early ecocentrist was John Muir. Muir was a naturalist and conservationist who founded the Sierra Club. He was a passionate advocate for the protection of wilderness areas, and he helped to establish several national parks.

The Rise of Radical Environmentalism

In the 20th century, ecocentrism began to take on a more radical form. This was due in part to the growing awareness of the environmental problems caused by human activity. Pollution, climate change, and deforestation were all becoming major concerns.

In 1972, the publication of Arne Naess's book "Ecology, Community and Lifestyle" marked a turning point in the history of ecocentrism. Naess argued that humans were just one part of a larger ecological community, and that we had a responsibility to live in a way that respected the rights of other species.

Naess's ideas inspired a new generation of radical environmentalists. These activists were willing to use direct action to protect the environment. They blockaded logging roads, occupied government buildings, and engaged in other forms of civil disobedience.

The Ecocentrists Today

The radical environmental movement is still going strong today. Ecocentrists are working to protect the environment in a variety of ways, from grassroots organizing to lobbying to direct action.

One of the most important challenges facing ecocentrists today is climate change. Climate change is a global problem that is caused by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels. Climate change is already having a devastating impact on the planet, and it is only going to get worse if we do not take action.

Ecocentrists are working to raise awareness of climate change and to push for policies that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They are also working to protect the communities that are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

The Future of Ecocentrism

The future of ecocentrism is uncertain. However, the movement is growing stronger every day. More and more people are realizing that we need to change our relationship with the environment. We need to move away from anthropocentrism and towards ecocentrism. We need to recognize that all living things have intrinsic value, and that we have a responsibility to protect the environment.

The future of the planet depends on it.

The Ecocentrists: A History of Radical Environmentalism

by Keith Makoto Woodhouse

4 out of 5