Ecologism: Different Types

Environmental Pragmatism rejects inherent value in nature, focusing instead on practical solutions to environmental issues, seeing conservation as a means to ensure resources for future human generations.
Classical pragmatists like John Dewey and William James influence this school of thought, stressing focus on concrete problems over abstract principles.
This approach emphasises cooperative problem-solving and democratic decision making, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle environmental challenges.

Ecofeminism discerns intrinsic links between the domination of women and nature, positing that overcoming both lies in recognising, valuing, and responding to interdependence and diversity.
It draws parallels between the historical subjugation of nature and women, criticising patriarchal logic that objectifies and exploits the ‘other’.
Ecofeminism underlines the need to re-evaluate essential capacities often disqualified as gender ‘weakness’, such as emotionality, nurturing, and cooperation, as essential ecological virtues.

Bioregionalism advocates for the reorganisation of society along ecological lines, stressing the importance of local knowledge and the unique characteristics of a geographic region in determining how to live sustainably.
It posits that human settlements should be self-sustaining, relying on local resources, instead of on global, easily disrupted supply chains.
Bioregionalism promotes respect and care for all life forms and recognises the importance of community involvement and awareness in maintaining local ecosystems.

Green Liberalism accommodates ecological concerns within the framework of liberalism - an ideology historically preoccupied with individual freedom and capitalism.
It proposes market-based means of addressing environmental issues, such as carbon pricing, suggesting that economic incentives can encourage businesses to adopt sustainable practices.
Green Liberals are typically supportive of incremental change and advocate for the use of technology and science to address environmental crises.

Ecosocialism marries the principles of ecology and socialism, critiquing the capitalist system for promoting relentless consumption and short-term profit at the expense of the environment.
Ecosocialists champion social ownership of production, as only through release from the constant drive for growth, they maintain, we can promote sustainability.
It underscores social and ecological justice, emphasising that environmental costs often disproportionately affect the more impoverished and marginalised societies due to unequal power dynamics.