Blog #9 Deep Ecology

I would have to agree with deep ecology. It relates a lot to spiritual ecology; the Earth is a living organism, just as us. We are in a symbiotic relationship with it and without that relationship neither of us would survive. People do need to learn how to coexist. No quality in one person makes them better than any other person. If people learned to cooperate better there would be less violence, which is a main component of ecological thinking. Widening diversity will give people a better chance to work together and accept differences, which in turn will help change the environment for the better. It will take a combined effort to live in symbiosis with each other and the Earth. I feel that most people only have the views of shallow ecology, but it truly is more than that. Simply recycling and reducing pollution is not enough to sustain the environment. I really like the idea of "people being active not merely reacting." Taking a mitigating approach will keep people active and help plan for the future, not just reacting when an issue must be dealt with. Action leads to change and people are the ones who must take action. I disagree slightly with the idea of decentralization. Decentralization is a vital part of deep ecology because it once again focuses on the ideas of togetherness and cooperation, however, I think that most people need that structure and some form of a leader or leaders to guide them in the right direction. Most people are not just going to deviate from the norm and speak out against others so I think that a centralized nation helps with having a leader that will give them the confidence to take action. A major concern would be whether people are willing to give this way of life a chance and if they can become more open minded and work together. I definitely think that deep ecology relates to my life because I have the mindset already and value the principles that are the foundation of deep ecology.