First Advisor
William York
Date of Award
Spring 6-2022
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Environmental Studies and University Honors
Department
Environmental Studies
Language
English
Subjects
Environmental ethics, Traditional ecological knowledge, Climate justice, Climatic changes
DOI
10.15760/honors.1283
Abstract
This thesis will analyze prevailing Western perceptions of the natural environment and the historical construction of these beliefs, in an attempt to discern the root problems contributing to the present-day climate crisis. The dominant historical narratives of the West (such as Greco-Roman, and Christian) will be examined so as to demonstrate the trajectory of Western thought in regard to perceptions of the natural environment. Prominent theories on combating climate change in the modern era, put forth by scholars with expertise in relevant fields, will be examined and discussed, with a specific focus on the established dichotomy between man and nature, characteristic of Western (and Christian) culture. Methods for the deconstruction of detrimental ideologies will be posited in the effort to dismantle such problematic anthropocentricity. The author suggests that this cultural paradigm shift must occur through the acceptance of new stories, and then emphasizes the ways in which Indigenous narratives serve as a far better conceptual model of environmental interactions, ethics, and land management. To provide evidence to this claim, Western cultural artifacts such as language, education, and economy will be contrasted with Indigenous ones to demonstrate the potential improvements associated with heeding Indigenous communities. The benefits and potential barriers to Indigenous co-collaboration will be outlined in order to preemptively identify potential solutions. Finally, methods for incorporating Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), and tangible instances of effective co-collaboration with Indigenous groups will be discussed using relevant case studies as evidence.
Rights
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Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/37863
Recommended Citation
St. Michael, Jessica K., "Combating the Climate Crisis: Deconstructing Western Anthropocentricity and the Value of Indigenous Teachings" (2022). University Honors Theses. Paper 1252.
https://doi.org/10.15760/honors.1283