Deep Ecology

Deep ecology is a term introduced by Arne Naess to suggest that environmentalism, in its strongest incarnation, must have at its root a fundamental change in the way humanity defines itself as part of nature. Many environmentalists have advanced deep ecology as the philosophical foundation of authentic environmental policies. When evaluating the environmental acceptability of human practices, deep ecology does not restrict itself to asking what the effects on human interests are, but asks what are the consequences for all of nature. Deep ecology therefore promotes a lifestyle that seeks to harmonize with nature.