Car Allowance Rebate System (Cars) Program and Deep Ecology

Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) Program and Deep Ecology

Introduction:

The purpose of this essay is to explore the influence, or rather the lack of influence, that deep ecology has had in the creation and shaping of the US Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS). In this essay, I will first separately define and explain both deep ecology and the CARS program. I will then talk about how, although this ethic and policy both aim to improve the environment, the ethic had no significant influence in the formation of the CARS program. I will continue discussing the lack of relation between the ethic and policy by addressing how representatives of deep ecology would criticize the intent of the CARS Program. I will conclude with a discussion about how deep ecology can be used in policies aimed at decreasing the environmental impact of personal automobiles.

Deep Ecology Defined:

In 1973, Arne Naess identified deep ecology in seven parts:

1. Rejection of the man-in-environment image in favor the relational, total-field image.

2. Biospherical egalitarianism.

3. Principles of diversity and symbiosis.

4. Anti-class posture.

5. Fight against pollution and resource depletion.

6. Complexity, not complication.

7. Local autonomy and decentralization. (Naess 1973)

Naess and deep ecologists challenge the current approach to ecology and conservation. Deep ecology places emphasis on the importance of natural systems and organisms. Beings and systems have intrinsic value, which can be overlooked, ignored, or discredited for self-interest. Naess is critical of how current ecologists are perceived, claiming that, “their message is twisted and misused” (Naess 1973). Contrasting to deep ecology, Naess presents the idea of shallow ecology, which is similar to enlightened anthropocentrism in regard that the well being of the natural world is valued for the well being of human life and affluence. Naess defines shallow ecology as the “fight against pollution and resource depletion”...