REM 100 Lecture Notes - Easterlin Paradox, Paradigm Shift, Gaia Hypothesis

• School: Simon Fraser University
• Department: Resource & Environmtl Mgmt
• Course: REM 100
• Professor: Neil Braganza

Document Summary

Unprecedented wealth and material consumption was created however, the wealth is inequitably shared. A large increase in the human population occurred. Considerable costs in terms of human health and pollution were encountered along that way and many improvements resulted. Western societies were also transformed with considerable improvements in human welfare; western values became dominated by the idea that human welfare is inextricably linked to economic growth. The easterlin paradox higher levels of material consumption have not increased people"s perception of their happiness. In the 1960"s a new social movement arose in western countries. People became increasingly concerned about the state of environment because of, for example. The earth as an entity": lovelock"s gaia hypothesis (1970s) A complex entity involving the earth"s biosphere, atmosphere, oceans, and soil: the totality constituting a feedback system. The most widely held set of beliefs, values and ideals that guide thinking about society, governance, and the roles of individuals.