Environmental Sociology: Differences in Perception of Nature and Environment

The United States and countries in Western Europe differ in their perception of nature and the environment. The differences in thoughts between the two societies are manifest in their approach towards the two phenomena, in both words and actions. Their ideas may also flow to other societies with whom each is in close contact. The differences are likely to cause debates on the best ways in which countries should behave in matters of international trade. Research on the differences in perception of nature and environment between the US and Western Europe gives more insight into the perceptions, their effects on other people’s perceptions, valuations, attached value, and their effects on the definition of the environmental problem.

• Major differences between the US and Western Europe

Several major differences are identifiable in the perceptions of nature and the two societies’ environment in question. Among the most conspicuous is that American society pursues neoliberal policies while Western Europe seeks market regulation. American society believes that trade policies’ liberalization is the most effective method of conserving the environment (Grossman & Krueger 2). They anchor their belief on the possibility of altering the composition of economic activity. They feel that the change can cause a ripple effect in the techniques of production, making them more efficient and environment-friendly. For this reason, environmental advocacy groups push the idea of having the North American Free Trade Area (NAFTA) (Grossman & Krueger 3). The trade area is perceived as the first step in the unitary preservation of the environment’s environment. The lobby groups and others within American society propose more liberalization for better environmental conservation.

On the contrary, countries in Western Europe believe that the creation of strict trade barriers and market regulation are the most effective avenues of environmental preservation. One of the major concerns amongst countries in Western Europe is that countries’ freedom to trade with each other is leading to a multiplicity of negative consequences (Jacnischewski, Henzler, & Kahlenborn 7). The sale of second-hand clothes and vehicles by developed countries to developing economies is a particular area of concern. Some people in Western European countries feel that countries’ freedom to deal with the two types of trade is increasingly hindering sustainable development. The perception amongst these societies is that the continued import of second-hand clothes and vehicles is hurting developing countries’ environment.  They believe that the continued import of small amounts of products, especially the used ones, has the potential to result in significant environmental damage eventually. Their suggestion is that there should be more regulation of this trade and closer monitoring to protect the developing nations.

• Effects of Perceptions on other people

The varying perceptions affect other people differently. A major effect is a rise in conflicts of interest between environmental conservation and economic concern. Developing countries are increasingly engaging in conversations regarding whether first to consider the welfare of the environment or the economic benefits they gain from importing second-hand clothes and vehicles (Jacnischewski, Henzler, & Kahlenborn 78). This conflict is mainly caused by the perception of people in Western European countries. The belief that the import of used items reduces the destination countries’ environmental standards leads to the countries seeking ways of eliminating the problem while still benefitting. The conflict escalates to the level where some countries formulate laws and policies to cater to the two areas of concern. Some support the creation of tariff and non-tariff barriers while others seek to promote more importation. The conflict caused by this perception leads to worry amongst people in the developing countries, owing to the concern over the long-term effects of importing second-hand clothes and vehicles.

A related effect is the rise of debates regarding the effects of liberalization on pollution controls. Some people are concerned that freer trade may undercut the regulatory standards that have been installed to minimize pollution (Grossman & Krueger 3). This concern is caused by the perception among people in the US who believe that neoliberalism is the best method to apply for environmental conservation and trade expansion. People in other places worldwide seek to use a method that offers solutions to their economic and environmental problems. The perception that the method proposed by Americans may have more negative than positive effects is a cause of concern (Grossman & Krueger 4). People in developing countries are especially affected by this perception. They seek to retain the stringent pollution controls but still thrive through favorable trade activities. The concern is triggering a rise in the number of environmentalists who propose more scrutiny of the measures being taken to ensure sustainability.

• Valuable Aspects of Nature and Environment and their Attached Value

The two different perspectives share in the aspects of nature and environment to which they attach value. Common areas of concern in both cases include air, forests, water, fisheries, and land for agriculture. People from both American and Western societies perceive these areas as the most important aspects of the environment, owing to their direct connection to the welfare of human beings and other living organisms (Grossman & Krueger 3). In nature, they view concern for the quality of air, water, and land as an important part of the environment’s care. The value they attach to these aspects of nature is the main cause of the measures they develop to protect them from pollution. It is also the main cause of seeking a course of action in trade and its related activities for the welfare of both the economy and the environment. The valuable aspects of the environment and nature, for this reason, including reducing pollution, increasing the quality of air, water, and soil, and ensuring sustainability.

• Effects of Perception on and Valuation on the Definition of Environmental Problem

The perceptions affect the definition of the environmental problem. Among Americans, their perception and valuation lead to the definition of the issue regarding energy and air quality. They define the problem in terms of the amount of pollution that results from the transportation of goods across countries (Grossman & Krueger 5). Their concern for the quality of air is that they include the question of the best means of transport to ensure that they do not compromise the quality after expanding trade. The definition of the environmental problem is different amongst people of Western Europe.  They define it in terms of sustainability. They seek ways in which they can alleviate the problem in developing countries.  Their concern is especially attached to the sources of energy used by the countries. It is for this reason that they seek better trade regulations to control the importation of old vehicles that use fossil fuels.

Conclusion

The research indicates that there are major differences between the US and Western Europe in the perspectives of nature and the environment. Various groups of people in American society believe that liberalization is the best way of ensuring environmental conservation. On the contrary, people in Western Europe believe that freer trade may reduce sustainability in developing countries. The beliefs cause conflicts of interest in developing countries in determining what is more important between the environment and the economy. Despite their differences, the value they attach to air, water, and the land is similar. The perceptions, however, affect the definition of the environmental problem.