Lev och låt leva : Djupekologi och människans samhörighet med resten av naturen

Sammanfattning: Deep ecology seeks answers to and treats the earth's ecological crisis by digging down to the root of the problem. In deep ecology, an ecocentric worldview where human life is part of all living things is preferred over the anthropocentric view where humanity places itself at the center of the world. The purpose of this study was to investigate perceived interconnectedness with the rest of nature and how that connection affects possible environmental activism. Engagement can stem from various reasons and the study also examines whether or not it is based on the principles of deep ecology. With the intention to answer the study's research questions, a survey consisting of 18 questions was designed with both closed and open-ended answers, which enabled the use of both quantitative and qualitative analysis methods. The survey was distributed online, and data were collected from 95 individuals, 72% female and 28% male. The results showed that a 93% of the respondents see themselves as environmentally conscious people. A statistically significant majority agreed with the eight principles linked to the deep ecology movement, and it can therefore be assumed that these principles are at least partially accepted by environmentally conscious people. 55% of the respondents replied that the reason for their environmental activism is that they are committed to "nature of which we are all a part", this result is of interest regarding the focus on the ecocentric worldview in this study. The results show that a statistically significant majority agree that a stronger sense of connection with nature makes them want to make more environmentally conscious choices. This particular result encourages continued research of the subject, and a continuation of digging deeper for possible solutions to the ecological crisis.