Toward A More Moral Environmentalism

This thesis explores the differences in moral environmentalism between northern Europe and North America, using the comparative lens of indigenous and western perspectives. The study specifically focuses on the Sámi and Anishinaabe indigenous groups, correlating their perception and interaction with the environment to the western non-indigenous mode of thinking, analyzing the differences and similarities in the moral values held toward the environment. The goal of this research is to identify how individual's moral values are developed, and the distinctive qualities that influence how they view and interact with nature. The study makes the claim that indigenous cultures uphold stricter environmental morals and ideals, and therefore should be used in more exceptional environmental conservation measures. As moral standards differ by region and have an impact on how people value and treat the environment, the research also aims to address how different environmental policies and regulations relate to them. In the end, this study emphasizes the need for a change in thinking regarding ecological preservation from a western perspective to an indigenous perspective, as the indigenous viewpoint emphasizes a more significant spiritual and intellectual relationship between humans and nature, which can help influence more benevolent and environmentally conscious behavior.