The idea of deep ecology is expected to be one of the possible responses to the gradual deterioration of the environment and a method for attaining its improvement. This concept presupposes that we are all parts of nature which also has its rights that should be protected. However, despite its eco-friendly character, there is criticism of deep ecology because of some shortcomings that give rise to ethical dilemmas.
First of all, if the Earth demands rights and protection, it should also have interests. Since adherers of this idea identify themselves with nature, they suppose that it also has such needs as survival, balance, development, and growth. However, these are human beings interests, while deep ecologists do not have a clear understanding of real natures interests (Naess, 2013). It contributes to the emergence of numerous debates regarding the basics of this idea and its further evolution.
The second shortcoming related to this concept is the lack of deepness. Other ecologists and activists assume that the given approach is not linked to the existing environmental crisis and its peculiarities (Naess, 2013). The fact is that all problems with the environment are interconnected and, to a greater degree, result from human social interaction (Guha, 1989). At the same time, deep ecologists disregard the idea that the desired ecological behavior can be cultivated by altering the existing social paradigm that is now aimed at the exploitation of nature and its resources.
In such a way, there is a particular ethical dilemma related to the deepness of the concept that is expected to be more profound than others; however, it turns out to be inefficient while analyzing the existing conditions and root causes of environmental issues.
References
Guha, R. (1989). Radical environmentalism and wilderness preservation: A third world critique. F54Environmental Ethics, 11, 71-83. Web.
Naess, A. (2013). The shallow and the deep, long-range ecology movement: A summary. In M. Boylan (Ed.), Environmental ethics (2nd ed.) (pp. 42-46). Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell.