Question

Which of the following is/are the characteristics of Ecological movements?
I. Identity politics
II. Greater exploitation of natural resources
III. Cultural anxieties
IV. Social inequality

• A. Only I and II
• B. Only II
• C. Only III
• D. I, II, III and IV

Hint:

Ecological movements are not solely about protecting nature; they are also about social justice, cultural identity, and challenging unsustainable economic practices.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Ecological movements arise from a confluence of factors:
Identity Politics (I): Many ecological movements are intrinsically linked to identity politics. For instance, Indigenous communities frequently spearhead environmental advocacy due to direct threats to their subsistence and cultural identity from deforestation, mining, or dam construction. Their claims to resources and right to self-governance are paramount to these movements. 
Resource Exploitation (II): A core tenet of ecological movements is opposition to excessive natural resource exploitation. This exploitation, fueled by industrialization, consumerism, and historical colonial practices, is identified as the primary driver of environmental damage. Movements strive to curb resource extraction, encourage sustainable methods, and contest economic models that prioritize profit over ecological well-being. 
Cultural Anxieties (III): Concerns regarding the erosion of traditional lifestyles, the disruption of natural cycles, and the desecration of sacred sites frequently motivate ecological movements. These anxieties can be spiritual, aesthetic, or pragmatic, encompassing worries about food security, water availability, or the welfare of future generations. 
Social Inequality (IV): Environmental challenges disproportionately impact disadvantaged groups, intensifying pre-existing social disparities. Ecological movements often address environmental justice, emphasizing how pollution, resource scarcity, and climate change affect the impoverished and vulnerable most severely. This focus on social inequality connects environmental issues to broader campaigns for social and economic fairness.