Question

According to Guthman, what were some of the critiques of the Theory of Himalayan degradation that began to emerge in the 1980s and 1990s?

a) Critics argued that the theory oversimplified complex issues and neglected social factors
b) Critics praised the theory for its comprehensive approach and accuracy
c) The theory faced no critiques during the 1980s and 1990s
d) Critics questioned the relevance of the theory to modern environmental challenges

Answer 1

Critics in the 1980s and 1990s argued that the Theory of Himalayan degradation oversimplified environmental problems and ignored social factors, reflecting a broader shift towards recognizing the importance of addressing social structures to solve environmental issues.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to Guthman, some of the critiques of the Theory of Himalayan degradation that began to emerge in the 1980s and 1990s are that critics argued the theory oversimplified complex issues and neglected social factors. This reflects a broader shift in environmental scholarship where deeper analysis of environmental crises led to the recognition that such problems cannot be effectively addressed without considering the underlying social, political, and economic systems that contribute to them. Consequently, perspectives like social ecology emerged, emphasizing the interconnectedness of social and environmental issues and the need to transform societal structures to achieve sustainable environmental outcomes.