HL.cA Environmental ethics Notes

Ethics

1. In environmental science, ethics plays a crucial role in shaping policies, decision-making, and conservation efforts.
2. Different ethical perspectives influence how societies interact with the environment and allocate resources.

Key Environmental Ethical Perspectives

Anthropocentrism (Human-Centered Ethics)

1. Views humans as the most important species.
2. Nature is valued only if it benefits humans.

Ecocentrism (Earth-Centered Ethics)

1. Values the intrinsic worth of nature, independent of human use.
2. Promotes ecosystem preservation over human exploitation.

Biocentrism (Life-Centered Ethics)

1. All living organisms have inherent value.
2. Ethical responsibility to minimize harm to all life forms.

Deep Ecology

1. Emphasizes harmony between humans and nature.
2. Calls for radical lifestyle changes to minimize ecological footprints.

Environmental Justice

1. Focuses on fair distribution of environmental benefits and burdens.
2. Recognizes that marginalized communities often suffer disproportionately from pollution and climate change.

Ethical Dilemmas in Environmental Science

1. Climate Change Responsibility: Who should be held accountable for reducing emissions: developed countries (historical polluters) or developing nations (current rapid emitters)?
2. Conservation vs. Development: Should economic progress be prioritized over protecting endangered species and habitats?
3. Indigenous Rights and Land Use: Should governments and corporations have the right to exploit indigenous lands for resources?
4. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): Are GMOs an ethical solution to food insecurity, or do they threaten biodiversity and health?

Environmental Ethics: An Overview

1. It emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, driven by growing environmental awareness and concerns about pollution, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss.
2. Traditional Western ethics primarily focused on human interactions but lacked frameworks to address the ethical status of non-human and non-living entities in nature.

Key Environmental Ethical Perspectives

Anthropocentrism (Human-Centered Ethics)

1. Views humans as the most important species.
2. Nature is valued only if it benefits humans.

Ecocentrism (Earth-Centered Ethics)

1. Values the intrinsic worth of nature, independent of human use.
2. Promotes ecosystem preservation over human exploitation.

Biocentrism (Life-Centered Ethics)

1. All living organisms have inherent value.
2. Ethical responsibility to minimize harm to all life forms.