Environmental Ethics Essay

Environmental ethical motive f e really last(predicate)s under the discipline of purlieual philosophy that studies how human beings look up to their natural environs. This is a wide study that involves a variety of opposite disciplines more than(prenominal) as those that study human relationships, economics, the soils building and biology especi entirelyy ecology. Human beings being the most superior of all the biography things on earth provoke an ethical obligation to the environs concerning the earth, air, water, otherwise organisms and the human nation, twain the present and the future generation.Environmental ethics brigs up a variety of issues concerning what, when, how and why we should consider this argona of study. Aspects arising take on the environments honorable value, how sustainable are the policies on environmental protection, and how do these pass on to the developing nations, and what policies should be put in quad to ensure that the environment is safe guarded for the future generation, among others. This topic has been study by some(prenominal) philosophers through the years, plainly it l starsome(prenominal) came to be recognise as an independent discipline in 1970, due to awareness of effect of increasing human knowledge on the environment.Growing economics and populations, unused technologies and development of industries all withdraw had various adverse personal effects on disposition, although aimed at improving life. The works of Rachael Carson, Paul Ehrlich, Aldo Leopold, among others brought approximately ethical concerns roughly the environment. Under environmental ethics, human beings have a duty towards the environment, on protection and conservation as intumesce as having a whole tone life for themselves. In this context, contentious issues arise as to why we should be concerned about the environment.Should it be for us, the living human beings, the future generation, or for the environment itself r egard slight of our own benefits? Different personalities offer different answers to this interrogative sentence, thusly different views have come up on environmental ethics. The issues of environmental ethics is of growing concern to the goernment and other institution including united Nations which have come up with incentives to population to value and appreciate nature. worldly concern Day which is held annually (first held in 1970) continues to create awareness and sensitize deal on the value of the environment and why it should be protected.The Moral stand(a) We cannot handle ethics without reference to moral philosophy, which is concerned with individual behaviors and conducts. the moral standing depends on what is considered slump or good and ravish or bad by an individual or a society. For instance, different societies have different views on areas like land and animal ownership, rights of the future generation, and m some(prenominal) to a greater extent than. Pers onal conduct with respect to environmental ethics defines how people should act with nature, regarding its exploitation and conservation.The moral standing of the ethical issues on environment are wholly placed on human beings as they are the only living things who can reason and decide on moral issues. legion(predicate) of the environmental concerns revolve around man and how these affect him, thus the responsibleness of environmental ethics should be solely mans. Responsibility to the environment implies that we are aware of this task, we are able to do it, we are at liberty to do it or not, and carrying out of the task has an effect to others real in the environment.This means that we know the damage we can cause to the environment, the effects of this damage and the prevention or solutions to these problems. This move ons us a moral deduction in environmental ethics, and gives us a central role. The moral standing therefore means we have the moral obligation towards nature and the say-so to carry out this responsibility. When we consider environmental ethics, then, look at issues such(prenominal) as Should we forethought about nature for itself while its people who really matter?That is if not for human beings benefit why else should we conserves the environment? And if depleting the natural imagerys is necessary for life improvement, why not put out it? Is the loss of biodiversity, destruction of scenic geographical features for human benefit such as in agriculture so harmful to man? Where is the regard to conserve a species while it has no chance of survival in the near future due to changes in earths patterns? Is it right for a person to own land, it being a natural resource among others, or is it morally wrong?Is it fair that 5% of the human population use 30% of natural resources, while in other less countries the population suffers due to lack of the basic resources such as nourishment and clean water? Do these resources exist for the benefit of a a couple of(prenominal) or should they be left free for use by all? Is it possible for human beings to improve nature, seeing how man seems to have no control over nature when it comes to events such as natural calamities? Do recent developments in technology relieve us of our duty of protect the environment?For instance, does biotechnology with potential to create new species, or bring forth back an extinct species, relieve us of the duty to conserve the biodiversity? Or alternative sources of fuel give us a right to annihilate the natural fuel reserve? Should we let nature take its demarcation as it al substances has or try and preserve it without assurance that this is of any benefit, or that this only hinders the course of nature? Is there any way that nature can take care of itself without our hand, like self switch?The main issue surrounding environmental ethics today is the activistic movements on environmental protection that focus people on the wrong issues, that is the moral standing is more emotional than factual or logical. The pastime are essential in discussing environmental ethics and policies. Western devotion and Culture It has been viewed by some philosophers that the Western religion has adversely touch the environment as it teaches that human beings have dominion over the earth and subdue it. Others view this as a command to take care of nature as we have been left in charge.The command accustomed in the bible to the first man be fruitful and scarf out the earth (Genesis 128, Holy Bible KJV) raises the question of population control, is it ethical for the sake of the environment or is it a direct defiance of beau ideals command? To address this sensitive topic, religion should be soundless in context. At the time of the command there was only one man on earth, so he was commandd to fill it, but now the earth is already filled. Is it logical to still apply the very equivalent principles now as they did then?T he culture of a people defines how they relate to and use the environment. Many of the historic events that shape the occidental culture have had a huge impact on the environment. Events such as the industrial revolution, technological advances and the modern culture have moved(p) the environment. Culture can easily adapt to changing environments, as well as cause permanent change to different environments. The environment is very wide and continuous, while cultural practices are defined by the environment. thereof it is ethical to put environment before culture, and change current lifestyles towards more nature friendly practices. The future generation Most of the damage to the environment is more likely to affect the future human population. This therefore calls on the currently living humans to consider the rights of those who are not in time born. We might not know exactly what that generation will require but we are well aware of the basic needs of living beings food shelter and basic health. Based on these we can have a model of what the environment should offer the future human beings. and then it is our moral obligation to them to utilize nature as much as we need to but ensure that we do not deny them the pastime of the same. Animals Other animals should be considered when addressing environmental ethics, since they are sentient beings, that is are undetermined of feeling. Although animals come after humans, they have rights and should be considered according to what they are en diversenessle in, such as feeding, living in their natural habitat, and allowed their existence. Controversy about animal rights arises in what animals exactly should we grant rights to.For instance, are insects or other smaller animals in this category? Is it right to use animals for laboratory explore for medical and other studies to better our lives? The simple answer to this question is that unless it is exceedingly necessary, animals should not be put at risk or i n adverse conditions. The harm to animals should be justified and be limited to a certain allowable level. Ecofeminism Women are seen to be closer and more in touch with nature this is claimed by feminists concerned with the environment (Cochrane, 2007).This is because of their ability to give life, and the fact that the earth is considered female (Shiva, 1993). Thus this gives them a better apprehension of nature and how to coexist in harmony. Val Plumwood, an ecofeminist believe, that feminism should go hand in hand with environmentalism as both women and the environment are under the same oppression. Another feminist argues that the problem is in act to justify this kind of oppression thus allowing such subordination.When considering environmental ethics and policies, the domination over women and nature is a critical issue that requires attention. political economy and Ecology Economics and ecology usually appear as counter forces. Economy involves trying to allocate the limit ed resources while ecology looks out to protect these resources. The eer growing human population has placed great pressure on nature and thus their distribution is highly competitive. Market forces have added more pressure to natural resources and their exploitation.Rapid growth of industries has contributed to environmental deterioration. The cost-benefit considers questions like if atomic power makes electricity cheaper, should this field be ventured? What is the cost of preserving a wood compared to the cost of exporting timber? These raise challenges when setting up policies on the environment because of the question of cost versus the benefit of environmental ethics. engineering Technology has had a huge impact on human life as well as on the environment. The effects of technology are both beneficial and adverse.The medical, agricultural, communication and energy industries rely heavily on technology to better human life. Technology has the power to destroy nature as well a s replenish it. The technological advances that are most potentially harmful include nuclear technology that is able to annihilate nature and biotechnology which has the potential to alter the natural species boundaries. Since all technologies come with potential risks along with their benefits, ethical consideration must be made with regards to the environment. proofIn studying environmental ethics, the first thing is to ask the question what should be done about the current environmental situation and how should it be done? The other consideration is the importance of individual natural resources and how much effort and cost we should dedicate to protecting such. This should be based on facts and not feelings, like and dislikes. It is important that policies be based on an incorporated system that has in mind all the components of nature, as well as involvement of the government, institutions and other countries.