Environmental Ethics Essay

environsal moral philosophy falls under the discipline of environmental philosophy that studies how world beings relate to their native environment. This is a wide study that involves a medley of separate disciplines such as those that study hu patch relationships, political economy, the populaces structure and biology especially ecology. Hu existence beings being the most first-rate of all the lifespan things on earth perk up an estimable cartel to the environment concerning the earth, air, water, opposite organisms and the clementity population, both the present and the succeeding(a) generation.environmental ethical motive brigs up a variety of issues concerning what, when, how and wherefore we should consider this part of study. Aspects arising accommodate the environments moral apprise, how sustainable are the policies on environmental protection, and how do these apply to the developing nations, and what policies should be put in place to ensure that the en vironment is safe guarded for the future generation, among others. many philosophers through the years have studied this topic, but it only came to be recognized as an independent discipline in 1970, due to cognizance of personal effects of increasing human knowledge on the environment.Growing economics and populations, impertinent technologies and development of industries all have had various adverse effects on personality, although aimed at improving life. The works of Rachael Carson, Paul Ehrlich, Aldo Leopold, among others brought intimately ethical concerns closely the environment. Under environmental moral philosophy, human beings have a calling towards the environment, on protection and conservation as well as having a quality life for themselves. In this context, contentious issues arise as to why we should be concern about the environment.Should it be for us, the living human beings, the future generation, or for the environment itself regardless of our own return s? Different personalities offer varied answers to this header hence varied views have come up on environmental ethical motive. 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 nation to value and appreciate temper. Earth Day which is held annually (first held in 1970) continues to create cognizance and sensitize people on the value of the environment and why it should be protected.The Moral Standing We piece of tail non handle ethics without reference to moral philosophy, which is concerned with individual behaviors and conducts. The moral standing depends on what is considered right or corking and wrong or bad by an individual or a society. For instance, different societies have different views on areas standardised land and puppet ownership, rights of the future generation, and many more(prenominal). Personal conduct with respect to environmental ethics defines how people should interact with constitution, 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. Many of the environmental concerns revolve around man and how these attain him, frankincense the responsibility of environmental ethics should be solely mans. Responsibility to the environment implies that we are aware of this childbed, 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 existing in the environment.This means that we know the damage we can ca physical exercise to the environment, the effects of this damage and the prevention or solutions to these problems. This distributes us a moral significance in environmental ethics, and gives us a central role. The moral standing in that locationfore means we have the moral certificate of indebtedness towards nature and the capability to carry out this responsibility. When we consider environmental ethics, accordingly, impression at issues such as Should we care about nature for itself darn its people who really matter?That is if not for human beings earn why else should we conserve the environment? And if depleting the natural resources is necessary for life improvement, why not exhaust it? Is the loss of biodiversity, destruction of scenic geographical features for human benefit such as in agri horticulture so pernicious to man? Where is the need to conserve a species while it has no take place 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 food and clean water? Do these resources exist for t he benefit of a few 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 responsibleness of protecting the environment?For instance, does biotechnology with potential to create new species, or bring back an extinct species, relieve us of the duty to conserve the biodiversity? Or changenative sources of fuel give us a right to deplete the natural fuel reserve? Should we let nature take its course as it always has or try and sustain 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 renewal?The main issue surrounding environmental ethics today is the activist movements on environmental protection that focus people on the wrong issues, that is the moral stan ding is more emotional than factual or synthetical. The interest are essential in discussing environmental ethics and policies. Western Religion and Culture It has been viewed by some philosophers that the Western holiness has adversely affected the environment as it teaches that human beings have pattern over the earth and subdue it.Others view this as a operate to take care of nature as we have been left in charge. The command given in the bible to the first man be fruitful and fill the earth (Genesis 128, Holy Bible KJV) raises the enquiry of population control, is it ethical for the sake of the environment or is it a direct defiance of Gods command? To address this sensitive topic, organized religion should be understood in context. At the time of the command there was only one man on earth, so he was need to fill it, but now the earth is already filled.Is it logical to still apply the very resembling principles now as they did then? The culture of a people defines how they relate to and use the environment. Many of the diachronic events that shape the western culture have had a enormous jounce on the environment. Events such as the industrial revolution, technological advances and the modern culture have affected 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 the environment defines cultural practices.thusly 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 but born. We might not know exactly what that generation will convey but we are well aware of the basic needs of living beings food shelter and basic health. Based on these we can h ave a model of what the environment should offer the future human beings. so 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 adequate to(p) of feeling. Although animals come after humans, they have rights and should be considered according to what they are arouse 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 look into for medical and other studies to better our lives? The simple answer to this question is that unless it is extremely necessary, animals should not be put at risk or in adverse conditions. The harm to animals should be jus tified 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 hard to justify this assortment 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. economics and Ecology Economics and ecology usually appear as counter forces. Economy involves trying to allocate the limited resources while ecology looks out to protect these resources. The ever-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 nuclear power makes electrical energy cheaper, should this field be ventured? What is the cost of preserving a forest compared to the cost of trade timber? These raise challenges when setting up policies on the environment because of the question of cost versus the benefit of environmental ethics. Technology 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, discourse and energy industries rely heavily on technology to better human life. Technology has the power to destroy nature as well as replenish it. The technological advances that are mo st 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 devotion must be made with regards to the environment. ConclusionIn 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 shape is the importance of individual natural resources and how much effort and cost we should devote to protecting such. This should be based on facts and not feelings, like and dislikes. It is burning(prenominal) that policies be based on an integrated system that has in assessment all the components of nature, as well as involvement of the government, institutions and other countries.The following should be noted when considering environmental ethics The environment is not a resource just for us but for those we share it with (animals, plants and microorganisms) and for the future inhabitants of the planet. spirit is continuous with continuous flow of energy, but with rapid exhaustion, the environment is not able to renew itself. Some of the artificially made substances are equal to(p) of spreading all over the earth out of our control and nature has no way getting rid of them, for example nuclear waste, fluorocarbons, DDT, GMOs, etcetera Our policies on environment affect the whole world since everything in nature spreads. We should be sensitive to the needs of other countries especially the less genuine when considering environmental ethics It has to be demonstrated clearly that the policies we put in place concerning the environment have defined benefits for all concerned other the area of environmental ethics will always be viewed with keen critism. The benefits of conserving the environment should be clearly elucidated and put out for all interested stakehold ers.ReferenceConchrane, A.Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy Environmental ethics, (London School of economics and semipolitical Science, 2007). 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