Environmental Ethics and Theories

Environmental Ethics

• Branch of philosophy focused on the moral relationship between humans and the natural world
• Explores how we should interact with the planet and its ecosystems
• Examines issues like conservation, sustainability, and environmental justice

Why Environmental Ethics Matters

• The environment provides essential resources (air, water, food)
• Human activities impact ecosystems, leading to problems like pollution and climate change
• Ethical principles guide responsible actions toward nature and future generations

Ethical Theories

• Anthropocentrism (Human-Centered Ethics) values nature only for human use and assumes human superiority
• Example: governments allow deforestation to expand cities
• Biocentrism (Life-Centered Ethics) recognizes the intrinsic value of all living things and elevates moral consideration
• Example: Wildlife conservation laws protect endangered species, even without human benefits
• Ecocentrism (Ecosystem-Centered Ethics) prioritizes entire ecosystems, including living and non-living elements
• Example: Governments ban mining in protected areas to preserve biodiversity

Environmental Ethics Issues

• Focuses on the moral responsibility to protect nature and address human impact
• Deforestation involves clearing forests for agriculture or development
• Deforestation destroys habitats and reduces biodiversity
• Example: A logging company cuts down a rainforest, endangering wildlife and displacing indigenous people
• Climate Change includes pollution and greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs)
• Climate change causes global warming, which affects vulnerable communities
• Example: Rising sea levels flood coastal cities, forcing people to relocate
• Water Pollution is the dumping of toxic waste into water
• Water pollution can harm marine life and human health
• Example: A factory dumps chemicals into a river, killing fish and contaminating drinking water
• Overfishing involves the excessive fishing, which depletes fish populations and disrupts marine ecosystems.
• Example: A country enforces fishing limits after tuna populations drop
• Animal Rights: Factory farming and poaching threaten animal welfare and conservation
• Example: A wildlife group fights elephant poaching for ivory

Sustainable Development

• Meets present needs without harming future generations' ability to do the same
• Balances economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being

Three Pillars of Sustainable Development

• They ensure long-term prosperity and well-being
• Economic Sustainability ensures economic growth without long-term harm to the environment or society
• Environmental Sustainability focuses on protecting natural resources and ecosystems while supporting human needs
• Social Sustainability promotes fairness, equality, and access to essential services like education and healthcare

Role of Individuals in Sustainable Development

• Reduce, reuse, and recycle to minimize waste
• Conserve energy and water
• Support sustainable businesses and products
• Raise awareness and advocate for sustainable policies

Sustainable Development in the Philippines

• Aims to balance economic growth, environmental conservation, and social well-being
• The Philippine Development Plan (PDP) aligns with the SDGs to promote inclusive growth
• Programs include renewable energy projects, waste management initiatives, and reforestation efforts
• These programs help sustainability
• Government and private sectors collaborate to improve education, healthcare, infrastructure, and protecting the environment
• Sustainable development ensures a better future
• Promoting responsible consumption, environmental conservation, and social equity