Environmental Ethics: Theories and Importance

Environmental Ethics

• Environmental ethics is a philosophy that studies the moral relationships between humans and the natural world
• It studies interactions with the planet and ecosystems
• It addresses conservation, sustainability and environmental justice

Why Environmental Ethics is Important

• The environment provides essential resources like air, water, and food
• Human activities can harm ecosystems, causing pollution and climate change
• Ethical principles can encourage responsible stewardship of nature for future generations

Ethical Theories

• Ethical theories provide a framework for understanding the importance of the environment

Anthropocentrism (Human-Centered Ethics)

• Involves placing value on nature based only on its usefulness to humans
• Assumes humans are superior
• Deforestation being allowed for city expansion is an example

Biocentrism (Life-Centered Ethics)

• Recognizes the intrinsic value of all living things
• Emphasizes moral consideration for all life
• Wildlife conservation laws are an example of this

Ecocentrism (Ecosystem-Centered Ethics)

• Prioritizes entire ecosystems, including living and non-living elements
• Governments banning mining in protected areas to preserve biodiversity is an example

Environmental Ethics Issues

• Environmental ethics issues involve the moral duty to protect nature and address human impacts on the planet

Deforestation

• Clearing forests for agriculture or development destroys habitats and reduces biodiversity
• When logging companies cut down rainforest this endangers wildlife and displaces indigenous people

Climate Change

• It is caused by pollution and greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs)
• Climate Change causes global warming, which affects vulnerable communities.
• Rising sea levels flooding coastal cities is an example

Water Pollution

• When toxic waste is dumped into water, it harms marine life and human health
• When a factory dumps chemicals into a river, and contaminates drinking water it is an example

Overfishing

• Excessive fishing depletes fish populations and disrupts marine ecosystems
• A country enforcing fishing limits after tuna populations drop, is an example

Animal Rights

• Factory farming and poaching threaten animal welfare and conservation
• When a wildlife group fights elephant poaching for ivory this is an example

Sustainable Development

• Sustainable development meets present needs without harming future generations' ability to do the same
• It balances economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being

Three Pillars of Sustainable Development

• These concepts ensure long-term prosperity and well-being.
• Economic Sustainability ensures economic growth without causing 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 such as 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

• The Philippines is balancing economic growth, environmental conservation, and social well-being
• The Philippine Development Plan (PDP) aligns with the SDGs to promote inclusive growth
• Programs like renewable energy projects, waste management initiatives, and reforestation efforts help sustainability
• Government and private sectors work together to improve education, healthcare, and infrastructure while protecting the environment
• Promoting responsible consumption, environmental conservation, and social equity contributes to creating a sustainable and just society.