18 Questions
Which ethical principle emphasizes that humans should strive to preserve ecological balance and stability?
Ecocentrism
Which type of diversity focuses on the variety of ecosystem habitat types in an area of land and water?
Ecosystem Diversity
What concept is illustrated when it is mentioned that most resources are nonrenewable and vulnerable to depletion when not wisely utilized?
Tragedy of the Commons
Which ethical principle states that only humans have intrinsic value and moral standing, and nature should be protected for human needs?
Anthropocentrism
What does the Finiteness of Resources principle suggest about human life?
Our life is finite on earth due to limited resources
Which diversity concept focuses on the variety of genes and traits available within a species?
Genetic Diversity
Which principle states that when an activity poses potential harm, precautionary measures should be taken?
Precautionary Principle
Which concept is considered the foundation of sustainable development according to the text?
Intergenerational Equity
Which principle suggests that polluters should bear the responsibility of cleaning up their environmental mess?
Polluter Pays Principle
In terms of environmental consequences, which concept advocates against any group bearing a disproportionate burden?
Environmental Justice and Equity
Which principle is the oldest in environmental law and emphasizes that those who cause harm should pay for it?
Polluter Pays Principle
Which concept involves meeting the needs of the present without jeopardizing future generations' ability to meet their own needs?
Intergenerational Equity
What is the main concept behind the Preservation Ethic mentioned in the text?
Nature has intrinsic value beyond human use
Which concept aligns with the idea that resources should be managed in a way that meets current needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their needs?
Conservation / Management Ethic
What does the Tragedy of the Commons refer to?
Overexploitation and degradation due to open access nature of resources
According to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, what happens when individuals are unable to satisfy their basic provisions?
They engage in practices harmful to the environment
What is a common misconception addressed by the Conservation / Management Ethic?
Resources are limitless and need not be managed
Which principle supports the idea of taking precautionary measures to protect the environment even in the absence of scientific certainty?
Preservation Ethic
Study Notes
Environmental Ethics and Principles
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The Precautionary Principle states that when an activity raises theories of harm to human health or the environment, precautionary measures should be taken, and the burden of proof lies with the proponents of the activity.
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Environmental Justice and Equity aims to ensure fairness and impartiality, so no group of people bears a disproportionate share of negative environmental consequences.
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The Polluter Pays Principle, one of the oldest principles of environmental law, states that polluters should pay for their wrongs, emphasizing the idea of "if you make a mess, it is your duty to clean it up."
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Intergenerational Equity, rooted in Aristotle's philosophy, focuses on allocating and sharing resources to ensure the needs of the present are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Environmental Attitudes and Behaviours
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Development Ethic is based on individualism, where humans consider themselves masters of nature, and Earth's resources exist for their benefit and pleasure.
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Preservation Ethic values nature for its inherent worth, recognizing its intrinsic value beyond human appropriation.
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Conservation/Management Ethic balances human needs with resource availability, aiming for sustainable development.
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The Tragedy of the Commons occurs when open access to abundant resources leads to overexploitation and degradation.
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Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs explains how poor people prioritize basic provisions, which may have adverse environmental impacts.
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Genetic, Species, and Ecosystem Diversity are essential for maintaining ecosystem health.
Ethical Principles on the Environment
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Anthropocentrism prioritizes human needs, considering only humans have intrinsic value and moral standing.
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Biocentrism recognizes the intrinsic value and moral standing of all living beings, emphasizing respect for every organism.
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Ecocentrism values the entire ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of preserving ecological balance and stability.
Test your knowledge on environmental justice principles including the precautionary principle and equity in relation to harm to human health or the environment. Understand who should bear the burden of proof and which groups should not bear a disproportionate share of environmental issues.
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