Philosophical Basis of Earth Ethics

Philosophical Basis of Earth Ethics

• Anthropocentrism: evaluates the environment primarily in terms of its utility to humans.
• Biocentrism: argues that all forms of life have inherent worth, and humans have a moral obligation to protect and preserve other species.
• Ecocentrism: values entire ecosystems and the interdependence of all their components, stressing the importance of maintaining ecosystem health and stability.
• Deep ecology: advocates for a profound rethinking of humanity's relationship with nature.
• Land ethic: promotes the idea that humans are part of a larger community that includes not only other people but also soils, waters, plants, and animals.
• Ecofeminism: advocates for a more nurturing and cooperative relationship with nature, emphasizing interconnectedness and the value of diversity.
• Social ecology: explores the connection between environmental issues and social problems, such as inequality, capitalism, and authoritarianism.
• Indigenous Perspectives: highlight the importance of traditional knowledge, cultural practices, and spiritual connections to the land.
• Utilitarianism: evaluates actions based on their consequences for the greatest number of beings, including humans and non-human entities.
• Deontological ethics: focuses on duties and principles rather than consequences, emphasizing the moral duty to respect the rights of nature.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Created to build a better world for people and our planet by 2030.
• Offer an inclusive and sustainable future for everyone.
• All 193 UN members have agreed to pursue the SDGs.
• Relevant not only for governments but also for businesses and organizations.
• Provide a holistic framework for businesses to apply, show their contribution, and manifest their purpose.

Reasons why SDGs are Relevant for Businesses

• Creating market opportunities: implementing SDGs can bring benefits to both the environment and the company.
• Engaging employees with a purpose: employees find jobs more fulfilling when they can make a positive impact on social and environmental issues.
• Managing risk and assuring the license to operate: addressing regulatory compliance and staying ahead of the curve helps manage risk.
• Optimizing business resources and creating more value: decreasing raw materials like water and energy reduces costs and environmental impact.
• Staying ahead of competition: sustainable products grew 5.6x faster than non-sustainable products, driven by customer demand for sustainable products and responsible corporate behavior.

Contribution of Green Business to Good Environment

• Green business model is a practical solution for sustainable development in the context of climate change and environmental pollution.
• Green businesses bring benefits to the environment and also bring many benefits to corporations themselves.