Philosophical Basis of Earth Ethics

Study Notes

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.

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.

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.

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.