Environmental Studies Lecture Notes PDF

OBJECTIVES: AT THE END OF THIS SESSION, YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO: Notice things that are not in their proper place and organize them in an aesthetic way Show that care for the environment contributes health, well being and sustainable development; and Demonst...

OBJECTIVES: AT THE END OF THIS SESSION, YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO: Notice things that are not in their proper place and organize them in an aesthetic way Show that care for the environment contributes health, well being and sustainable development; and Demonstrate the virtues of prudence and frugality towards environment.  WARM UP EXERCISE!!! What are the environmental challenges that human beings have been facing over the past century until the present time?  HUMAN PERSON IN THE ENVIRONMENT Philosophy is not merely for self – discovery and interpersonal relationships but also for environmental responsibility. Humankind is a force affecting the environment. Likewise, the changes that are happening to it also affect us.  LESSON 4: HUMAN PERSON IN THE ENVIRONMENT Scientists monitor the changes in our environment. Their studies show that our world is changing not for the better but for the worse, and humanity is responsible for this. According to John Donne "No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main." This means that as human persons, we interact not only with our fellow human beings but also with the other living and non- living elements in our environment.  THE RELATIONSHIP OF MAN WITH THE ENVIRONMENT Environmental philosophy or Environmental ethics, is the discipline in philosophy that studies the moral relationship of human beings with the environment and its non-human contents.  THE RELATIONSHIP OF MAN WITH THE ENVIRONMENT There are three major views regarding the relationship between humanity and the environment: 1. ANTHROPOCENTRISM – Focuses on the significant role of humans in the world and considers nature as the means to survive. This view believes that humans are the most important species on the planet, and they are free to transform nature and its resources.  In anthropocentrism, evidences of people changing the environment to suit their needs like landscapes have been reshaped in order to build on classrooms, houses and other structures  THE RELATIONSHIP OF MAN WITH THE ENVIRONMENT 2. BIOCENTRISM – Believes that humans are not only significant species on the planet, and that all organisms have inherent value and should be protected. This view drives the activities of humane organizations that advocate the ethical treatment of animals.  One good example of biocentrism would be Buddha’s rule which implies that one should not destroy a human being, nor cause it to be killed, nor should one provoke another to kill.  THE RELATIONSHIP OF MAN WITH THE ENVIRONMENT 3.ECOCENTRISM – Places great value on ecosystems and biological communities. This view believes that humankind is part of a great biological system or community and that we have a significant role as stewards or guardian of nature.  Ecocentrism emphasizes the role of the relationship between the environmental living and non- living components. Humanity’s effect on the world can be better understood if we view the person as a complex source of change within his or her own world.  THE RELATIONSHIP OF MAN WITH THE ENVIRONMENT Environmental Aesthetics is one philosophical view that believes maintaining order in the environment will bring out the natural beauty of the surroundings and contribute to the well being of the people and other organisms living in it.  INTERGOVERNMENTAL PANEL ON CLIMATE CHANGE (IPCC) A 2014 study on global warming conducted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPPC) finds clear evidence that human activities have contributed to the rise of global temperatures through the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The report highlights the indications of global warming such us steadily HOW CAN HUMANITY ADDRESS THE DAMAGE INFLICTED ON THE ENVIRONMENT? Environmentalism is one very positive activism. It helps to address environmental problems as an advocacy. It is an essential act of care for nature HOW CAN HUMANITY ADDRESS THE DAMAGE INFLICTED ON THE ENVIRONMENT? Environmental ethics is a moral approach that analyzes the relationship between humans and the environment. It also discusses environmental problems caused by human activities and social issues that impact the environment.  Environmental ethics emerged in the 1970s, advocating human responsibility and action with regard to environmental issue.  ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS HAS RESULTED IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF VARIED VIEWS: Social Ecology- applies an ecological and ethical approach in analyzing society, and sees a relationship between social problems and environmental problems.  Concepts such as climate ethics and climate justice arose from the growing concern with climate change, and consider it a significant ethical, social, and political issue. These views were greatly influenced by the concept of environmental justice, which refers to the fair distribution of  Another perspective in environmental awareness is environmental aesthetic, which originally focused on concepts of beauty in nature, but has become increasingly influenced by environmental concerns. WHAT CAN I DO TO UPHOLD ENVIRONMENTALISM AND CARE FOR NATURE? One of the major concepts that drive environmentalism is sustainability or sustainable development. This concept focusses on reconciling human activities and economic  SUSTAINABILITY RELIES ON THREE IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES: 1. Environmental integrity refers to maintaining the state of the environment. This means that Human activities should not unduly disrupt the ecosystem and human communities located  SUSTAINABILITY RELIES ON THREE IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES: 2. Economic efficiency refer to prudence in decision making regarding to use of resources to ensure that there is  SUSTAINABILITY RELIES ON THREE IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES: 3. Equity demands that we use our natural resources in such a manner that these are conserved so that the next generation will be able Prudence- is the ability to regulate ones actions and behavior. Example: Not buying a car because you don’t need Frugality- is being thrifty with the use of ones resources. Example: Eating at restaurants with no leftovers