Ethics, Environmentalism, Economics and Decision Making

Flashcards covering key concepts related to environmental ethics, economics, and policy from the lecture.

Egocentric

An attitude that solely focuses on the individual’s own perspective regarding environmental issues.

Anthropocentric

A human-centered viewpoint that measures costs and benefits according to their impact on people.

Biocentric

An ethical perspective that values actions based on their effects on all living things.

Ecocentric

An approach that judges actions by their benefit or harm to the integrity of whole ecological systems.

Preservation ethic

The protection of nature for its own sake, preserving it in its pristine and unaltered state.

Conservation ethic

The belief that natural resources should be used wisely for the benefit of present and future generations.

Reform ethic

An environmental perspective influenced by scientific measurements of post-war industrial impacts, focusing on public action and policy.

Ecosystem services

Essential services provided by the environment that support life and make economic activities possible.

Natural capital

Goods and services humans derive from the natural environment that historically have not been assigned financial value.

Neoclassical economics

An economic theory that assumes resources are infinite or substitutable and often disregards external costs.

Steady-state economy

An economic model that does not grow or shrink and strives for stability, mirroring natural systems.

Willingness-to-pay transition

The concept that as societies gain economic well-being, people become more willing to make sacrifices for environmental improvements.

Public Policy

Policies made by governments including laws and regulations aimed at addressing social issues.

Environmental Policy

A policy pertaining to human interactions with the environment, addressing issues like resource use and pollution regulation.

Ecolabelling

Identification of products or services that meet environmental sustainability standards.

Greenwashing

The act of making false or misleading statements about the environmental benefits of a product or practice.

Green Belt Movement

A grassroots movement in East Africa focused on environmental justice and women’s rights; known for planting millions of trees.