Environmental Ethics and Human Population Growth

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to environmental ethics, human population growth, and the ethical considerations of natural resource management.

Environmental Ethics

A branch of philosophy that applies ethical thinking to the natural world and examines the relationship between humans and the earth.

Anthropocentrism

An ethical perspective that places humans at the center of moral consideration, assuming that nature exists primarily for human use.

Biocentrism

An ethical perspective that grants moral status to all living beings, emphasizing the intrinsic value of biodiversity.

Ecocentrism

An ethical perspective that considers ecosystems as wholes and values all forms of life and their interconnections.

Conservation

The sustainable use and management of natural resources to maintain their availability for future generations.

Preservation

The maintenance of areas of nature in their present condition, untouched by human development.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

A set of 17 goals established by the United Nations to address global challenges and promote well-being by 2030.

Environmental Justice

The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in environmental laws and policies, regardless of race or socioeconomic status.

Greenwashing

Corporate practice of promoting an exaggerated or misleading image of environmental responsibility.

Natural Capitalism

The idea that businesses can achieve profit while being environmentally sustainable.

Triple Bottom Line

A framework for businesses that includes three dimensions of performance: profit, planet, and people.

Individual Environmental Ethics

The belief that ethical changes towards the environment must begin at the individual level, influencing collective behaviors.

Ecosystem

A community of living organisms and their physical environment, viewed as a unit.