Lession 2 Environmental Ethics

Environmental Ethics

Environmental ethics is the study of how humans should behave toward the environment and what moral responsibilities we have to protect nature.

Describe three types of philosophical approaches to environmental ethics.

Three Philosophical Approaches

1. Anthropocentrism – Humans are the most important; nature is valued mainly for how it benefits people.

2. Biocentrism – All living things have value, not just humans.

3. Ecocentrism – The entire ecosystem (plants, animals, soil, water) has value, and protecting the whole system is the priority.

Example of a Conflict
Building a new factory can create jobs for people, but it may also pollute the air or water, harming the environment. What helps humans economically can sometimes hurt nature.

Describe three “Environmental Attitudes”. (Development, Preservation, and Conservation). Which one is a key to Sustainable Development?

Three Environmental Attitudes

• Development – Focuses on human growth and using resources for economic benefit.

• Preservation – Protects nature by keeping areas untouched.

• Conservation – Uses resources wisely so they last longer.
  Conservation is the key attitude for sustainable development.

Sustainable Development

Sustainable development means meeting today’s needs without harming the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

What is “Environmental justice”? Why is it part of the environmental movement?

Environmental justice is the idea that all people—regardless of income, race, or background—deserve equal protection from pollution and access to a healthy environment. It matters because poor or marginalized communities often face more environmental harm.

What is “Greenwashing”?

Greenwashing is when a company falsely claims to be environmentally friendly just to look good or attract customers.

Define “Ecological footprint”.

An ecological footprint measures how much land, water, and natural resources a person or community uses. It shows how much pressure we put on the environment.