SUST 2200-K01: Unit 2A - Ethics of Conservation & Environmental Protection

Human Health Considerations: Examining the impact of environmental practices on human well-being.
Moral Obligation to Non-Human Beings: Considering the ethical duties owed to animals, plants, and ecosystems.
Value to Humans of Preserving Wild Nature: Understanding the intrinsic and extrinsic benefits wild nature provides to humanity.
Value of a Diverse and Varied Landscape: Recognizing the importance of biodiversity and varied natural habitats.
How to Meet Basic Human Needs: Addressing the challenge of fulfilling human necessities sustainably.
Value of Future Generations: Considering the legacy and resource availability for those yet to come.
Relationship Between Humans and the Environment: Exploring the complex interactions and responsibilities humans have toward natural systems.

Perception of the West: The American West was widely viewed as a limitless frontier with inexhaustible resources.
Promotion of Westward Expansion: Government policies and societal narratives actively encouraged settlement and exploitation of western lands.
Subsidization of Wilderness “Settling”: Financial and systemic support was provided to facilitate the development and resource extraction in the wilderness.
Creation of Great Wealth: This era led to immense personal and corporate fortunes through resource exploitation.
Influence of the Wealthy: The accumulation of wealth translated into significant political and economic power.
- Trusts: Enabled the formation of large corporate conglomerates that dominated industries.
- “Purchase” of Legislatures: Wealthy entities often exerted undue influence on legislative processes, sometimes through corrupt means.
Rampant Environmental Destruction: The unchecked exploitation of resources resulted in widespread and severe damage to the environment.