Environmental neuroethics reading

Introduction

  • Current Focus: Relationship between neuroethics, the environment, brain health, and cultural perspectives.

Environmental Neuroethics Framework

  • Introduced a flexible 5-component framework linking neuroscience, environment, ethics, and culture.

  • Framework allows adaptation over time with evolving understanding and contexts.

Component 1: Relationality

  • Concept: Interaction between humans and the environment as a psychosocial process.

  • Example: Neuroarchitecture enhances quality of life through designs for those with cognitive challenges (e.g. trauma-informed designs).

  • Outcome: Improved navigation and comfort in environments for individuals with diverse needs.

Component 2: Health and Brain Science

  • Positive Influences: Healthy behaviors and enriched environments promote mental health.

  • Negative Impacts: Adverse effects from environmental changes (e.g., climate change, contaminants).

    • Examples of Contaminants:

    • Methyl Mercury: Linked to cognitive impacts in children and Minamata disease in adults.

    • Pesticides: Glyphosate linked to increased anxiety and neuroinflammation.

  • Mining and Fracking: Associated with economic growth but also threats to human rights and public health.

Component 3: Public and Academic Discourse

  • Research Findings:

    • Conducted literature review from 2009-2022, found 190 articles related to mining, brain, and mental health.

    • Less than 10% deeply discussed brain and mental health in relation to environmental issues.

    • High focus on physical safety (65%) and significant references to environmental justice (38%).

  • Historical Context: Examples of environmental racism and abuses from the Bhopal disaster and Kennedy Krieger study underscore ongoing challenges.

Component 4: Traditional Ecological Knowledge

  • Research Collaboration: Between UBC and the Tahltan First Nation on early onset familial Alzheimer Disease (EOFAD).

  • Methodology: Cultural co-creation of research questions emphasizing community values and privacy.

  • Findings: Blending traditional knowledge with biomedical explanations; community voices elevate understanding of wellness, environmental impact.

    • Notions of relationality where disruption in the environment correlates with personal health.

Component 5: Activism and Advocacy

  • Emphasizes the importance of action in neuroethics.

  • Used research findings to inform public discourse and advocate for environmental neuroethics.

  • Examples of activism include responses to environmental injustices presented in various forums and publications.

Conclusions

  • Environmental neuroethics considers both benefits and risks associated with human modifications to the environment.

  • Call for culturally competent and ethically guided neuroscience to uphold justice and respect for vulnerable populations.

  • Core Principles: Anticipation and responsiveness remain paramount, encouraging a balanced approach to neuroscience, ethics, and the environment.

References

  • A selection of key studies and reviews supporting arguments presented in the commentary.

  • Includes works on neuroarchitecture, methylmercury exposure, environmental justice, and Indigenous health perspectives.