History of environmental ethical issues
Environmental ethics entails the part of environmental morals and philosophy aiming at extending the boundaries of ethics (traditional) from particularly including human beings to include other non-human players in the world and universe in general. Environmental ethics exerts its influence on several disciplines such as sociology, law, theology, economics, geography, and ecology. The inspiration and concern for environmental issues particularly in the context of ethical issues were first observed in 1970 during the first Earth Day celebrations. This was ignited when environmentalists challenged the philosophers who were present in the celebrations, and who was involved with several environmental groups, on being reluctant and doing little in regards to environmental ethics (Origins of environmental ethics, 2004).
The publication of the science paper “The historical roots of our ecologic crisis,” by Lynn White in March 1967 had developed an intellectual climate in the context of environmental issues. The 1970’s were witnessed by numerous academic activities and debates revolving around Lynn Whites paper, particularly in environmental issues. Throughout the decade, philosophers were ignorant about what environmental ethics entailed (Origins of environmental ethics, 2004).
The first philosophical conference on issues regarding environmental ethics took place in 1972 at the University of Georgia. Since then philosophical articles with regard to environmental ethics have been published and presented in conferences. For instance Richard’s paper “is there a need for a new, an environmental ethic?” was presented in 1973 during the 15th world philosophy congress. On the contrary Passmore through his writing “Man’s responsibility for Nature” critiqued Richard’s paper by arguing that environmental ethics were of no need at all. Until mid-1980’s environmental philosophers were involved in debates refuting Passmore’s stand on environmental ethics (Origins of environmental ethics, 2004).
According to the Origins of environmental ethics (2004), environmental ethics took another dimension of progress in 1979 when the Environmental Ethics journal was founded by Eugene Hargrove. The journal’s first five years were witnessed by arguments on rights for the nature, as well as the relationship between environmental ethics and animal liberation, in other words animal rights. The 1980s observed increasingly great concerns on environmental ethics were several philosophers authored a range of scholarly works on environmental ethics.
The ecofeminism movement which took the mainstream developments by incorporation environmental ethics in their activities was a great pillar supporting the progress of environmental ethics. The Earth’s ethics quarterly journal began its environmental publications in 1989 with great concern on a sustainable development internationally, emphasizing much on issues regarding environmental ethics (Origins of environmental ethics, 2004).
1990’s kicked off with the founding and establishment of international society for environmental Ethics. The progress on environmental ethics movements, journals and radical environmentalism continued until 1997 when another association was initiated, i.e. the international association of environmental philosophers, whose core emphasis was to lobby for environmental ethics and values globally (Origins of environmental ethics, 2004).
Current events in environmental ethics
Since the beginning of the 21st-century issues on environmental ethics have been a major concern for human beings. Deterioration of the environment as a result of unethical relationship between man and other core players in the environment such as the forests, water basins, animals etc. several events have been taking place currently, in regard to environmental ethics aiming at shaping more sustainable environmental development now and in anticipation of the future. The events are also aimed at tackling the current environmental challenges facing human beings.
Mulford (2009) observed that climate scientists and environmentalists are currently involved in events on, raising awareness among the general public on the significant risks being posed by climate change such as global warming as a result of their unethical environmental practices such as excessive emission of greenhouse gases into the Atmosphere. Mulford (2009) maintained that environmentalists are being involved in raising awareness to the players in the field of politics is not only using nature and science as their political platforms, but also to encompass “green” moralization and embracing “greens” in their politics.
Air pollution is a great environmental challenge to many people and governments globally. The china government for instance, has been on a move to reject a local government from acquiring US General Motors, Hummer division, reasons being that fuel guzzler is environmentally unfriendly with regards to air pollution, from its emissions. This is a great move for the country with respect to environmental ethics (Marc (2009).
The forum on religion and ecology has outlined several events in 2009, all aimed at reviving environmental ethics globally. For instance the third international conference of ISSRNC (International Society for the Study of Religion, Nature & Culture), on the topic “Religion, nature & progress.” The conference is taking place at the University of Amsterdam, from 23rd to 26TH July 2009. The scholars and environmentalists’ participation are discussing issues on responding to changes in climate, ethics in the ecosystems among other issues (ISSRNC Conferences, 2009).
The Environmental Ethics Institute has held a conference recently (June 2009) at the University of Montana. The event has been driven primarily by discussing environmental issues regarding environmental ethics, between individuals with different experiences and from different backgrounds, and chatting the way forward in matters pertaining to environmental ethics (Environmental Ethics Institute, 2009).
UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organization) in its 2008-2009 events has outlined several activities such as seminars on ethics teachings, regional workshops with regard to environmental ethics, ethics education workshops, among other workshops aimed at creating and raising awareness on environmental ethics (UNESCO: environmental ethics, 2009).
The future of environmental ethics
According to Flournoy (2003), the future of environmental ethics embarks on the progression of the environmental philosophy field, and development of animal rights theories, ecofeminism, deep ecology, biocentrism ethics as well cultural and religious traditions which have had flourished in the last two decades. The development of these theories has been, instrumental and valuable, as they have helped in the exploration of the moral and intellectual causes leading to environmentally destructive practices. Remedy measures and alternatives have been proposed and implemented to avoid the destructive practices.
The future of environmental ethics therefore stands on the foundation of integrating environmental philosophy with environmental law, in issues regarding the environment. The two components need to work in harmony if success is to be achieved in environmental ethics. Flournoy (2003) maintained that philosophers should embark on advancing public thinking and perception on environmental ethics and values through the environmental law, the essentials of the future of environmental ethics.
Significance of Environmental Ethics
From a personal point of view, environmental ethics are quite crucial and play a significant role in any given society. Without environmental ethics in our day-to-day activities, great threat could be imminent in the survival of all living species on earth. All ecosystems on earth are interconnected and threat to one ecosystem would mean threat to all other ecosystems entirely on the planet. This would be through practices that do not embrace environmental ethics.
Lack of embracing these ethics is manifested in much of the current problems challenging mankind. For instance, the problems being experienced as a result of global warming are because people less concerned about environmental ethics in their activities. In conclusion, environmental ethics is the only greatest pillar that can hold a friendly environment for all living things, and the duty to embrace the ethics, is solely left for man, the only rational living being.
References
A Very Brief History of the Origins of environmental ethics for the Novice (2004).
Environmental Ethics Institute (2009). Environmental ethics restoration.
Flournoy, C., A. (2003). The Future of Environmental Ethics and Environmental Law: Building from the Ground Up. University of Florida.
Marc (2009). American Environmental Ethic- Out the other Ear.
Mulford, H. (2004). Beyond Environmental Ethics: How Green Moralizing Gets in the Way of Green Politics. UNESCO: environmental ethics- events (2008-2009).
The International Society for the Study of Religion, Nature & Culture (2009). Religion and Nature Conferences.