Environmental ethics underscores the study of the relationship between humans and their environment and the ethical roles humans play in the preservation and conservation of the situation. According to the tenets of environmental ethics, humans are an essential component that is part and parcel of the situation, just like any other organisms that exist in the ecosystem. Every living organism is deemed critical in life and contributes to the fulfillment of experience in ecology. Environmental ethics encompass a set of shared beliefs that seek to define the relationship between humans and their environments and establish the significance of their connection in ways that enhance sustainability, longevity, and purpose for the human species as well as every other organism whose existence depends on the earth's environments. Gradual degradation of resources, the threat of extinction, pollution, climate change, and global warming are just but some of the issues the world faces today along with the other danger of extinction of various species that fail to adapt to the new living conditions (Kumar, Jin, Manlio, Giudicecd, & El-Kassare, 2019). It is against this backdrop that themes on environmental ethics are founded, along with the inherent need for humans to protect the earth from pollution and ecological degradation. Environmental ethics seeks to ensure that every stakeholder does their part to keep the environment not only safe but also protected and in proper shape to sustain future generations. Various world views apply in the examination of the relationship between humans and their environment, and these include anthropocentrism, biocentrism, utilitarianism, ecosystem cantered ethics, and biosphere or earth-centered ethics. Instead of the already mentioned perspectives, worldviews essentially mirror how people think the world works and what they think they can do to make things work for the better. The concept of biocentrism seeks to extend essential value to every living organism (Sterba, 2000). The fundamentals of this principle are especially true for societies in which humans live close to the natural environment and depend on the forces of nature for their everyday provisions. For instance, Native, American culture values a deep connection that binds humans to nature and natural surroundings. The principle posits that humans ought to give the same ethical considerations to other living organisms as they do to other humans. Unlike different environmental and moral viewpoints, biocentrism does not visualize humans as privileged species among other life forms. Instead, it stresses that they are equal to all other life forms and therefore require the same fundamental treatment as the other organisms.
Water Pollution
Anthropocentrism maintains the view that humans are the most significant elements in the universe, and therefore, everything else must work to enhance and improve human lives on earth (Rauch, Linder, & Dallasega, 2019). This view holds that water pollution is terrible if it fails to serve the needs of man in terms of satisfying man's need for water. However, this means that man can pollute the water without recourse because it helps to meet his needs. Biocentrism stresses that the need and wants of humans are just as important as those of other organisms. Therefore the matter of water pollution must be viewed with other organisms like fish and aquatic animals in mind (Sterba, 2000). According to the principles of utilitarianism, the highest good accrues from freedom from pain and happiness, whereas the actions that promote the greatest feelings of happiness are morally upright. Therefore in terms of the morality of water pollution, the theory holds that it is wrong since it does not lead to happiness but instead leads to the suffering of both the animal species and the plant species that live in the water and that depend on the water for survival. On the other hand, ecosystem cantered ethics is mainly focused on the effect of human activities on the ecosystem and how human existence affects or influences the ecosystem. This theory would suggest that humans focus on environmental preservation, even when it is at the expense of human life.
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Decline of Resources
Encroachment of the world by the human species is gradually leading to a decline in natural resources. Some of these resources are being phased out due to poor management and overexploitation. However, other resources are being phased out at the same volume and speed as they are being produced. Concerning the decline in natural resources, both ecosystems cantered ethics and biocentrism would stress the preservation of the environment as a measure for protecting the remaining resources and not wasting them away due to overexploitation (Bourdeau, 2004). On the other hand, anthropocentrism and utilitarianism would hold the opinion that a decline in resources means an opportunity to consider other forms of resources that can be used to achieve the same results or to perform the same functions.
Climate Change
Climate change is the ultimate defining event in the present time, and it is also a naturally occurring phenomenon attributed mainly to human activities in terms of pollution by the emission of greenhouse gases (Hewawasama & Matsui, 2019). Climate change is affecting human life in various ways and is likely to remain a significant factor for consideration for a long time to come. Since climate change negatively affects humans and the quality of life on earth, the four views of environmental ethics would adopt almost similar approaches when addressing the matter. They would all take the position that climate change is causing adverse effects on the quality of human life.
Extinction of Species
The disappearance of species has become a reality in the new era of global warming and climate change. Species like the dinosaurs are already thought to have gone extinct. Concerning this phenomenon, ecosystem cantered ethics and anthropocentrism would mainly be keen on preserving all the species in the ecosystem. In contrast, biocentrism and utilitarianism would only be keen on the existence of the human race. Utilitarian Environmental Ethics is the primary center of focus for this paper. Utilitarian Ethics is essential because it supports robust environmental policies aimed at achieving the highest level of moral-ethical out of every situation. The theory, in its traditional form, is both one for good and one for moral uprightness. In its fundamental way, it holds that the core business of life is the pursuit of freedom from pain and happiness. The theory has played a pivotal role in the preservation of ecosystems, species, and wilderness. Moreover, this theory is essential because humans depend on the environment to survive. Therefore, it is their inherent duty to try and conserve the environment in its most natural form. However, since humans are the most destructive species in the world's ecosystem, they suffer from the effects of their irresponsibility. Overall, I have learned that the ecosystem depends on the actions of the organisms that live within it to survive. Inaction from humans and the destruction of the environment through increased greenhouse gas emissions and industrialization are all reasons for the ailing ecosystem. The present-day generation must take responsibility in helping to ensure that the future of the world generation is secured.
References
Bourdeau, P. (2004). The man−nature relationship and environmental ethics. Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, 1 (2), 9-15.
Hewawasama, V., & Matsui, K. (2019). Historical development of climate change policies and the Climate Change Secretariat in Sri Lanka. Environmental Science & Policy, 101 (92), 255-261.
Kumar, S., Jin, S., Manlio, C., Giudicecd, D., & El-Kassar, A.-N. (2019). Environmental ethics, environmental performance, and competitive advantage: Role of environmental training. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 146 (1), 203-211.
Rauch, E., Linder, C., & Dallasega, P. (2019). The anthropocentric perspective of production before and within Industry 4.0. Computers & Industrial Engineering, 8 (1), 105644.
Sterba, J. (2000). Biocentrism and Human Health. Ethics and the Environment, 5 (2), 271-284.
