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Environmental EthicsEnvironmental ethics is the ethical relationship between human beings and the environment in which they live. There are many ethical decisions that human beings make with respect to the environment. For example: - Should they continue to clear cut the forests for the sake of human consumption?
- Should they continue to make gasoline powered vehicles, depleting fossil fuel resources while the technology exsits to create zero-emission vehicles?
- What environmental obligations do they need to keep for future generations?
- Is it right for humans to knowingly cause the extinction of a species for the (perceived or real) convenience of humanity?
Those who subscribe to the principles of Deep ecology, e.g., Arne Nss, believe that we are required to protect and preserve the biotic community, including the organic and inorganic world. Other philosophers, e.g., Michael E. Berumen, are concerned with protecting the environment only primarily as it prevents or reduces the suffering of animals, including humans, or promotes their welfare. Many philosophers, e.g., Immanuel Kant, and theologians throughout history have believed that the environment is to be utilized or preserved primarily for the welfare of humans. See also
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