Syllabus Edition

First teaching 2024

First exams 2026

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Definition & Purpose of Environmental Ethics (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))

Revision Note

Basics of Ethics

  • Ethics is a part of philosophy that deals with moral principles

    • It helps us understand what actions are considered right or wrong

    • In this way, it provides a framework for evaluating the morality of human behaviour and decision-making

Influences on ethical codes

  • Different cultures, traditions, and individuals have their own ethical codes

  • These codes are shaped by various influences, including:

    • Formal ethical systems (e.g. utilitarianism or deontology) provide structured approaches to ethical decision-making.

    • Religion (religious teachings often play a significant role in shaping moral values and ethical norms within communities)

    • Family values

    • Traditions (cultural traditions passed down through generations that instill certain ethical beliefs and practices)

    • Books

    • Education

    • Media and technology

    • Personal thinking and reflections

Considerations in ethics

  • It is important to think about how these influences shape our ethical codes or systems

    • When facing ethical dilemmas, it's essential to consider the many factors at play and the complexity of human values

  • Human individuals and societies need to reflect on the value that they assign to various aspects of our surroundings, including:

    • The world in general (including the biosphere and everything in it)

    • Ecosystems

    • Non-human organisms

    • Humans

  • Deciding what's morally right or wrong can be challenging when these values conflict (i.e. when we value some of these aspects significantly more highly than others)

    • Conflicting values often arise and careful thought is required to determine the most ethical course of action

Ethical dilemma examples

1. Endangered species conservation

  • Consider a scenario where implementing a conservation project to protect an endangered species of animal requires restricting human activities in the area

    • Is it ethically correct to prioritise the conservation project?

    • Individuals must weigh the value of preserving biodiversity against the potential economic impacts on local communities

    • This dilemma highlights the tension between environmental conservation and human welfare or development

2. Medical ethics:

  • In healthcare, ethical considerations arise in decision-making processes involving patient care, treatment options and resource allocation

    • For example, medical professionals may face ethical dilemmas when determining whether to prioritise limited medical resources for critically ill patients

3. Business ethics:

  • Business decisions often involve ethical considerations related to corporate responsibility, fair treatment of employees and environmental sustainability

    • An example could be a company deciding whether to prioritise profit maximisation at the expense of environmental degradation or to adopt sustainable practices despite this being more financially costly

Introduction to Environmental Ethics

  • Environmental ethics is a branch of ethical philosophy that deals with the moral principles concerning the environment and our relationship with it

    • It explores the ethical arguments surrounding environmental issues such as pollution, resource depletion and habitat destruction

    • Environmental ethics aims to develop ethical frameworks to help societies address these environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices

    • Central to environmental ethics is the principle of sustainability, which advocates for meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

  • Environmental ethics also emphasises the interconnectedness of all life forms and ecosystems

    • It recognises the importance of respecting the intrinsic value of nature beyond its instrumental value to humans

Origins of environmental ethics

  • This branch of ethics emerged in the 1960s and 1970s in response to growing concerns about environmental degradation and the need for ethical considerations in environmental decision-making

    • During this period, concerns about pollution, deforestation, and species extinction prompted a re-evaluation of humanity's relationship with the natural world

    • Critics argue that traditional ethical theories, mainly rooted in Western philosophical traditions, are too focused on human-to-human interactions and prioritise human interests over the environment, making them inadequate for addressing environmental concerns

Critiques of traditional ethics

  • Traditional ethical theories, such as utilitarianism and deontology, have been criticised for their anthropocentric bias

    • For example, critics believe that these frameworks fail to account for the intrinsic value of nature and the moral status of non-human beings

Environmental ethics examples

  • Climate change:

    • Environmental ethics can help shape our understanding of the ethical responsibilities associated with climate change mitigation and adaptation

    • It raises questions about environmental justice, fairness and the distribution of burdens and benefits associated with climate change

  • Biodiversity conservation:

    • Considerations of environmental ethics are central to biodiversity conservation efforts

    • Ethical debates revolve around issues such as species preservation, ecosystem protection and the rights of Indigenous communities

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Alistair Marjot

Author: Alistair Marjot

Expertise: Biology & Environmental Systems and Societies

Alistair graduated from Oxford University with a degree in Biological Sciences. He has taught GCSE/IGCSE Biology, as well as Biology and Environmental Systems & Societies for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. While teaching in Oxford, Alistair completed his MA Education as Head of Department for Environmental Systems & Societies. Alistair has continued to pursue his interests in ecology and environmental science, recently gaining an MSc in Wildlife Biology & Conservation with Edinburgh Napier University.

Bridgette Barrett

Author: Bridgette Barrett

Expertise: Geography Lead

After graduating with a degree in Geography, Bridgette completed a PGCE over 25 years ago. She later gained an MA Learning, Technology and Education from the University of Nottingham focussing on online learning. At a time when the study of geography has never been more important, Bridgette is passionate about creating content which supports students in achieving their potential in geography and builds their confidence.