Syllabus Edition
First teaching 2024
First exams 2026
Definition & Purpose of Environmental Ethics (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))
Revision Note
Written by: Alistair Marjot
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
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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