The Politics of the Environment Essay

Even if individuals are not aware of this fact, they are all closely interrelated with each other and with environment. Ideally there should be a kind of balance in these relations, which is not always the fact. Everybody has his own attitude towards other people, towards social and environmental problems, towards flora and fauna, towards historical artifacts, etc. On the basis of these attitudes, there was special distinction worked out. Environmental political has a lot of ethical issues, solutions of which are vitally important for all humans, living on this planet. It is important to note here that these issues are both theoretical and practical and they are closely related to each other.

There are a lot of activists, who developed the notion of green environmental activism, which on the surface is supposed to bring positive changes into the environmental challenges and issues and in reality causes even more problems. It puts clear distinction between nature and humans, and this seems to be the greatest mistake of this approach. The strong point about the green theory of value is the consideration of the moral philosophy principles, which could serve the basis for working out the code of conduct for the humans towards their environment. Also these principles of moral philosophy could help to understand and to acknowledge that animals have their rights also. Even if to assume that humans are stronger and more intelligent, which is only an assumption, then exactly on the basis of this assumption, humans are obliged to take the responsibility for the nature and environment, taking care of both themselves and animals. Rawls stated “As animals clearly can not carry out responsibilities or duties, according to this contractarian view, they can not have rights.” (Cater, 2001, p. 14)I can not agree with this statement as it is not human to apply such principle towards nature, as rights and responsibilities could not be ascribed to everybody equally. For example in the situation with small children, parents can not expect that their two-year old son would take the same responsibility, as they do, earning money and managing their home and other issues.

Biocenrists and Anthropocentrists are said to have confronting attitudes towards environment. The representatives of the first group believe that the central value should belong to biodiversity, whereas Anthropocentrists advocate the priority of humans and their interests. I would refer myself more towards biocentrism, however with consideration of some of the anthropocentrism ideas. I am convinced that environment, our nature, our planet is general should always be considered as top priorities and humans should do their best not to break the natural systems, which depend upon their self-regulation and the work of which could be distorted seriously by humans’ interference. I mentioned that anthropocentrism should also be not ignored, because I think that humans belong to the most powerful creatures on this planet and a lot depends upon their activities and choices. Unfortunately not all of them are ready to acknowledge that they are also to a great extent dependant upon nature and environment and climates, thus even if they support humancentrism, this means that they should take care of the nature. No wonder that nowadays there are a lot of globally painful environmental issues, which are the results of human activities or neglecting of the basic rules of coexistence. These problems could most luckily be solved only by humans, when they realize that they need sustainable environment badly. This is the reason, why I see myself partially biocentrist and to a smaller extent – anthropocentrist. This perspective has changed a little bit over time, as several years ago, I would have called myself absolute biocentrist. I think it is possible for humanity and individuals to sacrifice some of their developments and technological progress in order to protect species and ecosystems, which need it. I prefer not to eat meat at all, because I believe that animals should not be killed for the sake of humans. Ecosystems should be preserved maximally, where it is possible and supported in such places, whether were already spoilt.

Overall, irrespective of the fact, which philosophical or ethical position is supported by humans, they need to acknowledge their responsibility for the environment and their own life conditions, as well as consider the future for their children and grandchildren.

References:

Carter, N. (2001). The Politics of the Environment. Ideas, Activism, Policy. University of New York.

The terms offer and acceptance. (2016, May 17). Retrieved from

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016.

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

freeessays.club (2016) The terms offer and acceptance [Online].
Available at:

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]
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