The Importance Of Environmental Ethics

Environmental ethics refers to the moral relations between humans and the natural world (Taylor, 2011). It is a value system which incorporates the theory and practice of the principles determining our duties, obligations and responsibilities in terms of the Earth’s natural environment and all the fauna and flora that inhabit it. According to Norton (1984), the assumption that environmental ethics must be non-anthropocentric is mistaken due to the fact that anthropocentrism can be strong or weak.

Anthropocentrism is an approach whereby humankind is considered superior to the natural world and has the right to subjugate it (Richardson, 1997). It is an individualistic environmental ethic in which the environment is only valuable to the extent

The most important and long-lasting consequence of the explosion of the human population is loss of the earth’s biodiversity. Human population growth is causing species to be threatened and driving them to extinction by destroying their habitats and ecosystems. Natural areas are becoming increasingly fragmented due to the continuous increase in urbanization (Goddard and Dougill et al., 2010). Many areas have been and are being urbanized in order to extend residential areas, build offices, industrial areas and malls, improve infrastructure and build recreational facilities. The increase of greenhouse gas emissions also has a huge impact on the planet, resulting in global warming and climate change. There is a growing importance of urban green space to enable the conservation of biodiversity (Goddard and Dougill et al., 2010).

According to Ehrlich and Holdren (1971), human beings live in an epidemiological environment which deteriorates with overpopulation and malnutrition, both of which increase with population growth. It is our responsibility to stabilize and reduce the human population to achieve sustainable living. By slowing down population growth, we can improve living standards in a sustainable manner. This can be achieved

By creating awareness and educating people about the link between human population growth and the environment, they can understand the seriousness of the situation we are currently facing. Everyone must be willing to take the step to make a difference. If everyone puts in a small amount of effort, it would seem less difficult and have a more profound effect. Some say ignorance is bliss but in this situation that kind of thinking will do a total disservice to the earth and the inhabitants of the earth. Each and every one of us need to adopt the right attitude and take on some responsibility for the well-being of ourselves and this beautiful planet that we reside