Table of Contents
Introduction
The pursuit of development fueled by human greed has led to unsustainable practices and excessive consumption leading to environmental degradation and climate instability. It presents a grave moral challenge as they threaten the well-being of current and future generations as well as countless other species.
Measures to protect life and restore equilibrium
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- Intergenerational responsibility: Ethical duty to preserve the environment for future generations by adopting sustainable development practices.
- Eg. The Paris Agreement (2015) to limit global temperature rise to 2°C.
- Intergenerational responsibility: Ethical duty to preserve the environment for future generations by adopting sustainable development practices.
- Environmental justice: Climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, and developed nations have an ethical responsibility to assist them.
- Eg.Green Climate Fund supports developing countries in adaptation.
- Ethics of consumption and lifestyle modification: Society must shift towards sustainable consumption to reduce environmental harm.
- Eg. Mission LiFE of India.
- Global solidarity and cooperation: Global cooperation to address climate change with shared responsibility and mutual aid.
- Eg.: Kyoto Protocol, Montreal protocol etc.
- Respect for all Life Forms: Ethically, humans must respect all life and ecosystems, moving away from exploitation of nature.
- Eg. Convention on Biological Diversity promotes biodiversity conservation. Philosophy of Jainism also promotes respect for all lifeforms.
- Environmental stewardship: Humans have a moral duty to restore and conserve ecosystems that sustain life.
- Eg. traditional practice of conserving sacred groves. .
- Ethical innovation and technology: Investing in green technology can advance development without harming the environment.
- Eg. Green hydrogen mission.
- Education and awareness: Raising environmental awareness through education to promote responsible behavior towards nature.
- Eg. : Eco Clubs in schools.
Conclusion
“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” – Robert Swan
It is our collective responsibility to act towards environment friendly lifestyle ensuring ethical choices, sustainable practices and global cooperation to create a healthier, sustainable and more balanced world.