15.3 Environmental political philosophy and climate justice
4 min read•august 7, 2024
Environmental political philosophy tackles pressing issues like climate change and . It explores how we can balance human needs with ecological preservation, considering the rights of future generations and vulnerable populations.
This field connects to broader debates in political philosophy by examining justice, ethics, and governance on a global scale. It challenges traditional notions of citizenship and responsibility, pushing us to rethink our relationship with nature and each other.
Sustainability and Justice
Intergenerational Equity and Ecological Citizenship
Top images from around the web for Intergenerational Equity and Ecological Citizenship
What is Sustainability? | Sustainability: A Comprehensive Foundation View original
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Canada’s first climate change election | Pursuit by The University of Melbourne View original
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Without sustainable cities, global development goals will fail | Pursuit by The University of ... View original
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What is Sustainability? | Sustainability: A Comprehensive Foundation View original
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Canada’s first climate change election | Pursuit by The University of Melbourne View original
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Top images from around the web for Intergenerational Equity and Ecological Citizenship
What is Sustainability? | Sustainability: A Comprehensive Foundation View original
Is this image relevant?
Canada’s first climate change election | Pursuit by The University of Melbourne View original
Is this image relevant?
Without sustainable cities, global development goals will fail | Pursuit by The University of ... View original
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What is Sustainability? | Sustainability: A Comprehensive Foundation View original
Is this image relevant?
Canada’s first climate change election | Pursuit by The University of Melbourne View original
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Sustainability involves meeting present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs
requires considering the rights and well-being of future generations in current decision-making
Decisions made today (resource depletion, environmental degradation) can have long-lasting impacts on future generations
demands that we preserve a livable planet for our descendants
recognizes the responsibilities individuals have towards the environment and future generations
Involves adopting sustainable lifestyles, advocating for environmental protection, and participating in collective action
Extends the concept of citizenship beyond the nation-state to include global environmental responsibilities
Climate Justice and Vulnerability
addresses the disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations
Low-income communities, indigenous peoples, and developing nations often face greater risks from climate-related disasters (rising sea levels, droughts, floods)
These groups have contributed least to greenhouse gas emissions but bear the brunt of the consequences
Climate justice demands equitable sharing of the burdens and benefits of addressing climate change
Developed nations, as historically larger emitters, have a greater responsibility to reduce emissions and support adaptation efforts
Principles of fairness, responsibility, and capacity should guide global climate action
to climate change is shaped by social, economic, and political factors
Poverty, lack of infrastructure, and limited adaptive capacity exacerbate the impacts of climate change on certain populations
Addressing underlying inequalities and building resilience are crucial aspects of climate justice
Environmental Ethics
Anthropocentrism and Ecocentrism
examines the moral relationship between humans and the natural environment
is a human-centered approach that values the environment based on its usefulness to humans
Sees nature as a resource to be exploited for human benefit
Justifies environmental protection in terms of preserving resources for human use (timber, medicines, recreation)
places intrinsic value on nature and ecosystems, independent of their utility to humans
Recognizes the inherent worth of all living beings and the interconnectedness of ecosystems
Argues for the preservation of nature for its own sake, not just for human benefit
Debate between anthropocentrism and ecocentrism shapes and decision-making
Anthropocentric approaches prioritize human needs and economic growth
Ecocentric approaches advocate for more stringent environmental protections and limits on human activities
Precautionary Principle and Environmental Decision-Making
The states that when an activity raises threats of harm to the environment or human health, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause-and-effect relationships are not fully established scientifically
Places the burden of proof on those proposing potentially harmful activities to demonstrate their safety
Encourages proactive measures to prevent environmental damage, even in the face of scientific uncertainty
The precautionary principle guides environmental decision-making in situations of risk and uncertainty
Applied to issues such as climate change, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and toxic chemicals
Promotes a "better safe than sorry" approach to environmental policy
Critics argue that the precautionary principle can stifle innovation and economic growth
Contend that it may lead to over-regulation based on speculative risks
Supporters maintain that it is a necessary safeguard against irreversible environmental harm
Green Political Theory
Green Political Thought and Global Commons
integrates environmental concerns into political philosophy and practice
Emphasizes the interconnectedness of social, economic, and ecological issues
Argues that environmental sustainability is inseparable from social justice and economic equity
Calls for a fundamental restructuring of political and economic systems to prioritize ecological balance
Advocates for , decentralization, and grassroots activism
Sees local communities as key actors in environmental decision-making and stewardship
Promotes alternative economic models (steady-state economics, eco-socialism) that prioritize sustainability over growth
refers to natural resources and spaces that are shared by all of humanity (atmosphere, oceans, Antarctica)
Pose challenges for governance and collective action, as they transcend national boundaries
Tragedy of the commons: individual self-interest can lead to overexploitation and degradation of shared resources
Green political theory emphasizes the need for global cooperation and institutions to manage the global commons
Calls for international agreements and frameworks to address transboundary environmental issues (climate change, ocean acidification)
Promotes the concept of Earth stewardship and the recognition of common but differentiated responsibilities among nations