Environmental ethics: concepts and applications

Human Race and Environment

The Human Race and the Environment: Moral and Ethical Dilemmas

"We can't as humans oblige the environment to follow our agenda in all things, however much we can bend certain natural forces to our will; we can't control the weather system or the succession of the seasons...the world turn, and the tides move at the drawing of the moon" (Williams). As the modern philosopher comments on the relationship that humans have with the environment, it seems that his commentary is more than just that- it is factual information that needs to be explored deeper. The environment that the human race inhabits is a delicate one but it is imperative that there is an understanding between the two entities, especially from the humans that reap the benefits from the environment. From William's commentary, moral and ethical questions are illuminated in regards to the relationship between the human race and the environment, namely: does the human race have a responsibility to all biological life in the environment? Furthermore, should the environment be managed exclusively in the interests of humans or should society alter its practices to protect species from extinction?

Foremost, the human race absolutely has a responsibility to biological life in the environment, as it is this biological life that the human race is able to sustain itself. Currently, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, a laboratory that works under the U.S. Department of Energy, has explained the adverse impacts of ecological health due to the human need to sustain and grow itself in an economic sense (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory). The ecosystems that we use on a daily basis are subjected to a myriad of stressors that humans place on it, including "water or air pollution, global warming or the degradation and loss of habitat from economic development"; but, it is important to realize that "human health and ecosystem health are intertwined" (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory). To that end, it is absolutely imperative to realize that the human race has a responsibility to biological life, as it is important to the longevity of the human race as well. At its essence, the foundation of this dilemma stems from the questions, why does the human race disrespect the thing that it needs the most? It seems quite ludicrous to believe that humans can continual reap the benefits that the earth provides for them without re-paying the favor. Over time, as scientists have asserted, global warming is a very real issue that faces humanity- it has the potential to eventually make the world an uninhabitable planet. The reason for global warming are humans, with global warming produced mainly from the "ongoing buildup of human-related greenhouse gases- produced mainly by the burning of fossil fuels and forests" (Science Staff). With global warming threatening the safety of humanity into the future, it is important to realize that as individuals we do have a responsibility to biological life.

Therefore, with the importance that the environment has for the human race, individuals, communities, states and nations need to alter their behavior and practices in order to protect the species from extinction. Humans "are part of something bigger than ourselves; we are part of the environment...we all breathe the same air and drink the same water...walk the same group and experience the same sunshine and moonlight" (Soluk). Is it fair to keep on taking from our partner in living? The environment is already indicating to humanity that enough is enough and that the relationship that we foster with it is no longer sustainable, via global warming, the loss of wildlife, the overall state of the environment is calling out for its partner to alter its practices and it important that humans honor that in order to continue living in its graces.