Ethical Landscape of Environmental Conservation | 05 Nov 2024

The ethical debate surrounding environmental conservation has become increasingly pressing due to escalating ecological crises. As of 2024, approximately 1.3 billion people in India, that is around 96% of the population, are exposed to PM 2.5 levels seven times higher than the World Health Organization's guidelines. Factors such as stubble burning, vehicular emissions in urban areas, and industrial pollution exacerbate this dire air quality situation, particularly in the Gangetic plains during the winter months, with New Delhi ranked most polluted capital city in 6^th Annual World Air Quality report of Greenpeace India.

Recent satellite data from ISRO indicates that 676 out of 2,431 glacial lakes have significantly expanded in size due to melting, highlighting the urgency of the climate crisis. Additionally, the shift in Earth Overshoot Day (the day when humanity's consumption of natural resources exceeds the Earth's ability to regenerate them in a given year) from 25th December 1971, to 1st August 2024, underscores unsustainable consumption patterns.

In the Himalayan region, known as the "Third Pole," unique challenges arise, including Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) driven by rising temperatures, as evidenced by the glacial lake outburst in Sikkim in October 2023. Alarmingly, the UN reports that 44% of migratory species listed under the Convention on Migratory Species are experiencing population declines, signaling an increasing risk of extinction. Together, these factors emphasize the ethical imperative to protect the environment, not only for human health but also as a moral obligation to future generations and vulnerable ecosystems.

Why is Environment Conservation Ethically Important?

• Environmental Ethics: Environment conservation is grounded in the belief that humans have a moral duty to protect the natural world. This ethical responsibility acknowledges the intrinsic value of ecosystems, wildlife, and biodiversity.
  • Conservation ensures that we respect the rights of nature and prevent irreversible damage to our environment, recognizing that every living organism has inherent worth.
• Principle of Responsibility: We have an ethical obligation to manage and protect the environment for the well-being of both current and future generations.
  • This principle calls for responsible action in addressing issues like air pollution, water contamination, and habitat destruction.
• Equitable Sharing of Resources Among All Living Beings: Natural resources, including water, land, and clean air, should be shared fairly among all species, including humans, wildlife, and future generations.
  • Environmental conservation ensures that resources are not exploited unsustainably or disproportionately, particularly for vulnerable communities.
  • For example, water scarcity and pollution often hit marginalized groups hardest, violating the ethical principle of fairness in resource distribution.
• Collective Global Responsibility: Environmental degradation, including climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity loss, requires collective global action.
  • Ethical conservation emphasizes that all nations share responsibility for protecting the planet, regardless of their economic or industrial status.
  • The climate crisis cannot be solved in isolation, countries must cooperate, share knowledge, and act in solidarity to ensure a sustainable future for all.
• Duty towards Future Generations and Intergenerational Equity: Intergenerational equity stresses that we have a moral duty to preserve the environment and its resources for future generations.
  • Conservation practices ensure that our actions today do not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
  • By managing resources sustainably and protecting ecosystems, we honor our ethical obligation to leave a planet that is capable of supporting life for generations to come.
• Violation of Fundamental Rights: The violation of fundamental right to live in a clean environment occurs when pollution, habitat destruction, and resource depletion harm public health, infringe on dignity, and deny access to essential natural resources.
  • Air pollution is not just a public health crisis; it is a violation of our moral obligation toward nature and to provide clean air to future generations.
  • Water pollution in India raises ethical concerns about neglecting shared resources, harming vulnerable communities, damaging ecosystems, and violating the right to clean water.
  • The rise in human-wildlife conflict in India highlights an ethical dilemma- as urbanization encroaches on natural habitats, the rights of wildlife to coexist and thrive are compromised.

What are the Various Perspectives on Environmental Conservation?

• Collective Responsibility: Emphasizing James Mill's idea of other-regarding action, environmental conservation requires a societal commitment to protect the ecosystem. This involves recognizing the interconnectedness of our actions and their impact on vulnerable communities and future generations.
  • For instance, the ethical concern of consumerism focuses on society's duty to minimize environmental harm and promote sustainability, addressing the impact of consumer habits on ecosystems and society as a whole and the responsibility of businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices.
• Human-Centric Approach: The adverse health impacts from pollution justify conservation efforts to improve human well-being.
  • With high pollution levels in several metropolitan areas, the moral argument for conservation from a human-centric perspective is strong, advocating for cleaner environments as a public health priority.
• Ecocentric Perspective: Philosopher Arne Naess’s deep ecology movement promotes the intrinsic value of all living things, arguing that ecosystems and species have rights independent of human needs.
  • This ecocentric view suggests that environmental protection is a moral obligation, not merely for human benefit but for the intrinsic worth of all life forms and ecosystems.
• Ecofeminism: Ecofeminism argues that the exploitation of nature is similar to the patriarchal exploitation of women.
  • It calls for the inclusion of marginalized voices, particularly women, in environmental governance, ensuring diverse perspectives shape conservation efforts.
  • Ecofeminism promotes a caring relationship with nature, advocating for conservation practices that prioritize ecological health and community well-being.

What Should be the Way Forward for Environment Conservation?

• Ethical Governance & Moral Leadership: Ethical governance and moral leadership in environmental conservation emphasize transparency and accountability in decision-making.
  • By ensuring open access to information, involving communities, and holding industries accountable, leaders can foster trust and drive sustainable actions.
  • This approach ensures long-term environmental protection, equitable resource management, and fair enforcement of conservation laws.
• Global Governance and CBDR: Global governance in environmental conservation strengthens the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR), recognizing varied capacities between nations.
  • By fostering international cooperation, equitable resource sharing, and tailored climate commitments, global governance promotes inclusive solutions.
  • At lower levels, similar principles should be in place to ensure fair environmental policies, balancing local capabilities and responsibilities.
• Strengthening Regulations and Enforcement: Governments should implement more rigorous environmental laws and ensure strict enforcement, including significant penalties for polluters.
  • Empowering institutions like the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to act swiftly against violations will enhance accountability and deter harmful practices.
• Investment in Green Technologies: To combat climate change and reduce environmental damage, it is crucial to prioritize investments in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and sustainable agricultural practices.
  • These innovations can minimize dependence on fossil fuels and drive a transition to a low-carbon economy.
• Community Empowerment and Education: Local communities must be actively involved in managing natural resources, as evidenced by initiatives like Joint Forest Management (JFM).
  • Education systems should also promote environmental literacy, equipping individuals with the knowledge needed to make sustainable choices and engage in eco-friendly practices from an early age.
  • Grassroots movements can mobilize communities to take ownership of conservation efforts, demonstrating successful local initiatives that can be replicated elsewhere.
• Promoting Responsible Consumption Patterns: Society must shift towards minimalism and responsible consumption, supported by policies that encourage recycling, reduce single-use plastics, and promote sustainable alternatives. This cultural shift will help mitigate waste generation and its environmental impact.
• Balancing Development with Environmental Stewardship: Sustainable development should prioritize the integration of environmental considerations into all sectors, including urban planning, agriculture, and industry.
  • By embracing green infrastructure, circular economy principles, and sustainable tourism, society can pursue economic growth without compromising ecological integrity, ensuring a viable planet for future generations.

Conclusion

Addressing ethical concerns in environmental conservation requires urgent, collective action. Recognizing the interconnectedness of human health, ecological integrity, and social equity is crucial. Governments must enforce stricter regulations and empower communities for sustainable resource management, while education fosters environmental awareness. Responsible consumption and public discourse are key for mobilizing grassroots initiatives. As Margaret Mead said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world." The Sanskrit phrase from the Atharvaveda, "माता भूमि: पुत्रो अहं पृथिव्या" (Earth is my mother, and I am her child), encapsulates our duty to take care of the environment. By prioritizing ethical considerations, we can protect our planet and uphold the rights of all its inhabitants