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Mains Practice Questions

  • Q."Intergenerational equity demands fundamental reimagination of current economic and developmental paradigms." Discuss this statement from environmental ethics perspectives. (150 words)

    23 Jan, 2025 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions

    Approach

    • Introduce the answer by defining intergenerational equity
    • Give Core Principles of Intergenerational Equity and Environmental Ethics
    • Highlight the Issues with Current Economic and Development Paradigms
    • Delve into the Need for Reimagining Development Paradigms
    • Highlight the Ethical Dimensions of Intergenerational Equity
    • Give Challenges to Achieving Intergenerational Equity
    • Conclude suitably.

    Introduction

    Intergenerational equity refers to the ethical responsibility of current generations to ensure the needs of future generations are not compromised while meeting their own.

    • From an environmental ethics perspective, it necessitates a shift from exploitative, resource-intensive development to a sustainable and inclusive economic model.

    Body

    Core Principles of Intergenerational Equity and Environmental Ethics

    • Preservation of Resources: Ensuring that natural resources are not depleted beyond the capacity of the earth to regenerate for future generations.
    • Sustainability: Adopting practices that fulfill the triple bottom line of economic, social, and environmental well-being.

    Issues with Current Economic and Development Paradigms

    • Resource-Intensive Growth Models: The focus on GDP-driven growth ignores ecological degradation.
      • Example: Amazon rainforest deforestation for cattle ranching and agriculture disrupts global carbon cycles.
    • Short-Term Profit over Long-Term Sustainability: Policies prioritize immediate economic gains over sustainable practices.
      • Example: Extensive coal mining projects in Jharkhand, while boosting energy output, harm ecosystems and displace communities.
    • Consumerism and Waste Generation: Rapid urbanization and industrialization increase waste and pollution.
      • Example: India generates over 3.5 million tons of plastic annually, much of which is non-biodegradable.

    Need for Reimagining Development Paradigms

    • Shift to Circular Economy: Moving from the "take-make-dispose" model to a regenerative system where waste is minimized, and resources are reused.
      • Example: Sweden has implemented robust recycling systems and waste-to-energy programs.
    • Ecological Restoration as a Priority: Restoring degraded ecosystems to enhance biodiversity and ecological balance.
      • Example: The Namami Gange program aims to rejuvenate the Ganga River ecosystem.
    • Green Technologies and Innovations: Investing in low-carbon technologies to reduce environmental footprints.
      • Example: Promotion of electric vehicles under India’s FAME II scheme.

    Ethical Dimensions of Intergenerational Equity

    • Moral Responsibility: Ethical frameworks like Gandhian trusteeship advocate for resource stewardship as a duty toward future generations.
      • Example: Indigenous communities in the Arctic practice sustainable hunting and fishing to preserve their ecosystem.
    • Justice and Inclusivity: Equitable access to resources ensures that marginalized and future generations are not deprived.
      • Example: The Paris Agreement emphasizes global cooperation to limit climate change impacts, especially on vulnerable regions.

    Challenges to Achieving Intergenerational Equity

    • Resistance to Change: Industries and economies reliant on traditional energy sources face significant inertia in transitioning to green technologies.
    • Global Inequities: Developed countries, with historical responsibility for emissions, often place the burden of mitigation on developing nations.
      • Example: The disproportionate pressure on India to reduce emissions while its per capita carbon footprint is significantly lower than that of the US or China.
    • Lack of Awareness: Poor understanding of sustainability among stakeholders hinders the adoption of eco-friendly practices.

    Conclusion

    Intergenerational equity is a cornerstone of environmental ethics. By adopting sustainable practices, promoting green technologies, and fostering global cooperation, humanity can achieve a balance between present needs and the rights of future generations. As Mahatma Gandhi aptly said, “The earth has enough for everyone's needs, but not for everyone’s greed.”

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