Ethics and climate change - Introduction

Question 1

Introduction 1. Why is climate change fundamentally an ethical issue?

Answer 1

Industrialised countries journey to date has fundamentally affected
o The development options for developing countries.
o The state of the world atmosphere

Current state of CC
Caused by Developed past
Options for Developing future

Question 2

Introduction 2. Why are there many differences in the way people view climate change?

Answer 2

Differences in ethical positions or understanding give rise to
o Different individuals’ responses to climate change
o Different understanding and engaging in climate change action

It is important to understand people’s ethical values and frameworks
Many ethical positions
Differing CC understanding
Response to CC
Engaging in CC action

Question 3

Introduction 3. What is right or good behaviour or action in particular situations - 3 methods

Answer 3

1. May be judged by total net benefit and harm, (asymmetries in the distribution of benefits and harms. Who, what, winners, losers.)
2. By definition and assignment of rights and duties. (Rights to pursue lifestyles, basic needs that involve GHG emissions and are vulnerable to climate change) and (Duties to protect lifestyles and needs vulnerable to climate change)
3. By compatibility with virtue. (Many general principles that are highly relevant to climate change)

Net benefit and harm
Right and duties
Virtues

Question 4

Introduction 4. Why are ethics particularly important in climate change?

Answer 4

Due to the seriousness of climate change processes and impacts which are on a
o Global scope
o Global scale

Seriousness of
Processes and impacts
Global nature