Secular Approaches to the Environment

Question 1

Conservation Ethics

Answer 1

We should look after our environment to protect people. for example, we should stop global warming as it leads to diseases and flooding. Bio diversity is significant as it contributes to the Eco-system, tourism etc.

Question 2

Reverence for life

Answer 2

Respect for living things as we are living.

Question 3

Deep Ecology (Arne Ness)

Answer 3

Things have their own intrinsic worth, every human, animal, vegetable has equal right to live and blossom. Mountains and rivers have as much dignity as we do. For example, the cave in mexico was sealed up away from humans to protect its beauty. It’s value is not measured by human enjoyment of it. In order to resolve environmental problems we should reduce the population and live in small sustainable communities. “touch the earth lightly”. No single life form has a right to destroy the Earth’s diversity and richness.

Question 4

Eco-holism

Answer 4

James Lovelock and the Gaia hypothesis; the Earth is self-regulating. For example, we have the exact right amount of CO₂. If all of the humans died, life would still continue just like it did when the dinosaurs died. If we continue to abuse Gaia we will be destroyed as part of the self-regulating process. For example, global warming leads to famine, disease, floods etc which all kill humans. Earth is a being with a soul, and we will reach a tipping point where there is nothing we can do anymore.