Anthropocentrism: Human-Centric Environmental Responsibility - Essay Sample

Introduction

Anthropocentrism highlights that environmental responsibility is entirely derived from the interests of humans only. The term implies, "human-centered" and hence brings out the view of all environmental responsibilities to directly emanate from human interests. Based on traditional morality view, it is evident that moral considerations are associated with human beings as opposed to animals, rocks, plants or rivers. In this case, it implies that there is no unique value in particular objects such as houses, glasses and other surrounding apart from the importance attached in them by human beings and therefore, human beings have special obligations to the environment.

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Example in a sentence: Anthropocentrism is deeply engrained in my read of human nature.

Biocentrism on the handstands for the view that human beings have a direct moral obligation to the items in the environment for their good regardless of the influence on human interests. Biocentrism can be presented through biocentric individualism which postulates that each living thing in the environment has a moral value in it and by itself. Based on Taylor (1986), each organism has moral worth, and therefore each has a goal that drives its growth and its activities leading towards its wellbeing and survival. Biocentric holism also known as ecocentrism argues that human beings have direct responsibilities to collections in the environment such as animals and plant species but not necessary to individual species in the different organisms in the groups. In this light, it is vital for the ecosystem and the species to thrive.

Example in sentence: Confrontation between anthropocentrism and biocentrism lead to the development of ecological philosophies.

How Silent Spring by Rachel Carson Affected Environmental Movement

Silent Spring is a landmark in the igniting the rise of modern environmental movements. The book presented different scientific arguments towards the impact of pesticides on the environment as well as the ecosystem. The book addressed the impact of pesticides on the natural world which ignited various discussions from the public and the Congress. The resultant effect of the book led to the development of the broad range of environmental protection policies in air, water, health and safety measures related to the influence of social practices on the environment (Paull, 2013). In the modern days, the legacy of the book exists in focus in the adoption of green chemistry which derives the influence of human activities on the environment and the support extended by the public in sustainability in all areas of life. Following the controversy presented by Carson, the US Environmental Protection Agency was formed while several laws were also passed in advocacy for environmental and human health. The immediate impact was the ban on the use of DDT domestically in 1972 due to its widespread use and its adverse effect on the environment.

Rachel Carson deployed various case studies in demonstrating the argument on the environmental influence of human activities. The spraying of pesticides which were facilitated by the development of new pesticides as well as planes from WWII was used in demonstrating the deterioration caused by the chemicals to the environment and human health. Chemicals were released in the air through aerial spraying which turned the planes into showers of chemicals. What was aimed to be the extermination of exotic species such as gypsy moth and fire ant resulted in more careless spraying in cities and populated towns, the accumulation of the chemicals increases the toxicity of the soil and air. The spray of DDT was done without warning and protection and the government's consent. The spraying risked the environmental sustainability and quality and health effects from direct and indirect exposure to the chemicals sprayed.

Role of Religion in Environmental Ethics

Christianity

The Bible contains various quotes which advocate for the protection, safety, and sustainability of the environment. This gives the Christians an environmental responsibility as well as encouraging for the behavioral change for the better good of the future. According to Jesus teachings, as illustrated in the book of John, after Jesus feeding a multitude, he called upon people to gather all the pieces that had remained not allow any wastes (John 35:33). Nature needs to be treated with the same vigor as human beings as the safety of nature has a direct impact on the wellbeing of people with their interaction with the environment (Malmstrom, 2010). According to Pope Francis (2015), the urgency of protecting the world as common home lies in bringing human beings together and build a common home and embrace integral development (UNEP., n.d.).

Hinduism

Hinduism is deeply rooted in the features and properties of nature. The sacred texts such as the Upanishads, Epics, Vedas, and Bhagavad Gita indicate vast references in environment-related divinity (UNEP., n.d.). These features include rivers, animals, mountains, trees and the earth. This shows the appreciation of the role of nature in religion. Hinduism advocates for the protection of nature and the promotion of environmental sustainability. According to UNEP., there exists an inseparable bond between man and nature; therefore, the removal of any entity in nature can lead to an imbalance in nature. Despite the diversity in beliefs as well as practices, Hindus believe in the existence of a supreme God whose attributes are prevalent in the many multitudes (UNEP., n.d.). They belief in karma which connects the consequences and the associated consequences. This is widely used across different societies in making decisions on decision making. The belief also can be used to address the expectations of the outcomes of activities that endanger environmental stability.

The Earth as an Organism

The attributes held by the earth can be characterized as the source of life. in this case, the earth is presented as an organism in various ways. According to Lovelock (1991), the idea of the earth being alive may be as old as humankind. Historian McIntyre viewed the earth as a superorganism and highlighted that the study of the earth should be done by physiology. The circulation of the rivers, nutrients, a distillation of water by sunlight which later falls as rain indicates the various physiological processes that can be extracted from the study of the earth as an organism (Lovelock, 1991). The water bodies provide for circulation channels which serve different parts of the earth. As evident in organisms, air circulation takes place in the soils, rocks and various forms, as well as the areas, served with water and nutrients experience good growth, the earth also has similar features with fertile areas well served with rain and air exhibit green vegetation while other areas are dry. The difference in the environmental features with different climatic conditions tend to balance the survival of earth as an organism. The balancing of nature results from activities on the surface of the earth (Lovelock, 1991). This can be explained with reference to the melting of the Arctic end which on the other hand can be used to describe the process of homeostasis. Based on the inconsistencies in the climatic factors such as increased temperatures, the earth is undertaking homeostasis effects to realize a balance in nature. Based on the life support mechanisms portrayed through the processes on the surface of the earth, it can be regarded as an organism.

Human Population Growth as an Environmental Threat and the Ethical Solution

According to Dovers & Butler (2018), the world population is growing by around 74 million people per year. The tremendous rise in population poses a serious threat to the environment as it impacts on the earth's carrying capacity. Additionally, the need for housing, food and the increase in waste material pose a significant threat to environmental sustainability. The constant increase in population has exposed the environment to continuous damage. This can be associated with the rise in pollution, decline in vegetation, and declined water content and water levels (Revkin, 2012).

Consequently, the solution to this problem is rooted in defining regular education programs and change in policies which can significantly enlighten humankind with strategies to balance the population growth and the activities which can influence the decline in the degradation of the environment (Dovers & Butler, 2018). Improvement in healthcare and education programs with regards to reproductive health can realize a reduction in the size of the population. On the other hand, policies can be adopted which regulates the total number of births expected among families in different regions.

SEP Environmental Ethics

According to Christopher Stone, trees and other natural objects should have the same legal standing as corporations. This implies that nature has an independent entity which on the other hand can be exploited in addressing their legal status. The actions of human beings towards nature should be protected by legal status according to the legal standing outlined by law in the protection of nature. Trees and other natural features require a legal position to allow for procedural and controlled actions towards exploitation of nature.

References

Dovers, S., & Butler, C. (2018). Population and environment: a global challenge.

Lovelock, J. E. (1991). The earth as a living organism. Learning to listen to the land, 11-16.

Malmstrom, C. (2010). Ecologists study the interactions of organisms and their environment. Nat Educ Knowl, 3(10), 88.

Paull, J. (2013). The Rachel Carson letters and the making of Silent Spring. Sage Open, 3(3), 2158244013494861.

Revkin, A. (2012). How Rachel Carson spurred chemical concerns by highlighting uncertainty. The Dot Earth blog, The New York Times. com.

UNEP. How religions are involved in environmental protection. Retrieved from https://www.unenvironment.org/about-un-environment/faith-earth-initiative/why-faith-and-environment-matters/how-religions-are