Exploring Environmental Ethics- Anthropocentrism Biocentrism and Ecocentrism

Exploring Environmental Ethics- Anthropocentrism Biocentrism and Ecocentrism

Environmental ethics categories

The three categories of environmental ethics can be defined as “efforts to articulate, systematize, and defend systems of value guiding human treatment of and behavior in the natural world” (Rülke et al., 2020, p. 4). The division of environmental ethics into different categories arises from the differing principles of value. Anthropocentrism implies ‘human-centered’. It posits that the natural environment and living things are valuable only if they serve the desires, goals, and needs of human beings. For instance, if a polar bear does not provide food or water to the human population within its habitat, then it is less important to consider them while formulating environmental policies. This perspective explains why anthropocentrism is perceived to cause most of the human-induced problems that affect the environment negatively. In the recent past, anthropogenic activities have reduced significantly as the COVID-19 pandemic led to lockdowns and travel restrictions. For instance, the Gangetic dolphins, which were seen 30 years ago in India’s Kolkata waters, were sighted again (Anthropocentrism to Ecocentrism: A Necessary Conservational Shift, 2020).

Biocentrism posits a different perspective that promotes a more positive and respectful viewpoint of other non-human living things than the anthropocentrism view does. According to the biocentric perspective, nature does not exist merely for the fulfillment of human needs. However, all living things, including human beings, are part of the cosmos. Paul W. Taylor states that this ethical perspective promotes an ‘attitude of respect for nature’ (Anthropocentrism to Ecocentrism: A Necessary Conservational Shift, 2020). Human beings have the moral responsibility to preserve mature and other living things. This moral obligation implies the necessity to protect endangered species, promote biodiversity preservation, preserve old-growth forests, as well as other aspects that ensure a healthy ecosystem.

Ecocentrism can be viewed as an extension of biocentrism. It extends the perspective beyond living things and includes the various structures and principles that ensure the world functions as a system. In ecocentrism, systems in ecology, species, and biodiversity are valuable (Rülke et al., 2020). The significance of all other environmental elements is greater than that accorded to human beings alone. Ecocentrism, which was formulated by Aldo Leopold, was intended to shift the human mindset from ‘solely humans’ to view the planet as a system. Thus, the perspective is expected to result in the adoption of sustainable living practices that conserve and protect the entire planet (Anthropocentrism to Ecocentrism: A Necessary Conservational Shift, 2020).

Energy sources

Renewable energy sources are natural resources that provide energy that can be replenished. Examples of renewable sources of energy include the sun, wind, water, organic materials, and geothermal. However, these renewable sources of energy face limitations in terms of their availability at any specific time. For instance, the sun shines for 12 hours, making it available for this specific period. During the 12 hours of sunshine, cloudy weather and the winter season add to these limitations. Wind is also categorized as a renewable source of energy. California, Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas are some of the well-known states that tap and use wind energy (Gorjian, 2017).

Non-renewable energy is obtained from a source that eventually becomes limited or runs out. These sources include coal, oil, or natural gas, which undergo combustion to produce energy. These sources of energy produce gases that trap heat, such as Carbon dioxide, which is one of the main drivers of climate change. In addition, the combustion processes also pollute the environment and consume natural resources. Unlike renewable energy sources, non-renewable sources are limited to geographic regions. Each country has access to the wind, water, and sun. However, just a few nations have access to coal, natural gas, and oil, which subjects the energy sources to the country’s policy use.

Clean energy sources differentiate renewable from non-renewable sources. Non-renewable energy is also known as ‘dirty energy’, which is prone to running out and pollutes the environment. Clean energy refers to renewable sources such as wind, geothermal, sun, and organic materials, which are renewed consistently (Denchak, 2018). Clean energy sources do not pollute the environment through the emission of gases. Thus, it is more reliable in the long term.

Renewable energy sources

Wind is one of the renewable sources of energy. Its main advantages include zero emissions, renewability, and reduced dependence on fuel. Wind energy is clean because it does not produce any gases such as carbon dioxide, Sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, or nitrogen oxides. Wind energy increases the nation’s security as it pertains to domestic energy. The lack of emissions does not negatively affect the quality of air and water. In addition, the climate is not affected adversely. A nation or state that uses wind as an energy source can achieve energy independence. Its capability to renew allows consumers to avoid price volatility that usually occurs with ‘dirty’ energy sources. However, wind energy is variable because turbines only produce the energy when the wind blows (Gorjian, 2017). The turbines produce a sound that is foreign to the residents of a community. However, the sound of these turbines does not affect normal activities. The construction process usually impacts the biological ecosystem negatively. Habitat loss, which occurs when turbines are set up, affects the existence of natural species. However, this does not stop the construction processes since the environmental assessment confirms that the advantages to the environment outweigh the disadvantages.

Solar energy is obtained through the conversion of sun rays into a form of energy that can be utilized. The sun, as a source of energy, does not emit any greenhouse gases, which reduces the rate of global warming. The use of solar energy is associated with greater economic stability. Due to technological advancements, the installation cost of solar panels has reduced tremendously and is expected to drop further. Furthermore, the installation cost is incurred once. The maintenance cost is also reasonable since each solar system has a 25-year life span. The cost of repair in case of damage ranges between $186 and $1,100. This cost is low when compared to other systems of energy maintenance. Solar energy is associated with a few disadvantages. First, solar energy is harvested during the day when the sun is shining. Companies that produce storage batteries are innovating to manufacture batteries that can store more excess energy that is trapped during the day. This ensures that people who rely on solar energy still have power during rainy and cloudy weather. Unfortunately, these batteries are expensive and consume space. Secondly, the cost of installation is still relatively high, even if it is a one-off. The presence of subsidies from regional and federal governments does not make a major difference. The process of initial use requires consent and inspection, which consumes time. Finally, the solar fields pose a significant risk to avian wildlife. The birds are drawn to the solar panels due to their reflective similarity with water bodies. When birds fly over the solar fields, they risk death as their feathers are ignited mid-air (Chinnammai, 2014).

Biomass energy is obtained from decaying materials such as animal waste and plants. The production of energy in the form of biogas results in clean energy, which is renewable. It has reduced pollution effects to the environment. The waste produced after energy generation can be used as manure for farming. Biogas is reliable and cheaper than other sources of clean energy. It utilizes the recycling of waste, which impacts the environment positively by reducing the consumption of natural resources. Growing crops to be used as biomass consumes the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and produces oxygen. The main cons include the high cost of setting up a biogas production plant. It is important to have a steady supply of biomass for the consistent generation of biogas. Biogas storage in cylinders is difficult, and its transportation uses pipes over large distances. Diversion of corn, which is a common biomass crop, may affect food security negatively due to the seasonality of the crop (Papoutsidakis et al., 2018).

Geothermal energy is obtained from the earth’s crust and manifests in hot springs, which emanate from the hot spots. Geothermal energy is renewable, non-polluting, and does not generate waste products. It can be used directly while maintenance of the power plants is minimal. The space occupied by the geothermal plants is small, which avoids interruption of the natural habitat. It is not dependent on the weather and seasons; thus, it is always available. Unfortunately, geothermal spots are only present in a few locations. The locations with geothermal energy are far off from consumers. The total energy that is generated may not justify the capital expenditure or the costs of operation. The cost of installing a power plant is relatively high. In addition, the drilling process may result in the escape of some poisonous gases (Manzella, 2017).

Fossil fuels

Humans rely upon various fossil fuels, including petroleum, natural gas, and coal. Petroleum is a liquid hydrocarbon, which comprises carbon and hydrogen. Petroleum is present in varying textures, colors, and viscosities. The process of formation is dependent on algae, plankton, and various organic matter that deposit at the floors of oceans and seas. The deposits then transform into bitumen and waxy kerogen (Denchak, 2018). The kerogen converts into crude oil within the right conditions.

Coal is found in sedimentary rocks, where dead plants, animals, and rocks pile up during the geological period. The formation of coal began in the Carboniferous period (300 to 360 million years ago). Coal can be bituminous, anthracite, lignite, and sub-bituminous, which are determined by the content of carbon. Natural gas results from kerogen which is subjected to extreme pressure as well as high temperatures. It mainly contains methane and is refined into ethane, butane, and propane. Propane has a high-energy output and is used to fuel engines, cook, heat furnaces, and water. Butane is commonly used to fuel automobiles and in lighters (Denchak, 2018).

The extraction processes pose a threat to the natural environment. The blasting of natural habitats and clearing of forests to expose the cola or petroleum damages the natural ecosystem permanently. Land that is important for breeding or migration is destroyed and fragmented, affecting animal species negatively. Groundwater and other water bodies are at risk of pollution due to oil spills, acid runoff, and leakages during transportation. The drilling and fracking processes generate substantial wastewater, which may contain heavy metals that pollute water bodies and aquifers. Some of the effects on human beings include cancer, neurological damage, and birth defects (Denchak, 2018).

Rachel Carson

Rachel Carson, an American biologist, led the debate against chemical pesticides. This led to the prohibition of DDT and other pesticides as farming inputs in the country. This was important for environmental conservation because it led to the formation of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (Michals, 2015). The ban played a key role in the conservation of the natural environment through protection from pollution from chemical substances.

China’s One-Child Policy

The one-child policy had numerous negative memories for those who were affected directly. The disadvantages include loss of savings through bribing, imprisonment due to defiance, botched sterilizations, increased abortions, and loss of children’s lives. However, families with multiples births were exempted, which changed the female’s position in society as more girls accessed education, the policy affected China only to control the population, and increased the employment opportunities due to reduced competition (ConnectUSFund, 2018). The policy may not work in the USA because China formulated it when it was still lagging economically. The US is not in a similar economic state, thus may reap minimal benefits from the policy. In addition, the aged population is significantly large. Enacting such a policy would greatly endanger the country’s labor in the future. The USA can only offer incentives to individuals to reduce their family size to match their economic power.

Dead zones and sustainable fishing

Dead zones refer to a state of less dissolution of oxygen in water leading to depletion of marine life. Human activities are responsible for the occurrence of nutrient pollution, which results in an algae overgrowth in water bodies. The algae sink and decompose, leading to the consumption of oxygen, which depletes the supply of marine life (NOAA, 2021). Sustainable fishing entails leaving sufficient fish in water bodies and protecting their habitats and threatened organisms. This act is important in safeguarding the livelihoods of fishermen (Marine Stewardship Council, 2021).

References

Anthropocentrism to Ecocentrism: A Necessary Conservational Shift. (2020). Terracon Nature-based Solutions.

Chinnammai, S. (2014). A study on energy crisis and social benefit of solar energy. International Journal of Environmental Science and Development, 5(4), 404-411. doi:10.7763/IJESD.2014.V5.518

ConnectUSFund. (2018). 17 China One Child Policy Pros and Cons. Retrieved from ConnectUS: https://connectusfund.org/17-china-one-child-policy-pros-and-cons

Denchak, M. (2018). Fossil Fuels: The Dirty Facts. Retrieved from https://www.nrdc.org/stories/fossil-fuels-dirty-facts

Gorjian, S. (2017). An Introduction to the Renewable Energy Resources. doi:10.13140/RG.2.2.27055.53928

Manzella, A. (2017). Geothermal energy. The European Physical Journal Conferences, 148. doi:10.1051/epjconf/201714800012

Marine Stewardship Council. (2021). What is sustainable fishing? Retrieved from Marine Stewardship Council: https://www.msc.org/what-we-are-doing/our-approach/what-is-sustainable-fishing

Michals, D. (Ed.). (2015). Rachel Carson. Retrieved from National Women’s History Museum: https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/rachel-carson

NOAA. (2021). What is a dead zone? Retrieved from National Ocean service: https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/deadzone.html

Papoutsidakis, M., Symeonaki, E., Tseles, D., & Drosos, C. (2018). The Biomass As An Energy Source And Its Application Benefits. International Journal of Engineering Applied Sciences and Technology, 2(10), 1-5.

Rülke, J., Rieckmann, M., Nzau, J. M., & Teucher, M. (2020). How Ecocentrism and Anthropocentrism Influence Human-Environment Relationships in a Kenyan Biodiversity Hotspot. Sustainability, 12(8213). doi:10.3390/

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This week, you will write a comprehensive APA analysis paper using all the knowledge you have gained in SCI 1100. Use what you have learned from the READ and ATTEND sections throughout the course (including Unit 5) and at least four scholarly sources to address the items listed below. If you need support on how to formulate your APA Analysis paper, you may refer to your APA Template under the Resource tab or contact the CPS Librarians. Please refer to your grading rubric for guidance. Upon completion, you will click on the Dropbox tab to submit your paper for grading. Use in-text citations, and do not self-plagiarize from the previous weeks.

Exploring Environmental Ethics- Anthropocentrism Biocentrism and Ecocentrism

Environmental ethics pertains to people and the environment. Three loosely conceived categories summarize differences among personal domains of ethical concern. They are anthropocentrism, biocentrism, and ecocentrism. Give a thorough explanation of how each of these worldviews works.
Differentiate between a renewable energy source, a nonrenewable energy source, and a clean energy source. Please give an example of each.
Compare renewable energy sources. Choose 4 that you think are viable and discuss the pros and cons of each.
Discuss the three fossil fuels upon which humans rely and their origins. Oil sands and methane hydrate are possible energy sources. Explain what they are, the problems associated with extraction, and the possible environmental impacts of extraction.
Who is Rachel Carson? What did she do, and why was it so important?
What are your thoughts on China’s One-Child Policy? What were the pros and cons of a decision like this? Could something like this work in the US? If not, what could they have done differently to achieve the desired goal?
Why are dead zones considered to be a major environmental issue? Share some insight on how they are created and to what extent they span.
Address the concept of sustainable fishing.