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Environmental ethics is the discipline in philosophy that studies the moral relationship of
human beings to, and also the value and moral status of, the environment and its nonhuman
contents.

Environmental ethics is concerned with the issue of responsible personal conduct with respect
to natural landscapes, resources, species, and non-human organisms.

There are many ethical decisions that human beings make with respect to the environment. For
example:

@ Jhould we continue to clear cut forests for the sake of human consumption?
@ Jhould we continue to make gasoline powered vehicles?
@ xhat environmental obligations do we need to keep for future generations?
@ us it right for humans to knowingly cause the extinction of a species for the convenience
of humanity?
@ us it morally acceptable for farmers to practise slash and burn techniques to clear areas
for agriculture?

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The academic field of environmental ethics grew up in response to the work of scientists such
as Rachel Carson and events such as the first Earth Day in 1970, when environmentalists started
urging philosophers to consider the philosophical aspects of environmental problems.

Environmental ethics became a subject of sustained academic philosophic reflection in the

1970s. Throughout the 1980s it remained marginalized within the discipline of philosophy,
attracting the attention of a fairly small group of thinkers spread across the world.

Only after 1990 did the field gain institutional recognition at programs such as Colorado Jtate,
the University of Montana, Bowling Green Jtate, and the University of North Texas. un 1991,
Jchumacher College of Dartington, England, was founded and now provides an MJc in Holistic
Jcience.

These programs began to offer a masters degree with a specialty in environmental

ethics/philosophy. Beginning in 2005 the Dept of Philosophy and Religion Jtudies at the
University of North Texas offered a PhD program with a concentration in environmental
ethics/philosophy.
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There are a number of significant environmental problems today. They are as follows:

1. [oss of forest cover. Forest are being cut down for timber, construction and for obtaining
extra agricultural land.

2. Air pollution. This is caused by polluting industries and vehicular traffic. Burning
incinerators, furnaces and stoves cause it. xind is responsible for spreading air pollution.
The Ozone layer has been damaged because of the use of CFC͛s (Chlorofluorocarbons)
which are used in a number of industrial, commercial, and household applications.

3. xater pollution. undustries and factories release toxic wastes into the water. [eakage from
oil tankers causes pollution of the sea. Pesticides and fertilizers also cause water pollution.
Jewage released by cities into water bodies. ut is predicted that there will be conflicts
among nations because water will become scarce.

4. Overpopulation. The increase in human population increases demands for the water
resources. More land is required for housing. There is increased demand for food for which
more agricultural land is needed. More fuel is required. More automobiles cause more
pollution.

5. Erosion of soil. xhen trees and plants are destroyed that causes increase in soil erosion.

6. Climate change and Global warming. Human activities cause climate change like increase in
temperature. Many animal and plant species may be destroyed by climate change.

7. untroduction of genetically modified species. Humans are tinkering with the genes of various
plants and animals. xe do not fully understand how the introduction of new species will
affect the environment.

8. Destruction of biodiversity. Many plant and animal species have become extinct or are
approaching extinction because of human activities. These endangered species may have
important uses in medicine and science for humans.

9. Devastation of natural habitats. Jpecies such as tigers and lions are reducing in numbers
because humans are steadily destroying the natural habitats which sustain them.
10.Diminishing natural resources. Mankind is using up natural resources at an alarming rate.
Fuel, water, minerals, timber are being consumed rapidly. Oil and natural gas resources are
expected to get over by the end of this century.

11.Marine habitats are being polluted. Overfishing has led to the extinction of many fish
species. The oceans are vast but still vulnerable to pollution.
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xhile the number of environmental issues the Earth is facing is multiplying rapidly, a consensus
in coming together and solve these issues seems to be far from reality. Though, the efforts to
bring all the concerned authorities together are being initiated by various bodies, working for
the environmental protection, the differences amongst the authorities seem to be a lot more,
to get resolved in the near future. un such circumstances, we as responsible citizens need to put
in some efforts to do our bit at the grass root level. This can be easily done by inculcating some
simple ways to help the environment in our day to day life. Though the efforts might look
insignificant when seen individually, together they can have a strong impact on the
environment.

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xhat better place to initiate your efforts to save environment than at home? You can
contribute your bit to save the planet by following some of the most simple steps. ,
 and   is by far the best motto when it comes to saving environment.

Most of the things we use today, are derived from non renewable sources which are bound to
get over some day. xe can save them only by reducing their use, using them to their potential
and recycling them, if possible. These things include fossil fuels, paper, water etc.

Another important step towards helping the environment would be using less electricity. This
can be done by switching off the various products, which work on electricity, when not in use.
[owering the temperature of your thermostat, replacing incandescent light bulb with a CF[,
using less hot water, switching to bicycle when possible. This simple yet effective ways can yield
positive results when practiced by the whole world. Read more on sustainable living ideas.

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They say that kids of today, are the future of tomorrow, and hence inculcating, at the young
age, the need of working towards saving the environment is bound to make them responsible
citizens of tomorrow. Though, their efforts, in the beginning, would be small, they will turn out
to be helpful when taken as a whole, in the long term.

Kids can help by planting trees, not wasting paper, making sure that they use water properly,
not wasting electricity and spreading awareness about these simple ways to save the
environment in their neighborhood.

Planting trees can help in bringing about the much needed stability in the environment, while
not wasting resources will make sure that we will use them efficiently. unculcating these easy
ways, in kids at a tender age, to help the environment will make them realize the seriousness of
the issue more efficiently.

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One of the biggest hazard lurking for the planet Earth is that of global warming. Though the
debate about global warming effects on Earth continues, we can start making some simple
efforts, so that, we don't repent if the calamity finally descends on us tomorrow.

Human induced global warming is basically caused due to a range of human activities, including
use of fossil fuels to deforestation. Though the problems may sound to be quite devastating it
doesn't necessarily mean that you as an individual can't do anything about it.

The simple efforts though which you can contribute to save the environment include, walking
or cycling instead of using a vehicle, taking shower for a less period, using less electricity,
planting trees, switching to alternative fuels which are environment friendly etc. This will not
just help in curbing global warming, but will also help in curbing several other environmental
issues, including air and water pollution.