 Environmental Philosophy- is the branch of philosophy that is concerned with the

natural environment and humanity’s place within it. Concerned with the discussion of
environmental issues and how these relate to man.
Environmental Issues:

 Humanity’s role in the natural world

 The interaction between nature and human activities.
 Humanity’s response to environmental challenges.

Various philosophical views regarding man’s role in nature

 Anthropocentrism is the belief that humans are the central and most significant species
on the planet.
 Deep Ecology sees the natural world as being maintained by the interrelationship
among living organisms that every living thing on the planet is dependent on each other
for survival.
 Gaia Hypothesis suggests that non organic elements in the planet play a significant role
in maintaining balance in the environment as they interact with living organisms to
regulate the various systems that enable life to continue thriving on Earth.
 Theological views hold that mankind is intended to live in harmony with all creations.
 These varied views all regard man as an active participant in the environment and the
key to nature’s thriving or ruin.
 Human activities affect nature negatively. This can be clearly seen in environmental
problems such as pollution, environmental degradation, depletion of natural
resources, global warming and climate change (changes in weather patterns resulting
in intense storms and heat waves, acidification of the oceans that affects countless
marine life, sea level rise, rise of global temperature and glacial melting).
 Sustainable development is to make the world a better place for everyone without
destroying the possibilities for the next generation.
 An important aspect of sustainable development is addressing social inequality and
eradicating poverty, which are considered driving forces behind practices that harm
the environment.

Philosophical thoughts which contributed to the development of environmental

awareness and action in the 20th century
 Environmental ethics emerged in the 1970’s and advocated human responsibility
and action with regard to environmental issues.
- All non-humans in the world, including animals and natural resources, have
intrinsic value and should be preserved.
 - The preservation of the environment is beneficial for humans, as it will
continue to provide for the present and future generations.
- Man has a responsibility to safeguard the planet as it has been entrusted to
him by God.

 Social ecology applies an ethical and ecological approach in analyzing society,

and sees a relationship between social problems and environmental problems.
 Environmental justice refers to the fair distribution of environmental benefits, as
well as the burden of meeting environmental challenges.