Environmental Ethics: Sustainable Development and Intergenerational Justice
TOPIC CLASSIFICATION
Subject: Ethics (GS IV) | Topic: Environmental Ethics Sub-topic: Sustainable Development, Intergenerational Justice, Climate Ethics, ESG Prelims Focus: Key environmental movements, international agreements (Paris, CBD, Kyoto) Mains Focus: Ethical dimensions of development vs conservation, case studies on climate justice
EXAMINER REASONING
Environmental ethics is an increasingly important topic in GS IV. UPSC tests it through case studies involving development projects (POSCO, Vedanta, Hydropower) and asks candidates to balance ecological preservation with developmental needs. The concept of "intergenerational justice" is the core ethical principle.
Core Concept
Environmental ethics examines the moral relationship between humans and the natural environment. It asks: What duties do we have to nature? What is fair between current and future generations? How do we balance economic development with ecological integrity?
Key Ethical Principles
| Principle | Meaning | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Intergenerational Justice | Future generations have rights to a healthy planet | Climate action now prevents harm for 2050+ |
| Intragenerational Justice | Fair distribution of environmental costs/benefits today | Developing countries bear less burden |
| Precautionary Principle | Act cautiously when impacts are uncertain | Ban on pesticides before complete proof |
| Polluter Pays Principle... |
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