Global warming and climate change are the outcomes of human greed in the name of development, indicating the direction in which extinction of organisms including human beings is heading towards loss of life on Earth. How do you put an end to this to protect life and bring equilibrium between the society and the environment? (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks 2024 General Studies Paper – 4)
Environmental ethics has been described as having a conscience or moral that reflects one’s commitment and responsibility toward the environment as well as present and future generations of people. In essence it refers to human societies living in harmony with the natural world on which they depend for survival and well-being.
Global warming and climate change, primarily driven by human activities, pose an existential threat to life on Earth. This crisis stems from an ethical failure to balance development with environmental stewardship.
Ending Global Warming and Climate Change
Technological strategies
- Green energy transition: Shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower can drastically reduce carbon emissions. E.g. One sun, one world, one grind and Global biofuel alliance.
- Carbon capture and storage (CCS): Implementing technologies to capture carbon emissions before they enter the atmosphere and store them underground. E.g. Iceland Mammoth carbon sequestration unit.
- Smart agriculture and reforestation: Utilizing precision farming techniques and large-scale reforestation projects to sequester carbon and restore ecosystems. E.g. Precision agriculture and Hydroponics.
- Sustainable infrastructure: Developing energy-efficient urban systems, eco-friendly transport, and green buildings that minimize environmental impact. E.g. Blue green infrastructure.
Ethical Strategies
- Coordination of commons: Managing shared resources collectively to prevent overexploitation requires global cooperation, stricter regulations, and community stewardship for sustainable ecosystems. E.g. UN treaty on High seas.
- Intergenerational equity: Ensuring the current generation meets its needs without compromising future generations promotes long-term environmental stewardship. E.g. Participation of youngsters like Great Tunberg in decision making.
- Responsible consumption: Shifting behavior towards sustainable consumption patterns prioritizes resource efficiency, low waste, and renewable alternatives to minimize environmental impact. E.g. India push for Renewable energy especially solar.
- Deep ecology model: This philosophy advocates for intrinsic respect for nature, emphasizing the inherent value of all living beings and promoting eco-centric conservation over exploitation. E.g. Eco-centric development
"Earth provides enough to satisfy every man''s need, but not every man''s greed." — Mahatma Gandhi. Only by embracing sustainability, ethics, and technological innovation can humanity strike a balance between development and environmental protection, ensuring the survival of life on Earth.
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