Write one mains answer everyday, Revise Past Prelims questions everyday, Solve few CSAT problems everyday
25th December, 2015 (MAINS)
TODAYs ANSWER WRITING CHALLENGE FROM GS-IV
Q1. What is meant by ‘environmental ethics’? Why is it important to study? Discuss
any one environmental issue from the viewpoint of environmental ethics.
[10 marks/2015/GS-4] 150 words.
Please write answer in the comments section.
Top Answer for this question was written by Ashi Agarwal
Answer:
Environmental Ethics meaning:
1. It is a branch of ethics that studies the relation of human beings and the
environment and how ethics play a role in this.
2. It believes that humans are a part of society as well as other living creatures, which
includes plants and animals.
3. It builds on scientific understanding by bringing human values, moral principles,
and improved decision making into conversation with science.
It is important to study Environmental Ethics because:
1. Plants and animals are very important part of the world and are considered to be a
functional part of human life. So, it is essential that every human being respects and
honours them and uses morals and ethics when dealing with these creatures.
2. By studying and practicing environmental ethics, we can ensure that we are doing
our part to keep the environment safe and protected.
3. For example, every time a tree is cut down to make a home we are using natural
resources that are becoming sparser to find. It is essential that we do our part to
keep the environment protected and free from danger.
Write one mains answer everyday, Revise Past Prelims questions everyday, Solve few CSAT problems everyday
Major Contemporary Environmental Issues:
Pollution, Overpopulation, Industrial and Household Waste, Acid Rain, Climate
change, Ozone Layer Depletion, Urban Sprawl, Genetic Engineering, Deforestation,
and Global Warming.
Pollution - discussed from the viewpoint of environmental ethics:
1. Air pollution can result in acid rain which kills trees, destroy the leaves of plants,
can infiltrate soil by making it unsuitable for purposes of nutrition and habitation. It
also kills fishes in lakes and streams by increasing the acidity of water.
2. Water Pollution may disrupt photosynthesis in aquatic plants and thus affecting
ecosystems that depend on these plants. Water polluted with different chemicals can
cause decline of population in some species (such as frog)
3. Soil Pollution can cause trees and plants to absorb soil contaminants and pass
them up the food chain.
4. Noise pollution is also becoming huge problem for many animals, especially
animals that live in our oceans and seas. Because of the increased ship traffic and
offshore oil drilling noise pollution has started affecting very large number of marine
animals.
Conclusion:
Ethics plays an important role in our society today and it is the responsibility of all to
ensure that environmental ethics are being met.
