Environmental Ethics - Essay Example

A Cleaner Tomorrow A Cleaner Tomorrow In earlier times, the only predicament of humans is finding food to ease their hunger. Later on, other necessities are identified, such as air, water and shelter. Now, as the earth continues to revolve, human existence seems to get more and more complex. The more humans gain knowledge, the more perplexed they become, and, unfortunately, understanding and absorbing the dynamics of life and the surroundings becomes more challenging (Mackinnon, 2011).The earth’s current environmental conditions are great manifestations of how confused humans are of the knowledge they ‘’unconsciously’’ acquire.

The term “unconsciously” is used to describe how widespread information is to any individual, however acquisition and grasping of said knowledge only a few dares to achieve; thus creating confusions not only to those who fail to understand but also to those who are not ‘abled’ to think. Luckily for those incapable, humans’ actions directly affect them no matter how they evade it. A great illustration of which is how much humans value nature nowadays. Organizations after organizations spring up waving their missions and objectives, fighting for what should’ve obviously been done decades ago, and teaching what each individual should have known since they started school, namely, environmental awareness.

Today, as the hourglass has almost been half-emptied, people start to care. Finally, they have been able to absorb the magnitudes of their deeds. Only one query runs to the minds of every person: How to Start?Knowing what to do and knowing what should be done are two different things. The latter requires researching while the former calls for action. Change is what should be done, and in order for it to progress people need to start from themselves.Proper waste disposal and pollution are only two of the many environmental concerns haunting each household every day.

These two are the most common for these two give birth to the others and they are caused by people’s lack of discipline. Humans are the main contributor of wastes and pollution universe-wide. Waste disposal and pollution are the most critical environmental issues that need to be dealt with because not only do these two bring about the rest; they also have the easiest solution --- change in human behavior. Bearing in mind how beneficial it is not only for each household but for the entire world; if only people will finally learn the value of their environment, will greatly affect how people view these concerns thus making them realize that taking care of the environment is for their own good.

Anthropocentrism is the easiest way of making human being realize how big their part in our environment. Using this point of view, they will be able to see the benefits so as the consequences of their actions thus making them comprehend their responsibilities (Kortenkamp & Moore, 2000). This would eliminate queries for the mission is plain and simple: Clean now. Or suffer later. People being the egocentric beings derive most of their actions from their needs. They act based on what they think they need and is most beneficial for them.

Need is every individuals driving force, and in a crucial times like this; insinuating the necessity of acting to properly manage waste and pollution and highlighting how badly it can affect their lives, will greatly influence their deeds.In South Africa, proper waste and pollution management are considered a must for it greatly affects their economy and society.South Africa is emerging from a period of unsustainable and inequitable development, one outcome of which was environmental degradation, which has significant economic and social impacts.

Part of effecting a transformation to development that is economically, socially and environmentally sustainable is to redefine the way in which pollution and waste will be managed in South Africa (Mohammed, 2000).Efficiency and appropriate use of natural resources can help in sustaining continues economic growth. Not only will it be able to preserve the environment, but is also meant to protect the people thus giving more opportunities for every individual ending the continuous squalor of each country’s natural resources.

A clean country is a wealthy country.ReferencesKortenkamp, K. V. & Moore, C. F. (2000) Ecocentrism and anthropocentrism: Moral reasoning about ecological common dilemmas. University of Wisconsin: Madison.Mackinnon, B. (2011). Ethics: Theory and contemporary issues, concise edition. Boston. Mohammed, V. M. (2000). White paper on integrated pollution-waste management for South Africa. Republic of South Africa: South Africa.