Expediency and Value In Environmental Ethics: Re-Thinking the Problem of Environmental Degradation

Abstract

The ecosystem has significantly or gradually deteriorated as a result of overpopulation, deforestation, pollution from excessive pesticide usage, bush burning, water pollution, etc. The effects of environmental degradation have wide-ranging implications on human health and welfare, as well as the survival of the ecosystem and its members, this has become an inconvenient truth. This paper examines the issue of environmental degradation from the perspectives of environmental ethics, intrinsic worth and expediency. It explores a wide range of environmental degradation and related causes and consequences or challenges. It also highlights the need to uphold environmental values, sustain the environment and conserve it for future generations. The paper recommends amongst others that proactive measures be taken to prevent further damage to the ecosystem. Such measures include building a valuable relationship with the ecosystem in such a way that environmental hazards may be abated. The paper adopts the method of critical analysis.