1st Edition

Environment In Question

Edited By David E. Cooper, Joy A. Palmer Copyright 1992

    First published in 1992. This book provides an introduction to the key environmental debates. By addressing specific global problems and placing them within an ethical context, the collection provides the reader with both theoretical and practical understanding of environmental issues. The contributors are internationally known figures drawn from a range of different disciplines, including geography, psychology, social policy and philosophy. The contributions range from those tackling individual concrete issues (such as nuclear waste and the threat to the rain forest) to those addressing matters of policy, principle and attitude (such as our obligations to future generations and the nature of technological risk). Emphasis lies not only on scientific facts, but on ethical perspectives—principles of trust, cooperation, far-sightedness, respect and concern for the future. The Environment in Question is designed as a text for students of philosophy, environmental science, environmental education, ecology and teacher education. It can be used as a self-contained, inter-disciplinary course book or in conjunction with relevant material. In addition, this collection of previously unpublished essays will interest professionals in each field, as well as the interested layperson concerned about this planet’s future. The substantial cross-section of concerns and approaches will provide all readers with the necessary background and insights to develop an awareness of the problems and to enter into the environmental debate.

    Editors’ preface 1 What do we owe future generations? 2 The problem of absolute poverty: What are our moral obligations to the destitute? 3 Towards a more humane view of the beasts? 4 The ethics of tourism 5 The dumping of radioactive waste in the deep ocean: Scientific advice and ideological persuasion 6 The ocean environment: Marine development, problems and Pollution 7 Destruction of the rain forests: Principles or practices? 8 Environment and water resources in the arid zone 9 Air pollution—with special reference to acid rain, the greenhouse effect and ozone layer depletion 10 Challenges in environmental ethics 11 Responsibility, ethics and nature 12 The idea of environment 13 Towards a sustainable future 14 Recovering the real meaning of sustainability 15 Technological risk: A budget of distinctions 16 Thinking, believing and persuading: Some issues for environmental activists 17 Rethinking resources

    Biography

    David E.Cooper, Joy A.Palmer