UNIT 7 ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS AND Environmental

Ethics and Role of

ROLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY* Civil Society

Structure
7.0 Objectives
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Nature of Civil Society
7.3 Mapping an Environmentally Conscious Civil Society
7.4 Role of Civil Society in Environmental Governance
7.5 Concept of Environmental Ethics
7.6 Globalization and Environmental Ethics
7.7 Conclusion
7.8 Glossary
7.9 References and Further Readings
7.10 Answers to Check Your Progress Exercises

7.0 OBJECTIVES
After reading this Unit, you should be able to:
• Discuss the role of civil society;
• Explain the concept of ‘environmental ethics’;
• Discuss the various types of ethics related to environment;
• Highlight the key characteristics of environmental governance; .and
• Bring out the features of international organizational ethics.

7.1 INTRODUCTION
The civil society plays a vital role in shaping India's diverse cultural and
social landscape, exerting a significant impact on humanity. A dedicated and
thriving civil society is a crucial element in fostering a reliable and
responsible society. In order to accomplish this, it is essential to promote
civic engagement and educate the public about the working of the
government. The Human Settlements Programme of the United Nations
provides a definition of urban governance, as the coordinated efforts of
public and private sectors to plan and implement shared services and
infrastructure in the city. Alongside the social capital that individuals possess,
it encompasses both formal and informal institutions and arrangements.
Hence, effective governance requires acknowledging the presence of civil
society organisations alongside government operations. In general, political
actors utilise a system of regulatory processes, techniques, and organisations

*
Contributed by: Dr. Ravindra Goswami, Head, Department of Botany, Seth G.B. Podav
College, Nawalgarh, Rajasthan. 97
Issues and Concerns
of Environment
called "environmental governance" to exert their influence on environmental
activities and their results.

This Unit explores the political and economic interactions of different

institutions and how these relationships influence identities and behaviours
that encompasses the activities of the State, as well as those of communities,
companies, and non-governmental organisations. International institutions,
framework of international law, and global financial system have become the
focal points of interest in the realm of international environmental
governance, which is now a widely recognised concept that has gained
prominence both nationally and internationally in politics and policy. Active
involvement from various stakeholders is essential for effective domestic
environmental governance.
Nevertheless, the concept of ‘civil society’ is commonly associated with
Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). However, it is important to note
that this understanding is not entirely accurate, as the scope of ‘civil society’
has evolved beyond its traditional definition. This connection is a direct
outcome of the systematic organisation and division within the democratic
State. Due to this demarcation, governance is now focused more on
categorization rather than practicality. Despite this limitation, the national
legislative framework associated with NGOs has been favourable,
particularly considering the increasing acknowledgement of the valuable
contribution the NGOs have made in various fields such as financial
inclusion, transparency, public health, and environment.
It is preferable to have some checks and balances in place to prevent a State
from behaving in a tyrannical fashion. These mechanisms of checks and
balances are often linked to the structure of the government, for instance, the
superiority of one governmental organ over another in the context of the
principle of separation of powers. Even if it is not possible to compare it to
the national systems and institutions, there are also a number of additional
informal or non-governmental checks and balances, with ‘civil society’ being
one of the most important of them. However, the capacity of civil societies to
function as a system of checks and balances is contingent upon a number of
variables. Thus, the Unit would first define a civil society in order to
investigate the present and possible roles that it plays in the governance of
the environment in India before moving on to the question of environmental
ethics.

7.2 NATURE OF CIVIL SOCIETY

The term ‘civil society’ refers to the ‘social and political power of
households, civil associations, and social movements’. This definition places
civil society as an intermediary domain between the market and the State. To
a large extent, the concept of Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) is all
that is meant to be comprehended when one refers to civil society. However,
the word also incorporates other groups that are not affiliated with any State
and work toward bringing the preferences of individuals and the policies of
states into harmony. Civil society organisations have the potential to
98
positively contribute to the utilisation of government resources as well as the Environmental
Ethics and Role of
structure and resources of the market. This is because governance is an Civil Society
inherently dynamic process, and the environment in which we now find
ourselves is rather complex.

The meaning of the term ‘civil society’ underwent a transformation in the

20th century, coming to represent a collective of Non-Governmental
Organisations (NGOs). The World Bank has chosen to use the term ‘Civil
Society Organisations’ (CSOs), instead of NGOs due to its narrower scope. It
includes trade unions, community-based organisations, social movements,
faith-based institutions, charitable organisations, universities, foundations,
professional associations, and others. A civil society is characterised by self-
organized intermediary groups that can operate effectively across different
cultural contexts. These groups must meet specific criteria, such as the
capacity to deliberate and take action to advance their interests, adherence to
established rules, and a certain level of independence from both public
authorities and private entities involved in production and reproduction.

The World Bank has chosen to use the term ‘Civil Society Organisations’
(CSOs) instead of ‘Non-Governmental Organisations’ (NGOs) due to its
wider scope. It includes trade unions, community-based organisations, social
movements, faith-based institutions, charitable organisations, universities,
foundations, professional associations, and others. A civil society is
characterised by self-organized intermediary groups that can operate
effectively across different cultural contexts. These groups must meet
specific criteria, such as the capacity to deliberate and take action to advance
their interests, adherence to established rules, and a certain level of
independence from both public authorities and private entities involved in
production and reproduction.

Many a time, it is the State that sets the agenda for civil society, but the civil
society has many self-mobilised initiatives to talk home about. As a
consequence of migration and displacement, climate change has disrupted the
socio-cultural and eco-political settings around the globe, including India,
and has presented new difficulties to human existence as a result of these
changes. In light of this, the role of the civil society in terms of climate
change policy has been both that of a producer of new viewpoints and that of
a moderator of existing ones. In 1993, India became a member of the UN
Framework Convention on Climate Change as a ‘Non-Annex I’ State. This
designation indicates that India did not make any legally binding
commitments to reduce its emissions of greenhouse gases. This viewpoint,
which prioritised economic development above conservation of natural
resources, was not only accepted by the respective governments, but also
enthusiastically supported by the civil society.

One of the most prominent instances of a civil society movement in

environmental governance in India occurred in the early 1970s in the region
of Garhwal, which at the time was a part of Uttar Pradesh and is now a part
99
Issues and Concerns
of Environment
of Uttarakhand. Residents of Garhwal successfully demonstrated against the
commercial cutting of trees. In the context of environmental governance in
India, this initiative is often held up as a model for other countries to follow.
In spite of the fact that it was a continuation of earlier hill-dweller peasant
movements, ‘Chipko’ is frequently cited as the first environmental
movement. This is due to its agitational tactics directed at the State, its
separation of the environment from the diversity of its living organisms, and
its identification of the importance of the environment to the ability of the
people to earn a living and remain alive. In spite of the fact that it was a
continuation of previous peasant demonstrations in the highlands, Chipko
became the first environmental movement due to these two distinguishing
traits.

Another movement that pushed the function of civil society to the forefront
was called the ‘Narmada Bachao Andolan’, which is also referred to as the
‘NBA’. It was a major movement that was headed by civil society and
opposed the government's intentions to construct the Sardar Sarovar Project
on the Narmada River. The NBA believed that the project would need a
sizeable population to relocate and would cause substantial environmental
harm. It was successful in its efforts to exert pressure on the World Bank to
take action. The NBA went to the Supreme Court to seek redressal when the
World Bank pulled out of the project, demanding that the building of the dam
be halted until the court could make a decision on the subject. Despite the
fact that the Supreme Court gave its sanction to the building of the Sardar
Sarovar Project dam, the NBA has been quite loud in its opposition to the
Project, as well as other dams that are being developed in India for the
purpose of development.

In addition, the topic of climate change is mentioned as one of the areas in

which the presence of NGOs is specifically addressed. Some people have
suggested that the United Nations set up formal mechanisms that are
institutionalised to make it easier for members of civil society to become
involved. The Conference of the Parties (COP) came to a number of
conclusions that made it possible for this to occur. The United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has made it possible
for NGOs to participate in the Conference as observers.

As the year 2016, there were close to 2,000 NGOs that have been granted
observer status. Members of these NGOs include representatives from
‘business and industry’, ‘environmental groups’, ‘farming and agriculture’,
‘indigenous populations’, ‘local governments and municipal authorities’
‘research and academic institutes’, ‘labour unions’, ‘women and gender’ and
‘youth’ organisations. There are a number of delegates from different civil
society groups that are also members of national delegations who are taking
part in the discussions over climate change.

The NGOs need to be well-informed on the process for their effective

engagement in the implementation of the convention, and the subsidiary body
100
of implementation. The capacity of NGOs to contribute to the actual Environmental
Ethics and Role of
implementation of the convention was the target of this initiative. When Civil Society
determining whether or not the approach to financing is successful, it will be
required to take into account the involvement of NGOs. In addition, the
NGOs were requested to provide information on existing and possible
methods and techniques of controlling hydrofluorocarbons and
perfluorocarbons, as well as to identify activities and initiatives relevant to
the transfer of technologies.

It was advised that non-NGOs, corporations, and the general public continue
their efforts to develop long-term solutions to the issues that are generating
climate change and the events that are related with, harmful to, or incidental
to the human race's ability to live sustainably in the future. CSOs and NGOs
are seen as vital participants in the process of attaining sustainable
development goals because of the aims and values that are mentioned in the
UN Charter. In addition, international human rights, norms and fundamental
Constitutional freedoms are other factors that contribute to this recognition.

7.3 MAPPING AN ENVIRONMENTALLY

CONSCIOUS CIVIL SOCIETY
The civil societies play a significant part in the organization of environmental
movements, and the movements, in turn, have the potential to result in the
formation of new civil societies or the strengthening of existing ones. In
addition to this, environmental movements assist the general public in
determining which civil societies accurately represent their respective areas
of concern. Especially in India, there is the potential for a conflict of interests
to arise between several civil societies, as well as people who are members of
the same civil society.
Contextual concerns and human rights issues caused by the activities of
CSOs in India include, but are not limited to, a lack of transparency and
accountability; unelected representatives; restricted self-interests; and support
for neo-liberal agenda. It is not possible to generalise either these critiques or
the advantages that come with being an active member of civil society. The
environmental movement in India fighting against the building of dams on
the Narmada River and other sites gained significant backing from groups
with headquarters in the United Kingdom (such as Oxfam) and Japan,
amongst other nations. They made it possible for the locally based movement
such as the NBA to develop globally, and the NBA was ultimately successful
in raising awareness on issues of environment and development.

On the other hand, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA),
which is located in the United States, has lately been the target of criticism in
the Indian state of Tamil Nadu for allegedly meddling with regional customs.
Numerous demonstrations were held throughout the state of Tamil Nadu in
support of the annual Jallikattu tournament. They wanted the tournament to
be out of the purview of the PETA citing cultural reasons. Therefore, it is
only possible to evaluate the efficacy, legitimacy, and ability of any given
civil society to stand out for the rights of the impoverished on a case-to-case
101
Issues and Concerns
of Environment
basis. This is in addition to the many other characteristics of civil societies.

In its ‘Policy Statement for Abatement of Pollution 1992’, the Ministry of

Environment and Forests placed a strong emphasis on the relevance of the
involvement of NGOs in environmental concerns. It encouraged NGOs to
participate in environmental education and awareness campaigns on
development. It acknowledged that respectable NGOs and public-spirited
people may use public interest litigation to exert pressure on polluting units
to take steps to reduce pollution.

It also acknowledged the cost-effectiveness of enlisting the help of NGOs and

affected persons in environmental monitoring, recognising their expertise,
commitment, and vigilance as a valuable supplement to the regulatory
system. Other steps taken by the government to promote the engagement of
NGOs include the creation of a ‘NGO cell’ by the Central Pollution Control
Board (CPCB), the distribution of pollution test kits to NGOs, the provision
of financial aid, and the formation of partnerships with civil society
organisations in the Draft of the 12th Five-Year Plan in India.

7.4 ROLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY IN

ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE
It is helpful to have a more holistic perspective of the civic institutions and
social connections in order to get an understanding of the position and
function that civil society plays in environmental protection. Importantly,
during the course of the previous twenty years, there has been an abundance
of scholarly papers and conversations centered on civil society. It is
beneficial to have a conversation about the roles that people in civil society
play in relation to the State, the market or the other aspects of society. In
addition, the construction, upkeep, and protection of civil society should be
significant goals for everyone to strive for.
This encompassing perspective has its origins in the work that Linz and
Stepan (1996), in which they distinguished between five ‘arenas of
democratization’ that interact with one another, mutually reinforce one
another, and are differentiated from each other. These five arenas are: (1)
Civil Society; (2) Political Society; (3) Economic Society; (4) Rule of Law;
and (5) State Bureaucracy. It has been observed that the discrepancy between
the elite and the mass level is the primary factor that distinguishes civil
society, political society, and economic society from one another.

The Self-Organisation Approach acknowledges the significance of civil

society in the process of cultivating the civic competence that is required to
maintain democratic patterns of conduct. Political influence and clout gained
by membership in interest organisations and parties is included among these
civic abilities. According to Feldman and Blokov (2009), civil society has the
potential to act as a catalyst factor in the development of a reliable and
effective strategy for the purpose of tackling critical social issues.

As the levels of civic involvement, which may vary greatly in post-

communist countries, this normative category is often employed to combat
102 the Instrumentalist Approach (Jackson and Inglehart, 1995). Its primary
normative function is to serve as a check on the instrumentalist viewpoint; Environmental
Ethics and Role of
this is its most important job. This diversity may be seen through a variety of Civil Society
different lenses, including a belief in political and governmental institutions,
a tendency to join and engage in a broad variety of volunteer groups, and an
interest in public life. This transformation, along with faith in political and
governmental institutions, has a significant association with one another.
Co-management of natural resources has been shown to be effective in the
later part of the 20th century, provided that roles are defined and incentives
are in place. Now more than ever, local communities and groups play an
essential role in shaping and enforcing policies that improve environmental
management and advance sustainable development. Decentralisation
initiatives have given municipalities the authority to make and spend their
own money. This has enabled them to play a vital role in creating and
implementing programmes focused on environmental management and
sustainable development. Due to economic liberalization, local people and
communities now have more opportunities than ever to try out new,
sustainable ways of making a living.
More and more governments are acknowledging the necessity of encouraging
engagement of citizens in environmental concerns, particularly in the
administration of natural resources. When environmental challenges were
first seen as a viable area for international policymaking, individual
governments made attempts to find solutions on their own. However,
international cooperation was required in the end. They were successful in
doing so by placing rules and constraints on those who were seen to be
mostly responsible for environmental damage. The early distrust of
governments in participatory processes and their belief that local people were
major contributors to environmental degradation led to the exclusion of other
stakeholders, including local communities, from efforts to manage natural
resources and protect the environment. This omission occurred most notably
in the 1970s and 1980s.

Over time, it has been obvious that governments typically fail to execute
effective policies and strategies for natural resource management. As a result,
environmental response plans are including a wider variety of stakeholders
like communities, NGOs, and the business sector. The ecological, economic,
political and cultural factors of a country determine the stage of policy
development it is in. Increased environmental issues, combined with
dwindling government resources, have prompted calls for more openness and
responsibility in environmental management. Public interest and donor
pressure have both contributed to this. To solve these pressing ecological
problems, decentralisation and a larger role of civil society are now essential.
In addition, there is a rising need for accountability, transparency, and the
promotion of good governance and sustainable practices, as well as a greater
awareness of these issues among the general public and an urgent need to
address environmental problems.

Understanding the significance of working closely with the government and

other organisations, as well as the necessity of community engagement, may
help make participation at the local level more successful. NGOs have been
103
Issues and Concerns
of Environment
helpful in spreading environmental awareness and educating the public,
especially in the developing countries. They have also assisted locals in
developing and implementing community-based tourism projects, drawing on
the expertise to provide the best possible care for and protection of the
natural world.

Check Your Progress 1

Note: i) Use the space given below for your answers.
ii) Check your answers with those given at the end of the Unit.

1) Explain the meaning of the term ‘civil society’.

……………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………

2) Describe the role of Civil Society Organisations in environmental

conservation.

……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………

7.5 CONCEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS

The phrase ‘environmental ethics’ refers to a set of principles that should be
utilised as a bases of how people interact with the natural world and the
resources it provides. These values should be considered while determining
how to treat the environment. The standards stand for a moral comprehension
of what it is to distinguish between what is good and what is bad. It is
crucial that we analyse the impact that these principles have on our capacity
to handle the climate disaster, which is affected by a complex web of
economic, social, cultural, beliefs, societal attitudes, and perceptual concerns.
It is possible that social attitudes and beliefs are what have led to the current
structures of the global economy, as well as its consumption and production
patterns.
It is necessary to take into consideration the ethics, values, and beliefs that
drive our connection with the natural environment. This includes taking into
account the possibility for a global return to a more sustainable approach.
These morals and principles will, for a great number of individuals, either
directly stem from or take significant inspiration from their specific religion.
104 There are a large number of distinct spiritual traditions and religions
practiced all over the globe, with devotee numbers ranging from a few Environmental
Ethics and Role of
hundred to many millions. These variations in size are a reflection of the very Civil Society
varied cultural backgrounds found all across the planet.
People's spiritual beliefs have a significant impact on both their worldviews
and the choices they make. Roughly 85 per cent of the world's population
identifies with a certain religion or faith. In spite of the wide variety of faiths
and beliefs, almost all of them adhere to a moral code that emphasizes on
being in balance with the natural world and making it a priority to protect it
from exploitation and abuse. Every religion has its own set of ideas about the
connection between humans and the natural world, and although these
viewpoints may differ, they all agree that the destruction of the natural world
would have severe consequences.
On the other hand, the majority of faiths came into existence at a period when
people were much more closely linked to the natural world and derived their
livelihoods directly from it. This was the case during the Stone Age. People
in today's society, especially those living in mega cities and large cities, are
more removed from nature than they have ever been before as a result of
advances in technology, effects of globalization, ever-increasing
urbanization, and expanding mechanization of agricultural and food
production. As a result, there is often a disconnection between the teachings
and scriptures of many faiths and the day-to-day activities of the people who
follow such religions.
Therefore, at this time of unparalleled global environmental degradation,
there is a need for a new environmental ethic that is founded on values that
are universally held. This new environmental ethic should put a larger
emphasis on nature and the interconnection with spiritual beliefs. This
responsibility for care must be extended to include all locations, and it must
not just handle the urgent problems of today; it must also take into account
the future generations who will follow us so that they do not inherit a world
that is gravely harmed. This necessitates a reassessment of the logic of
placing a higher value on the expansion of the economy and the accumulation
of material goods than on the preservation of the natural ecosystems that are
essential to all forms of life.
It is not new to urge people to take environmental ethics and its relationship
to spiritual beliefs into account. Over the course of time, there have been a
number of worldwide conferences, seminars, and publications that have
focused on these various aspects. A rundown of the many ways in which the
United Nations, and in particular UNEP, has contributed to the conversation,
which may be found in the following section:
In the World Charter for Nature from 1982, it was emphasized that "Every
form of life is unique, warranting respect regardless of its worth to (human)"
and that in order for humans to offer such recognition to other creatures, he
must be governed by a moral code of behaviour. In 1997, the United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP) issued the Seoul Declaration on
Environmental Ethics. It was stated in the proclamation that a new value
system should be developed, one in which "human greed and excessive
materialism" would be substituted by "an ethical paradigm."
105
Issues and Concerns
of Environment
The General Assembly of the United Nations passed a resolution in 1998 that
called for the establishment of the United Nations Year of Dialogue among
Civilizations in 2001. The resolution highlighted the need for nations and the
United Nations to work on cultural, educational, and social activities that
enhance mutual understanding and acceptance among people who come from
a variety of backgrounds. As a part of these endeavours, conferences,
seminars, and other forms of knowledge sharing were planned.

Respect for the natural world is one of the tenets that should underpin the
conduct of international affairs in the twenty-first century, as expressed in the
Millennium Declaration of the year 2000. The Tehran Declaration on
Environment, Religion, and Culture was signed during a Conference that was
dedicated to creating mutual understanding amongst people of different
cultural backgrounds. During the International Conference held in 2005 on
the topic of ‘Dialogue among Civilizations, Cultures, and Peoples’, as well as
during the Forum that preceded the Conference, an emphasis was placed on
developing a new shared vision for the future. The Conference argued for the
importance of environmental education in the process of cultivating
ecologically responsible behaviour.
It is necessary to have a conversation about the nature and extent of the
environment, as it relates to society in order to have an understanding of the
breadth of environmental ethics that are grounded in the environment. The
‘concept’ of the environment and the basis upon which it is built are
inextricably linked to the spread of human civilization over the planet. Taking
into account the steady progression of human civilization, the concept of
caring for one's surrounding environment has likewise grown and blossomed
throughout time. The environment is intimately connected to environmental
law and the tasks it serves. The surrounding environment has a significant
role in its operations. Therefore, from the outset, a comprehensive grasp of
the environment is required.

The term ‘environ’, which in French means ‘encircle’ or ‘make surroundings’

is where the English word ‘environment’ comes from. It is not a simple
endeavour to define the surroundings. The word "environment" comes from
the combination of the words "environ" and "ment", which means "the action
of surrounding" or "the state of being surrounded." It is evident that
environment is a notion that is related to whatever it is that is being encircled,
despite the fact that its typical meaning is connected to the surroundings,
which includes plants, animals, flora and fauna.
The natural environment has aesthetic value and a feeling of harmony,
however it may also evoke fear in people, since they have traditionally had to
contend with it in order to ensure their existence. As a result of humanity's
growing disconnect with nature, the ecosystem is now encountering
substantial perils. Humans have the capacity to exert substantial control on
the environment, resulting in possible consequences that extend across
continents or possibly the whole globe. Instances of this phenomenon include
acid rain, photochemical smog, radioactive pollution, the diminishment of the
stratospheric ozone layer, and climate change. They have acquired this
authority by means of technological advancements.
106
7.6 GLOBALIZATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL Environmental
Ethics and Role of
ETHICS Civil Society

It has been remarked that rather than putting an emphasis on humanity, every
aspect of the world has been turned into a commercial enterprise. It has
developed into a catastrophe all over the globe, and the majority of the
studies imply that it poses a significant threat to the environment and
development on a worldwide scale. Because our culture does not have a
sufficiently widened viewpoint and way of thinking, the effects of
globalization on our society will inevitably have a detrimental influence.

The Role of Judiciary and Environmental Ethics

Some of the world's governments and judicial systems, like those of India,
Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the United States, the European Union, and
the United Kingdom, are very worried about the pollution and destruction of
the environment. The judicial systems in these nations take an active role in
addressing concerns related to both environmental protection and economic
growth. There have been certain orders given to the governments, as well as
decisions issued on a variety of problems pertaining to environmental issues,
including ethical concerns. In this respect, the function of the International
Court of Justice, along with that of other important judicial institutions, has
been operating.

The Environmental Justice and Government’s Initiative

As was noted earlier, the various levels of government across the globe are
now highly active in the efforts of their individual countries to preserve the
environment and advance economic growth. This is true of each nation on the
planet. In the interest of ensuring that everyone is treated fairly regarding
their impact on the natural world, many national governments in our country
have started putting in place environmental tribunals.
These laws were enacted in the interest of our current and future generations,
as well as the family of nations as a whole. In addition to this, the various
governments have been working to amend the laws that are already in place,
with the goal of including certain environmental provisions in their
Constitutions as well as other concerns that are pertinent to the topic of the
environment. They have been devoting both their time and resources to doing
research on environmental protection concerns, with the goal of determining
where there are gaps in knowledge and where more information is needed.

Without environmental justice on the level of flora and fauna, sustainable

development is almost impossible. Environmental justice has to be done at
the level of flora and fauna as well. In point of fact, environmental justice
considers environmental damage to be a problem not just of environmental
concern but also of civil and human rights, and it works to provide legal
remedies for everyone by way of environmental legislation, including public
interest law suits.

107
Issues and Concerns
of Environment
Ethics in the face of Climate Change
The problems that are afflicting the environment have been the subject of
substantial conversation on a worldwide scale, and the international
community has made tremendous progress in putting into action policies that
are essential for the protection of the planet. Because of the havoc it wreaks
on both the natural world and human society as a whole, climate change is an
extremely important problem that requires our full and undivided attention.
There was a lack of commitment to climate change laws and regulations,
such as the Kyoto Protocol, the UN Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC), the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC),
and the Copenhagen Agreements, which may have had a role in the result.
There is no doubting the reality that environmental ethics has received a
disproportionately little amount of attention, which has led to significant
repercussions all around the globe.

Environmental Ethics and Sustainable Development

Respect for life is at the centre of all ethical pursuits, especially those
pertaining to the environment. The all-encompassing environmental morality
requires that the best naturalistic grounds, in addition to the excellent
humanistic reasons, for respecting ecosystems be present. Ecosystems are
what produce and sustain life, maintain strong selection pressures, enhance
situated fitness, and allow for the evolution of compatible species in their
natural environments, while maintaining appropriate containment. It instills
in us proper regard for the environment. It rescues and safeguards the natural
world from the effects of any and all human interference.

It is possible that the alleviation of poverty and the establishment of equality,

public engagement, and culturally relevant techniques, as well as ethical
ideals of fairness, justice and wisdom, among other things, in relation to the
environment will be influenced positively if the people engage in and
practice environmental ethics. Every person on earth has the right to a sound
body and a healthy environment, and this right extends to all living and non-
living things that exist on the planet. On the other hand, the vast majority of
individuals who have power in our world work to eliminate these rights. They
are able to disregard everything for the sake of their own personal enjoyment
and interest. They have been acting in whatever manner that they see fit. For
the sake of environmental fairness, we need to reevaluate our position in
opposition to their damaging environmental politics.

Environmental Ethics and the Code of Conduct

It is a complex and nuanced subject, and the answers may vary from one
organisation to another, based on the criteria they use to determine the
appropriate course of action for their members. Given the complexity of the
matter, it is crucial to consider that the solutions may differ. Adhering to
environmental ethics involves upholding principles that emphasise refraining
from causing harm, theft, inappropriate behaviour, harmful speech, substance
abuse, and violence towards living beings.

108
A code of ethics often focuses on addressing societal issues and Environmental
Ethics and Role of
environmental well-being. The concept of "ethics" is often applied broadly to Civil Society
encompass actions and principles that promote the well-being of others or the
greater common good. The use of the term is a result of its origin in the late
18th century. The objectives of moral standards can be summarised as
promoting positive actions, discouraging negative behaviour, ensuring the
well-being of others, and fostering virtuous conduct. These phrases can be
used interchangeably. It is important to consider the broader welfare of
society as a whole, rather than solely focusing on one's own self-interest.
Whether it is on an individual, group, or societal levels, individuals may opt
to uphold moral principles that enhance the welfare of others or the welfare
of society as a whole. Nobody can avoid being held accountable for the
consequences that come with causing harm to nature. This topic has been
handled in different religious philosophies in a variety of contexts.

Environmental Rights and Ethics

The environmental degradation that the global community has been dealing
with has serious repercussions that pose a danger to all living and non-living
species on our planet. These consequences have been problematic for quite
some time. Along with the right to a healthy environment, the right to healthy
living is an issue that has been the subject of debate. There is a correlation
and interlinkage between environmental ethics and environmental rights. In
general, environmental rights are described as a collection of rights linked to
the environment and development. These rights are protected by international
law. The right to environment encompasses the rights of all living things that
exist on earth.

These advantages are not listed in any specific order of importance; rather,
they are all interconnected and necessary in their own right. The condition of
the environment in which a person lives may have an impact not only on their
capacity to earn a livelihood, but also on their capacity to keep themselves
healthy to live. Environmental safeguards are regarded as a basic human right
since it is universally acknowledges that people have the right to live in an
atmosphere that is free from danger and conducive to good health. A battle
for environmental justice is commonly referred to by communities whose
rights are not completely accepted by those in authority as their fight for a
healthy, safe, productive, and joyful environment. Many communities all
around the globe have been negatively affected by environmental health
disasters, yet in the aftermath of such occurrences, there have also been many
examples of people bonding together to safeguard their right to health and
environmental justice.

Conventional Wisdom and Environmental Ethics

The perspectives of indigenous people on environmental problems are very
perceptive and important to the discussion of this topic. One way to think of
it is as the accumulation of all of the information that has been accumulated
and passed down through the generations of a certain culture. This
comprehension is the result of a lifetime spent toiling away in the natural
world in order to provide for one's sustenance. According to Berkes (1999),
traditional ecological knowledge is a collection of information, practices, and 109
Issues and Concerns
of Environment
beliefs addressing the interconnectedness of all forms of life and their
physical environment, including people. This includes understanding of how
ecosystems work and how humans fit into them.
This knowledge has been generated via the use of processes that are
adaptable, and it has been passed on culturally from one generation to the
next. This makes perfect sense when one considers the importance that
environmental ethics place on preserving available resources. Traditional
knowledge and the implications it has for environmental issues and
development have been the topic of a great deal of debate and research
among scientists all around the globe. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to
take a step forward towards sustainable development without having access
to traditional knowledge. The ethics of environmental protection and human
rights may have a substantial impact on sustainable development.

Consideration may be given to issues pertaining to environmental ethics,

such as those brought up in the preambles of the 1948 Universal Declaration
of Human Rights (UDHR), the 1966 International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights, and the 1966 International Covenant on Economic, Social,
and Cultural Rights, amongst other international treaties and declarations of
the same year. The following are some illustrations of the problems: The
core concepts reflected in the UDHR, such as non-discrimination, equality,
justice, universality, and inherent human dignity, have been universally
respected across all countries, in a variety of settings, and over the course of
history.

Our home planet, Earth, is home to an incredible variety of animal and plant
life. This reality was accepted in Article 17 of the Universal Declaration of
Bioethics, which was adopted at the General Conference of the United
Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in the
year 2005. The necessity of taking into account the interconnections that
exist between humans and other forms of life, as well as ensuring proper
access to and utilisation of biological and genetic resources, is emphasised
throughout the text. In addition to this, it shows how important it is to
preserve old forms of knowledge and acknowledge the role that humans play
in the preservation of the natural world.

Check Your Progress 2

Note: i) Use the space given below for your answers.
ii) Check your answers with those given at the end of the Unit.
1) Discuss the role of civil society in the protection of environment.
……………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………

110
2) Describe the concept of ‘environmental ethics’. Environmental
Ethics and Role of
…………………………………………………………………………… Civil Society

……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………

7.7 CONCLUSION
It is abundantly obvious that the ethical framework and the spirit of
international human rights and humanitarian laws are inextricably linked, and
this connection is made manifest in the concepts that are highlighted in a
variety of international environmental laws and regulations. It is essential to
have a comprehensive grasp of the underlying philosophy of the notions in
order to conduct a meaningful conversation about these ideas in the context
of environmental development and conservation.
When it comes to resolving issues relating to the environment, it is very
essential to take steps to preserve natural resources and maintain
environmental safeguards. It is very necessary for a diverse group of people
to have an active role in the decision-making process in order to be able to
make educated choices that will have an effect that is long-lasting on the
growth of the environment. This is an essential concept that governs public
access to data on the significance of environmental education and other topics
like that. The idea of having duties and obligations towards the natural
world is made abundantly clear by the circumstances of this situation.

Some of the purposes or goals of the United Nations Organization may

include the following: to preserve international peace and security; to foster
friendly relations among nations on the basis of respect for the principle of
equal rights and universal peace; to harmonize the actions of nations in the
pursuit of these common ends; to achieve international cooperation in the
resolution of international problems of an economic, social, cultural, or
humanitarian character; and to promote and encourage respect for human
rights and fundamental freedoms.

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the

preservation and conservation of wildlife, natural habitats, and the
environment. The WWF places a strong emphasis on the conservation of
vital ecological processes and life support systems, as well as the protection
of genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity. In addition, the WWF is actively
involved in promoting sustainable practices for the responsible utilisation of
wild animals and their habitats. One of the important tasks is to increase
public awareness and secure resources. In fact, all of the major humanitarian
groups and organisations in the world have embraced and started
implementing the concept of environmental ethics.

Friends of the Earth International is another non-profit organization that

passionately supports a range of environmental causes, including
environmental rights, environmental justice, and environmental ethics. They
111
Issues and Concerns
of Environment
have been actively promoting environmental consciousness and conservation
efforts. They have a wide range of environmental preservation and
sustainable development programmes. Addressing sustainable tourism,
sustainable practices, and the challenges of planning and management,
including ethical considerations, is crucial for achieving global sustainability.

In addition, numerous prestigious law schools, such as Pace Law School, the
National University of Singapore (NUS), Environmental Law Centre, and
Macquarie Law School, along with many others, have played a crucial role in
addressing environmental ethical issues both within the United States and on
a global scale. Sustainable development, which is an integral part of
environment, is not achievable without an ethical environmental framework
at the national and global levels. You will be reading more about sustainable
development in Units 12, 13 and 14 of this Course. It is pertinent that all civil
society organizations come together for the cause of environment. This Unit
touched upon the complex topic of environmental ethics in the backdrop of
environmental morality, environmental governance and environmental
systems.

7.8 GLOSSARY
Civil Society : It is a wide array of organizations that influence
societal development, such as NGOs, labour
unions, charities and foundations.

Environment : It is a field of applied ethics concerned with the

Ethics natural environment, including its instrumental
value for human beings and other animals and its
possible intrinsic value.

Environment Law : It is a collection of laws, regulations, agreements

and common law that governs how humans
interact with their environment.

Environmental : It is a social movement, seeking to address the

Justice inequitable distribution of environmental hazards
among the poor and minorities.

Environmental : Any measure by a government or corporation or

Policies other public or private organization regarding the
effects of human activities on the environment,
particularly those measures that are designed to
prevent or reduce harmful effects of human
activities on ecosystems.

Theological : It is our belief in God and our desire to be true to

Framework God. We add layers to this framework on the
basis of what we consider as our due to the God.

112
7.9 REFERENCES AND FURTHER READINGS Environmental
Ethics and Role of
Civil Society
Feldman, David L. & Ivan Pavlovich Blokov (2009),"Promoting an
Environmental Civil Society: Politics, Policy, and Russia's Post‐1991
Experience," Review of Policy Research, Policy Studies Organization, vol.
26(6), pages 729-759, November.
https://adambrown.info/p/notes/linz_and_stepan_problems_of_democratic_tr
ansition_and_consolidation
https://www.unep.org/resources/report/1997-united-nations-list-protected-
areas
https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000154100
https://bangladeshbiosafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/
Bangladesh_Environmental_Conservation_Act_1995.pdf
https://aarhus.osce.org/about/aarhus-convention#:~:text=The%20 United %
20 Nations%20Economic%20Commission%20for%20Europe%20%
28UNECE%29,It%20entered%20into%20force%20on%2030%20
October%202001.
https://archive.org/details/sacredecologytra0000berk
Jackson, J. S., & Inglehart, M. R. (1995), Reverberation Theory: Stress and
Racism in Hierarchically Structured Communities in S. E. Hobfoll& M. W.
deVries (Eds.), Extreme Stress and Communities: Impact and
Intervention (pp. 353–373). Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-015-8486-9_16
MacKenzie, Darryl I, James D. Nichols, J. Andrew Royle, Kenneth H.
Pollock, Larissa Bailey, James E. Hines Hardback ISBN: 978012088-7668
978-0-12-088766-8

7.10 ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

EXERCISES
Check Your Progress 1

1. Your answer should include the following points:

• See Section 7.2

2. Your answer should include the following points:

• See Section 7.4

Check Your Progress 2

1. Your answer should include the following points:

• See Section 7.4
2. Your answer should include the following points:
3. See Section 7.6
113
Issues and Concerns
of Environment

114