1.Should we continue to clear cut forests for the sake of human consumption?
2.Should we continue to make gasoline powered vehicles, depleting fossil fuel resources while the technology exists to create zero-emission vehicles?
3. What environmental obligations do we need to keep for future generations?
4. Is it right for humans to knowingly cause the extinction of a species for the (perceived or real) convenience of humanity?
Source: Wikipedia.Org
The United Nations Climate Change Conference will take place at the Bella Center in Copenhagen, Denmark, between December 7 and December 18, 2009. The conference includes the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP 15) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the 5th Meeting of the Parties (COP/MOP 5) to the Kyoto Protocol. According to the Bali Road Map, a framework for climate change mitigation beyond 2012 is to be agreed there.
The conference was preceded by the Climate Change: Global Risks, Challenges and Decisions scientific conference, which took place in March 2009 and was also held at the Bella Center.
Malthus observed that population grows at an exponential rate, while environmental use grows at an arithmetic rate.
Darwin is misunderstood in the US, but not in Europe. Darwin's theory had two components: evolution and natural selection.
Evolution is a historical question - the evidence is historical. You can't settle historical questions with as much certainty. Natural selection is a scientific question that has been proved time after time.
Ecologically, everything is connected - but that doesn't mean you like all the connections. "The maximum is seldom, or never, the optimum."
"There is no way in a finite environment that you can satisfy a need, the growth of which is uncontrollable."
Thomas Malthus (1766 - 1834)
English economist Malthus is best known for his hugely influential theories on population growth.
Malthus' most well known work 'An Essay on the Principle of Population' was published in 1798, although he was the author of many pamphlets and other longer tracts including 'An Inquiry into the Nature and Progress of Rent' (1815) and 'Principles of Political Economy' (1820)
What if human consciousness isn't the end-all and be-all of Darwinism? What if we are all just pawns in corn's clever strategy game to rule the Earth? Author Michael Pollan asks us to see the world from a plant's-eye view.
His Biography
Michael Pollan is the author of The Omnivore’s Dilemma, in which he explains how our food not only affects our health but has far-reaching political, economic, and environmental implications. His new book is In Defense of Food.
Environmental ethics is the discipline that studies the moral relationship of human beings to, and also the value and moral status of, the environment and its nonhuman contents.
This entry covers:
The challenge of environmental ethics to the anthropocentrism (i.e., human-centeredness) embedded in traditional western ethical thinking
The early development of the discipline in the 1960s and 1970s
The connection of deep ecology, feminist environmental ethics, and social ecology to politics
The attempt to apply traditional ethical theories, including consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics, to support contemporary environmental concerns
The focus of environmental literature on wilderness, and possible future developments of the discipline.
On 8 July, leaders of the world’s richest and most powerful countries, the G8, will meet to discuss the challenges our world is facing: poverty, economic crisis and climate change.
Join the debate and FACE THE G8 in our interactive game where you will make a poster, choose a slogan and decide how to act on the big issues. Watch the video to see how...
Your poster will be delivered to the G8 leaders before they meet in Italy on 8 July, so they know we’re watching and counting on them to make the right decisions for a better future for people and the planet.
Now the Climate Change is a reality, unfortunately.
About this Video
The White House releases a new report representing a consensus of 13 agencies developed over a year and half, entitled Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States. June 16, 2009.
I am proud to announce that I wrote an essay called “Environmental Ethics and Profits: A philosophical debate between Believers and non Believers”
Introduction:
My aim in this essay is to show a philosophical debate between non- believers and believers.
In this debate there will be their point of views, on climate change, environment and ethics.
I will develop a thesis, antithesis, and synthesis about this argument, I’ll analyze both point of views, policies, behaviours, responsibilities, altruism and egoism.
These philosophies have in common that Climate Change and Global Warming is a serious problem.
In their philosophies there is a small shade, for instance the believers are interested in this topic, because their last goals is to go in paradise
Non - believers think for people, because, according to the humanist philosophy, after our biological life there is the end, for this reason they are more interested in the creation of a better world, for themselves and the future generations.
In conclusion their positions are to protect the ecosystem, because the universe has been created by God, and the purpose of non-believers is to be remembered as Global Responsible Citizens.
The purpose of this essay is to show that Environmental ethics & Profit, will be possible, if and only if:
The philosophy of Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethical Consumers, will be implemented.
And
if we accept our responsibilities, and we change a bit our lifestyle
"SAN FRANCISCO — Bali once had a reputation as a tropical idyll. But the unfettered expansion of mass tourism on the island has created mountains of trash, overwhelming the ability of the Balinese, who traditionally wrapped and served food in palm leaves or other biodegradable plant material, to manage the mess. Plastic and other waste has simply been dumped or burned."
The Prince of Wales speaks about the world's rainforests
"The Prince of Wales speaks about the importance of the world's rainforests and the work of Iwokrama, a Guyana-based rainforest conservation charity. To find out more about the work of Iwokrama"
When possible please have a look at this interesting article
"The fact is, good human relationships are as important as good environmental ethics. If we fail to coordinate our needs with those of our environment, there may be no survivors. In a mortal combat between humans and the earth, there are only two possible outcomes -- and in neither are we the victors," says Stepp. "The earth wins, or no one wins. Cooperation, it appears, is our only option." But, she notes, compassion for the earth can't replace compassion for one another -- if we maintain the planet but destroy each other, we're no further ahead. And in fact, human conflict presents tremendous challenges to the earth's well-being."
Be Prepared: Before, During and After an Earthquake
Do you know how to prepare for and survive a major earthquake? According to Department of Conservation scientists, it will be critical to have the right answer to that question somewhere in California sometime in the coming years.
Many people think having bottled water on hand is a good idea. That's true, as long as you have enough. Many are certain that standing in a doorway during the shaking is a good idea. That's false, unless you live in an unreinforced adode structure; otherwise, you're more likely to be hurt by the door swinging wildly in a doorway or trampled by people trying to hurry outside if you're in a public place.
How to be Prepared
o Electricity, water, gas and telephones may not be working after an earthquake.
The police and fire departments are likely to be tied up. You should be prepared to fend for yourself for at least three days, preferably for a week.
o You'll need food and water (a gallon a day per person); a first aid kit; a fire extinguisher suitable for all types of fires; flashlights; a portable radio; extra batteries, blankets, clothes, shoes and money (ATMs may not work); medication; an adjustable or pipe wrench to turn off gas or water, if necessary; baby and pet food; and an alternate cooking source (barbecue or camp stove). This list can also be applied to other disasters, such as floods or wildfires.
o It's also a good idea to decide beforehand how and where your family will reunite if separated during a quake and to conduct in-home practice drills. You might choose an out-of-the-area friend or relative that family members can call to check on you.
o Securing water heaters, major appliances and tall, heavy furniture to prevent them from toppling are prudent steps. So, too, are storing hazardous or flammable liquids, heavy objects and breakables on low shelves or in secure cabinets.
o Discuss earthquake insurance with your agent. Depending on your financial situation and the value of your home, it may be worthwhile.
During an Earthquake
o If you're indoors, stay there. Get under -- and hold onto --a desk or table, or stand against an interior wall. Stay clear of exterior walls, glass, heavy furniture, fireplaces and appliances. The kitchen is a particularly dangerous spot. If you're in an office building, stay away from windows and outside walls and do not use the elevator.
o If you're outside, get into the open. Stay clear of buildings, power lines or anything else that could fall on you.
o If you're driving, move the car out of traffic and stop. Avoid parking under or on bridges or overpasses. Try to get clear of trees, light posts, signs and power lines. When you resume driving, watch out for road hazards.
o If you're in a mountainous area, beware of the potential for landslides. Likewise, if you're near the ocean, be aware that tsunamis are associated with large earthquakes. Get to high ground.
o If you're in a crowded public place, avoid panicking and do not rush for the exit. Stay low and cover your head and neck with your hands and arms.
After an Earthquake
o Check for fire or fire hazards. If you smell gas, shut off the main gas valve. If there's evidence of damage to electrical wiring, shut off the power at the control box.
o If the phone is working, only use it in case of emergency. Likewise, avoid driving if possible to keep the streets clear for emergency vehicles.
o Be aware that items may fall out of cupboards or closets when the door is opened, and also that chimneys can be weakened and fall with a touch. Check for cracks and damage to the roof and foundation of your home.
o Listen to the radio for important information and instructions. Remember that aftershocks, sometimes large enough to cause damage in their own right, generally follow large quakes.
o If you leave home, leave a message telling friends and family your location.
Japan is an earthquake-prone country. Be prepared and don't panic when it happens!
Check your emergency survival kit regularly to see if the food is outdated or any items are missing so that the kit is usable when it's needed.
Informazioni di comportamento in caso di terremoto. Il terremoto è un fenomeno naturale e conseguentemente dobbiamo prepararci all’eventualità che esso avvenga senza farci sorprendere impreparati, tanto più se abitiamo in una area definita storicamente “sismica”. Cosa fare quando il terremoto non c’è: - Verificare lo stato di salute della propria casa; una casa in buone condizioni subisce meno danni ed è meno pericolosa di una in cattivo stato di manutenzione.
Informarsi se sono stato fatti gli adeguamenti antisismici (esistono varie leggi che danno contributi ai cittadini per gli adeguamenti, informarsi presso gli Uffici Tecnici dei Comuni!).
- Tenere a mente dove si abita, nel senso di conoscere il proprio quartiere e memorizzare le aree libere vicino casa.
- Informarsi su cosa prevede in caso di terremoto il “Piano comunale di Protezione Civile” del proprio paese per il quartiere dove si abita, conoscere dove si trova “l’area di attesa”.
- Informarsi sul posto di lavoro e nelle scuole se esiste un piano di evacuazione. Chiedere di partecipare al progetto “Scuola sicura”. - Nei condomini: indire ogni 6 mesi una riunione per verificare le conoscenze di comportamento di ciascun inquilino, chiedere che vengano eliminate le situazioni di pericolo derivanti dagli “aggetti”, dai cornicioni, etc. (non vuol dire: eliminare gli aggetti ed i cornicioni, ma le situazioni precarie!).
Per evitare comportamenti che potrebbero aumentare i danni ed i problemi in caso di terremoto è opportuno seguire alcuni semplici consigli. Durante il terremoto: - Cercare di stare calmi e rimanere dove ci si trova. Coloro che sono a casa si debbono portare vicino ai muri maestri, sotto gli architravi, lontano dalle finestre.
- Evitare assolutamente l’ascensore, e fare attenzione alle scale. Le cose che più facilmente possono causare danni in casa sono: lo scaldabagno, i pensili della cucina, i lampadari, i mobili alti e pesanti. Evitare di accendere le luci, chiudere il gas.
Ripararsi sotto il letto o sotto i tavoli robusti.
- All’esterno le prime cose che cadono sono: i cornicioni in cattive condizioni, i comignoli, le tegole, i vasi dei fiori, i balconi a sbalzo (se mal collegati!), i vetri. - Se si è in macchina fermarsi ed aspettare che il terremoto cessi (le scosse possono durare da pochi secondi a pochi minuti!)
- Sul posto di lavoro comportarsi come in casa: portarsi sotto le travi o ripararsi sotto banconi o scrivanie; la stessa cosa va fatta a scuola. - E’ molto pericoloso precipitarsi fuori da dove ci si trova, ma è opportuno uscire al termine delle scosse, con calma!
- Non usare il telefono, le linee potrebbero essere interrotte, quelle attive servono per i soccorsi. Dopo il terremoto: - Recuperare le cose più necessarie come un maglione, una coperta, una bottiglia d’acqua. Portarsi dietro una torcia elettrica, evitare la tentazione di fare la valigia, prendere la radiolina.
- Chiudere gli interruttori centrali della luce, del gas, dell’acqua.
- Uscire di casa, dal posto di lavoro, da scuola assieme, responsabilizzare subito qualcuno che chiuda la fila! - Portarsi nelle “aree di attesa” memorizzati e previsti dal Piano comunale di Protezione Civile.
- Evitare di prendere la macchina (anche se la tentazione è forte!), le strade saranno molto probabilmente non praticabili e la vostra auto contribuirà ad aumentare la confusione ed a rallentare i soccorsi!
- E’ consigliabile restare uniti, non farsi vincere dalla tentazione di tornare a casa a prendere qualcosa d’altro (un terremoto è fatto anche di repliche e scosse di assestamento, che possono essere altrettanto pericolose della prima botta !).
- Pazienza! I soccorsi hanno bisogno di un po’ di tempo per la organizzazione.
- Segnalare ai soccorritori solo i casi che hanno particolare urgenza, contribuire al rapido dispiegarsi dei soccorsi non intralciandoli, mettere a disposizione dei responsabili dei soccorsi le proprie competenze e specializzazioni, evitare la diffusione di notizie non verificate.
Fonte: Architetto Francesco Pio ACITO Disaster Manager MATERA
Anyone with children has a stake in future generations and the ability of the environment to support life. But environmental good practice is also about business efficiency - it's about the best use of valuable raw materials, and feeding the benefits of action straight through to the bottom line.
"Globalisation viewed as a process of economic integration that embraces governance as well as markets - could lead to worldwide convergence toward higher or lower environmental quality, or to environmental polarisation in which "greening" of the global north is accompained by the "browning" of the global south. The outcome will not be dictated by an inexorable logic. Rather it will depend on how the opportunities created by globalisation alter balances of power within countries and among them.
On December 10, 1948 the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights the full text of which appears in the following pages. Following this historic act the Assembly called upon all Member countries to publicize the text of the Declaration and "to cause it to be disseminated, displayed, read and expounded principally in schools and other educational institutions, without distinction based on the political status of countries or territories."
The upcoming new president of the United States has a huge job to do to reverse what many see as the bad influence the US has had on world-wide environmental policy.
If you think that there is a strong link between Environment and Globalisation, you should read this paper obviously there is a strong link too to the Global Ministerial Environment Forum (GMEF) and the UN- Environment Program, with a particular focus on environment and globalisation.
In light of the climate crisis and other ecological challenges increasingly facing us, people are becoming more aware than ever about environmental problems and taking more actions to lessen their impacts.
However, learning about the environment can often be confusing and overwhelming. There are lots of voices talking about the environment -- activists, governments, companies, advisory groups, and non-profits, to name a few -- all of whom have different ways of explaining things and advising people.
They also make their points through a variety of different media from articles to blogs to films to white papers to position papers. It can be hard to find what you are looking for! To compound things, information can also be contradictory: are biofuels good or bad? To what degree?
MORAL PHILOSOPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS Philosophers are those troublesome individuals who "ask the next question." They look for, and then critically examine, concepts and assumptions that are generally "taken for granted."
Philosophers ask such annoying questions as "What do you mean by that?" "How come?" "So what?" (Short for "so what follows from your assertion?") And, most discomforting of all, "Why should I, or you, or anyone believe that?" The philosopher's job is primarily to ask questions, not to answer them. His task is not to comfort the afflicted but to afflict the comfortable.(1) Often the philosophers' attempts to rouse others "from their dogmatic slumbers" (as Kant phrased it) are icily ignored. Sometimes the philosophers' attempts to provoke active thought succeed all too well. (Witness the case of Socrates).
Within the general field of philosophy is ethics and moral philosophy -- the philosophical study of values ("goods" and "bads") that are, to some degree at least, under the control of some responsible, rational and deliberative person or persons. Ethics deals with such general concepts as obligation, justice, rights, duties, virtue, beneficence, etc. Moral philosophy deals, in general, with the evaluation of personal acts, conduct, motivation and policy."
Source: Gadfly.Igc.Org
Environmental Ethics for the Novice
"The inspiration for environmental ethics was the first Earth Day in 1970 when environmentalists started urging philosophers who were involved with environmental groups to do something about environmental ethics.
An intellectual climate had developed in the last few years of the 1960s in large part because of the publication of two papers in Science: Lynn White's "The Historical Roots of our Ecologic Crisis" (March 1967) and Garett Hardin's "The Tragedy of the Commons" (December 1968).
Most influential with regard to this kind of thinking, however, was an essay in Aldo Leopold's A Sand County Almanac, "The Land Ethic," in which Leopold explicitly claimed that the roots of the ecological crisis were philosophical. (Although originally published in 1949, Sand County Almanac became widely available in 1970 in a special Sierra Club/Ballantine edition, which included essays from a second book, Round River."
I think that every stakeholders should do more to avoid this disaster, for example a positive synergy between local and international governments, a detailed map for the coultivation of biofuels, and organic food, to involve NGO's, etc
A little taste of this article:
"Biofuels have forced global food prices up by 75% - far more than previously estimated - according to a confidential World Bank report obtained by the Guardian."
Source: The Guardian GB
Related Articles (The Guardian)
The appetite for biofuel starves the poor The evidence is mounting. The biofuels bonanza is forcing millions in the developing world into poverty and hunger
Filmed with state-of-the-art technology over 14 months, often in temperatures of -60ºC, with Force 10 storms and tidal waves as an added bonus, this natural history of Antarctica comes from the coldest, wildest, most lonely, starkly beautiful, most inhospitable place on earth. Here Sir David Attenborough discovers penguins by the millions, thousands of whales, half the world's seal population and seabirds galore.
"Antarctic ice contains a record of climate change and greenhouse gases. Travel to Antarctica and see how we collect the ice, what we do with it, and what it tells us about future climate."
"Famous designer Katharine Hamnett is passionate about the potential of solar power. She believes that this clean form of renewable energy has been overlooked in the climate change debate. Katharine has a history of using her designs and her profile to campaign on issues she is passionate about. This pod will follow her as she tries to raise awareness around new technologies that will enhance solar power."
"Scientists have produced further compelling evidence showing that modern-day climate change is not caused by changes in the Sun's activity. "
By Richard Black Environment correspondent, BBC News website
"The IPCC has got it right, so we had better carry on trying to cut carbon emissions" by Terry Sloan
Solar variation
"The sun is the ultimate source of essentially all heat in the climate system. The energy output of the sun, which is converted to heat at the Earth's surface, is an integral part of shaping the Earth's climate. On the longest time scales, the sun itself is getting brighter with higher energy output; as it continues its main sequence, this slow change or evolution affects the Earth's atmosphere"
Yep This is a great news, the climate change has been caused by human activity, thanks IPCC Are you a climate change skeptic? post your opinion, Thank You
More Info:
IPCC "Climate Change 2007”, has been completed. Learn more on how to obtain the reports and copyright permission for graphics and figures"
