Environmental Values Paper Essay

Ecofeminism like other groups advocating the ideals of feminism is a particular distinction applied to women whose great efforts are directed towards the interrelations of society and nature. Greta Claire Gaard (1993) pointed out that the term ecofeminism is “more descriptive of a concern with cultivating an ecological ethic that goes beyond concepts of social justice” (p. 18). Ecofeminism is defined as “a value system, a social movement, and a practice, which offers political analysis which explore the links between androcentrism and environmental destruction” (p.

18).

In other words, what Claire Gaard is pointing out is that ecofeminism is an awareness that starts with the understanding that the abuse of nature is closely “linked to Western Man’s attitude toward women” (p. 18). That is, according to Claire Gaard, there is a parallel in men’s thinking between their right to exploit nature, on the one hand, and the use they make of women on the other. Pluralism and environmental pragmatism on the other hand is not new to many of us.

Thus, these two were not given much introduction in this paper though they are equally important topic.

The most important principles of ecofeminism The most important principle of ecofeminism is to ensure that progress is tempered by an ethic of care for nature, and to create “sustainable level of progress that respect the needs of nature as well as the true needs of humans” (Meyer, M. K. & Prugl, E. 1999, p. 227). The first principle which emphasized on the care of nature is very important amidst the issue of climate change, globalization, maintaining ecological balance. Today, we are all aware of the enormous environmental problems created by human exploitations and abuses of nature.

This includes deforestations through illegal cutting of trees and illegal farming, over fishing, exploitations of mineral reserves, conversion of lands to industrial and residential use, and so forth. Added to these are the burden of carbon dioxide emission of millions of cars around the world which are fast building greenhouse gasses that are creating global warming and climate change. With out ecological balance, our planet is doomed to become like a huge furnace that is no longer fit to live with.

The ecofeminist emphasis on the ethic of care for the nature is consistent with the call of ecological scientists for everyone to help preserve our planet through taking care of our environment. Although this principle implies a double meaning, but they are right to say that progress should not be an excuse for environmental abuses and degradation. The other important principle of ecofeminism is to create ‘sustainable level of progress that respects the needs of nature as well as the true needs of humans.

’ Concern for the needs of nature may be different from simply preserving the nature it self, and sustainable level of progress requires careful intervention on the part of the government to implement protective laws that will ensure balance between the uses of ecological product and the sources. That is, with greater demands for these ecological products and with little efforts to replenish them, most of what we have now will soon become extinct. Emphasis on sustainable progress based on the needs of nature and true human needs is very important because it determines our future and the future of our mother earth.

The most important principle of pluralism Pluralism confronts us in all aspect of our lives. Plurality pervades our society and it encompasses the different political, ethical, philosophical, religious, and cultural belief of any given society. Two most important principle of pluralism according to Timothy J. Demy and Gary P. Stewart (2000) is the so-called ‘distributive justice and the retributive justice (p. 75). The pluralist principle of distributive justice includes the emphasis on equity, equality, and need.

As Barbara Mellers and Jonathan Baron explain, distributive justice is concern with fairness which defines the “apportionment of rewards, with the goal of facilitating social interaction” (p. 90). In other words, the pluralist principle of distributive justice is concern about equality and that justice and fairness is equally serving to all races regardless of beliefs and all barriers imposed by racist and discriminatory segment of the society. This is very important in our society for us to be able to live peacefully and meaningfully.

The other most important pluralist principle is the retributive justice. Retributive justice according to Demy has to do with punishment of the crimes committed. In other words, crimes deserve punishment, “what one sow is what one reaps. ” I believe that this important principle in order for the society to maintain order, peace, and security. State punishments of crimes committed are just as they are within the definition of the law. Retributive justice makes our society orderly, peacefully, and securely for everyone. The most important principle of environmental pragmatism

There are perhaps several important principles of environmental pragmatism but due to space limitation, I only discuss in this paper the most important one. This principle is that, “the environmental issues have important value and ethical components that must be addressed in the formulation of environment policy” (Minteer, B. A. & Manning, R. E. 2003, p. 220). This principle is true not only in the context of the writer but in the context of the reality that confronts us, regarding the problem of global warming and climate change.

In this context, environmental issues are very important in the formulation of environment policy because it concerns the future of our society and the future of our world. Which principle best complement my values and ethical beliefs regarding environmental issues. While ecofeminism provides us understanding about how sustainable level of progress can be attained with out abusing the environment, and the principle of pluralism showed us the way to live a peaceful life and secure life, but it is the principle of environmental pragmatism that best complement my values and ethical beliefs regarding environmental issues.

I would like to emphasize further this view by entreating everyone wherever part of the globe to be environmentally conscious. As for me, I firmly believe that all environmental issues are important issues that can affect our lives not only in our generation but also the next generations and onwards. We must all be aware of the impact of pollution that we tossed up in to the atmosphere and try to do our part to stop the things that pollutes our society, and our planet. Let us rally our selves in support of the effort of preventing global warming and climate change to get worse.I believe it not to late yet to act on this problem.

References

Demy, T. J. & Stewart, G. P. (2000) Politics and Public Policy USA: Kregel Publication Gaard, G. C. (1993) Ecofeminism USA: Temple University Press Mellers, B. A. & Baron, J. (1993) Psychological Perspective son Justice USA: Cambridge University Press Meyer, M. K. & Prugl, E. (1999) Gender Politics in Global Governance USA: Rowman & Littlefield Minteer, B. A. & Manning, R. E. 2003, p. 220 Reconstructing Conservation USA: Island Press