Environmental Ethics Glossary

An ethical worldview placing humans at the center of moral consideration, valuing nature primarily for its usefulness to people.

An ethical framework extending moral standing to all individual living organisms, not just humans.

The variety of life at all levels of biological organization, from genes to species to ecosystems.

The total greenhouse gas emissions caused directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product.

The study of moral questions arising from climate change, including responsibility, justice, and obligations to future generations.

The sustainable use and management of natural resources to prevent waste, destruction, or neglect.

A philosophical movement asserting that all living beings have equal inherent worth, independent of human utility.

An ethical perspective placing moral value on ecological wholes such as species, ecosystems, and the biosphere.

A perspective linking the domination of nature to the domination of women under patriarchal systems.

A measure of human demand on Earth's ecosystems in terms of biologically productive land and water area required.

The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in environmental decision-making regardless of race, income, or status.

The idea that Earth's biological and physical systems interact as a self-regulating complex system.

The value something has as a means to achieving some other end or purpose.

Moral obligations of present generations to future generations regarding environmental conditions and resources.

Value that something possesses in and of itself, independent of its usefulness to anything else.

Aldo Leopold's ethical framework extending moral consideration to soils, waters, plants, and animals as members of the biotic community.

The status of an entity that deserves moral consideration in its own right.

The guideline that preventive action should be taken against potential environmental harm even without complete scientific proof.

The protection of natural areas from human interference, valuing wilderness for its own sake.

A perspective arguing that environmental destruction is rooted in social hierarchies and systems of domination.

The unjustified privileging of one species' interests over those of other species.

Meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

The depletion of shared resources when individuals act in rational self-interest contrary to the common good.

Applying the greatest-good-for-the-greatest-number principle to environmental decisions, often expanding 'good' to include nonhuman welfare.

An area of land retaining its primeval character and influence, without permanent human habitation or development.