An Ethical Solution to the Current Energy Crisis
Environmental ethics is still a new sub-field of ethics. Therefore, any theories presented, issues arising, and solutions suggested are still open to discussion and rebuttal. Before one can discuss an issue to surmise a plan, they must become informed on the topic, as well as the common understanding and available resources for possible solutions. It will come as no surprise to any American that the Nation's economy is dropping, the environment is deteriorating, and an energy solution is critical. This paper will explore the history of environmental ethics, as well as illustrate this current area of interest.Environmental ethics can be defined as a system of moral principles governing the appropriate conduct for people, concerning the natural world (including but not limited to human's and animal's surroundings) and its conservation. The history of this subdivision of ethics can be traced back to the early 1970s, when Richard Nixon signed the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This movement, also known as environmentalism, really got its start after the world's first broadcast picture of the earth from space. This picture was made possible by NASA in 1970.
After all the awe and confusion, reality set in. People became more aware of the alive (living, breathing, and moving through space) planet they called home. Another inspiration was the blackouts between 1965 and 1970 across the Nation. This had people using a new phrase, "energy crisis," and moved researchers to find new ways to bring energy to the people.
Researchers from MIT got together and made a declaration of sorts. The researches stated that a change must occur, before catastrophe; and that change must be founded on values at all levels (personal, national, and worldly). "[This call] reflected a need for the development of environmental ethics as a new sub-discipline of philosophy" (Cited in Brennan, 2008).
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