Land Ethics and Ecology (including ecological systems)

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Land Ethics and Ecology (including ecological systems)

Ralph M. Dahm

SCI 361 – Environmental Issues and Ethics

Dr. Theodore R. Ferguson

April 9, 2005


Abstract

Several arguments exist regarding environmental responsibility to future generations. What is the responsibility to protect and preserve ecological systems? Significant environmental damage has already been suffered. The potential for this damage to increase or become permanent is elevated. The consequences of ignoring land ethics are building. The significance of land ethics and ecology, including the impact to ecological systems, is explored. The impact of increased population is considered. Possible outcomes and solutions are evaluated. One haunting question remains unanswered.


Land Ethics and Ecology

        Jardins (2001) argument that a responsibility exists to future generations is valid. The “argument from ignorance” position seems to be a convenient excuse to avoid responsibility. The needs and wants of future generations are unknown. Living in a contaminated environment would not be one of them. Ethically a responsibility exists to protect the natural environment for those who will inhabit the planet in the distant future. At a minimum a duty exists not to cause further harm.

        Unfortunately, serious damage has already been inflicted. In the 1940’s uranium mining supported the development of atomic weapons. Newton and Dillingham (2002) point out “the operations were exempt from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) oversight, Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) regulations, environmental laws, the Freedom of Information Act, and had no congressional oversight”. Large quantities of contaminated materials were simply dumped into the environment. No thought was given to the consequences for future generations.

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        One site near Moab, Utah contains 12 million tons of dirt, toxic chemicals, and other radioactive waste. This pile covers over 130 acres. The material sits on bare ground. Astoundingly, this radioactive material is located on the banks of the Colorado River! Waste material is seeping into the ground water. A major flood could wash the material into the river. This event would contaminate the water. The consequences of this natural event would be frightful. The Colorado River supplies drinking water to over 25 million people downstream. Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles would be affected. (Associated Press, 2005).

        The ...

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