Basic Philosophical Elements and Issues of the Environment

Basic Philosophical Elements and Issues of the Environment • The Litany • Global Problems – Global Warming - Warmest Years on Record – Ozone Depletion - Big Hole in Atmosphere – Species Decimation • Regional Problems – Deforestation – Acid Rain – Water Pollution - Rivers, Lakes • Local Problems – Pesticides - Hazardous Materials – Waste Disposal

Basic Philosophical Elements and Issues of the Environment • Are these concerns realistic? • Are some more realistic than others? • How serious are they? • What are some example implications for business? For these problems?

Changes in the Environment: The Master Equation GDP EI = Population x Person EI = Environmental Impact x EI unit of per capita GDP = Gross Domestic Product Population = Population Concerns GDP/PERSON = Affluence Concerns EI/Unit of Per Capita GDP = Technological Concerns What Alternatives Exist to Manage EI Here? What areas Does Commoner think we should focus upon? Paul Ehrlich?

Environmental Consciousness • What is man’s role with nature? – Take Dominion over it? Dualistic? • What is meant by that? – Nature exists to serve humans • anthropomorphic view • is environment in “profit” equation? • In calculation of “national” accounts? – Linear “Design” of production. • What is it and why might it no longer be applicable?

Tragedy of the Commons • • • What are the commons? What is the “tragedy”? How does it work with the economic principles? What are Hardin’s solutions? Do you agree? Will they work?

Stages of Environmental Concern • Conservation • Use resources wisely - nature’s utility is in its service to humans • Preservation • Leave certain areas alone - nature has intrinsic value • Protection • pollution control - protect humans • Sustainability • global perspective, “sustainable growth” (pg. 17), and equity. • What is the basic theory behind equity and sustainability?

The End of Nature “Nature can no longer take care of itself…”

Ecology • Systems thinking - Holistic outlook. – Systems have • inputs, transformations, outputs, feedback. • Decompositional characteristics.

Ecology • Systems example – Eco system Figure 2. 1, closed or open system? – Is there an Business Analogy to this system?

Ecology • Analysis and evaluation can be carried out at many levels • • • Individual Organism Population (individuals of same species) Community Ecosystem - non-biological (abiotic) integration. Biomes - grouping of ecosystems • Analogy to organizations and business?