De La Salle University – Dasmariñas

College of Liberal Arts and Communication

Social Sciences and Humanities Department

A Baby Thesis / Research Paper presented to

The faculty of the Social Sciences and Humanities Department
College of Liberal Arts and Communication
De La Salle University-Dasmariñas

Submitted by:
Salvidar, John Carlo V.

BCS11

Submitted to:
Jumel G. Estrañero (Sir. Stranger)

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirement for the course
G-SOSC004 - Ethics

"Historia Duarum Mundorum: Environmental Justice and the Ethics of Climate Change"

May 25, 2024

I. Prelude

Climate change is acknowledged as one of the most critical global challenges, driven
primarily by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, which increase
greenhouse gas concentrations and lead to global warming and climate alterations (IPCC, 2021).
The consequences are extensive, impacting natural ecosystems, human health, food security,
water resources, and economic stability (NASA, 2022). Vulnerable populations, including the
elderly and those in developing nations, are disproportionately affected by heatwaves, and
disrupted agricultural production, leading to food insecurity and economic losses (WHO, 2018;
FAO, 2020). This disparity highlights significant ethical concerns about global responsibility and
equity, as those who contribute least to greenhouse gas emissions often suffer the most (United
Nations, 2019). Addressing climate change thus requires international cooperation, policy shifts,
and a commitment to environmental justice.

Ethical concerns regarding climate change stem from its disproportionate impact on
vulnerable populations and future generations. The IPCC notes that marginalized communities,
particularly in developing nations, bear the brunt of climate change despite contributing
minimally to its causes (IPCC, 2021). This disparity raises issues of justice and fairness, as those
least responsible for the problem suffer the most. The WHO underscores the ethical dimension of
climate change's health impacts, highlighting heightened risks for vulnerable individuals like the
elderly and those with pre-existing conditions (WHO, 2018). Addressing climate change
ethically requires ensuring fairness and protection for all, especially the most vulnerable.

Scholarly inquiry into environmental justice and the ethical obligations of nations centers
on ensuring equitable distribution of environmental advantages and disadvantages, particularly
concerning climate change. Environmental justice advocates for the entitlement of every
individual, irrespective of their race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background, to a clean and safe
environment (Bullard, 2007). This encompasses fair access to resources and safeguarding against
environmental risks. In the context of climate change, the ethical duties of nations are assessed
based on their greenhouse gas emissions and their capability to mitigate and adapt to climate
change impacts. Developed nations, being historically the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases,
are deemed to bear a greater ethical responsibility in reducing emissions and aiding developing
nations in addressing climate change (Gardiner, 2004).

Current trends and projections for global warming suggest ongoing temperature rises
with significant impacts on the environment and societies worldwide. The Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) forecasts a potential increase in global temperatures by 1.5 to
4.5 degrees Celsius by the century's end if greenhouse gas emissions are not substantially
reduced (IPCC, 2021). This warming is anticipated to result in more frequent and severe
heatwaves, alterations in precipitation patterns, rising sea levels, and heightened occurrences of
extreme weather events like storms, floods, and droughts (NASA, 2022). These changes pose
substantial risks to ecosystems, biodiversity, food security, water resources, and human health.
Vulnerable populations, particularly those in low-lying coastal regions and arid areas, are
especially susceptible (IPCC, 2021). Mitigating these trends requires immediate and ambitious
efforts to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and bolster resilience to climate change impacts.
 In examining the ethical aspects of climate change, several fundamental ethical theories
offer valuable insights into its complexities. Utilitarianism, a consequentialist approach, centers
on maximizing overall happiness or utility. In the context of climate change, this perspective
may advocate for actions that generate the greatest benefit for the greatest number of individuals,
encompassing both current and future generations (Mill, 1863). Conversely, deontology
prioritizes duty, rules, and principles. From a deontological standpoint, actions taken to tackle
climate change might be deemed ethically correct if they align with universal moral principles,
such as respecting the rights of others and upholding honesty and integrity (Kant, 1785). Virtue
ethics, rooted in the teachings of Aristotle, underscores the cultivation of moral character and
virtues. Regarding climate change, virtue ethics could emphasize the development of virtues like
compassion, justice, and environmental stewardship to guide actions that enhance the well-being
of the Earth and its inhabitants (Aristotle, 350 BCE). These ethical frameworks offer diverse
perspectives for analyzing and confronting the ethical dilemmas posed by climate change.

The primary goals of this research are to thoroughly examine the ethical aspects of
climate change and to evaluate the ethical duties of various nations and stakeholders in
confronting this worldwide challenge. The study intends to assess how ethical theories such as
utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics can guide decision-making and policy formulation
concerning climate change mitigation and adaptation. Furthermore, the research aims to
investigate the concept of environmental justice and its implications for climate change policy,
emphasizing the need for equitable distribution of environmental advantages and disadvantages.
By pursuing these objectives, the research seeks to deepen our understanding of the ethical
dilemmas posed by climate change and to offer insights that can support more ethical and
efficient responses to this urgent global issue.

II. Body

Environmental justice (EJ) is both a social movement and an academic field focused on
addressing the unequal distribution of environmental risks among marginalized communities.
This concept began to take shape in the United States during the latter part of the 20th century,
largely in reaction to the disproportionate exposure of minority and low-income groups to
hazardous environmental conditions (Bullard, 2000). The EJ movement promotes the equitable
treatment and significant participation of all individuals, irrespective of race, color, national
origin, or income, in the formulation, execution, and enforcement of environmental laws,
regulations, and policies (United States Environmental Protection Agency [EPA], 2021).

The environmental justice movement gained momentum in the 1980s, especially

following the 1982 protests in Warren County, North Carolina. These protests were against the
dumping of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in a predominantly African American community
(Bryant & Mohai, 1992). This incident underscored the connection between environmental
hazards and social inequality, spurring further research and activism. Notable milestones include
the 1987 publication of "Toxic Wastes and Race in the United States" by the United Church of
Christ Commission for Racial Justice, which provided concrete evidence linking race to the
location of hazardous waste sites (United Church of Christ, 1987).
 The principles of environmental justice advocate for the fair distribution of
environmental benefits and burdens, the protection of human health, active community
involvement in decision-making processes, and the right to a safe and healthy environment
(Bullard, 2005). Frameworks such as Robert Bullard's Environmental Justice Framework and the
Principles of Environmental Justice, formulated at the First National People of Color
Environmental Leadership Summit in 1991, serve as foundational guidelines for both research
and activism (Bullard, 2005; Delegates to the First National People of Color Environmental
Leadership Summit, 1991).

Climate change involves long-term changes in temperature, precipitation, wind patterns,

and other aspects of the Earth's climate system. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC), there is a robust scientific consensus that climate change is happening
and that human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, are major
contributors (IPCC, 2021). The IPCC's reports, which are based on extensive peer-reviewed
research, show that the Earth's average surface temperature has significantly increased over the
past century, resulting in numerous environmental impacts.

The main drivers of climate change include the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs)
such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) from industrial
activities, agriculture, and changes in land use (National Aeronautics and Space Administration
[NASA], 2021). These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, causing the greenhouse effect. The
impacts of climate change are wide-ranging and severe, including rising sea levels, more
frequent and intense extreme weather events, shifts in ecosystems and biodiversity, and adverse
effects on human health and agriculture (IPCC, 2021).

Certain communities are more severely impacted by climate change than others. These
vulnerable groups often include low-income neighborhoods, indigenous populations, and
communities of color. These populations usually have fewer resources, making it harder for them
to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change (Bullard, 2000). For instance, low-income
areas are often situated in locations more susceptible to flooding, heatwaves, and other climate-
related hazards, leading to higher risks of displacement, health issues, and economic instability
(Morello-Frosch et al., 2009).

A notable example is the indigenous communities in Alaska, who are facing significant
challenges due to thawing permafrost, coastal erosion, and changes in wildlife patterns (Marino,
2015). These environmental changes threaten their traditional lifestyles and force them to
consider relocation, which is fraught with social, cultural, and economic difficulties. Similarly,
low-income neighborhoods in urban areas like New Orleans experienced devastating impacts
during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The lack of adequate infrastructure and limited emergency
response services worsened the suffering and displacement of the predominantly African
American population in the affected regions (Bullard & Wright, 2009).

Climate change not only affects local communities but also exacerbates global
inequalities. Developing countries, which have historically contributed the least to greenhouse
gas emissions, often suffer the most from climate change (Roberts & Parks, 2007). These nations
generally lack the financial and technological resources needed to effectively combat and adapt
to the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and food
insecurity.

The disparity between the global North and South highlights significant historical and
economic imbalances. Developed countries in the global North have industrialized through
processes that significantly contributed to greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, countries in the
global South, which have a smaller historical responsibility for these emissions, bear the brunt of
climate change impacts (Parks & Roberts, 2010). This situation raises ethical questions about
responsibility and equity in addressing climate change. The principle of "common but
differentiated responsibilities" (CBDR), established in international climate agreements like the
Kyoto Protocol, acknowledges these disparities and calls for greater support from developed
nations to help developing countries in their climate mitigation and adaptation efforts (UNFCCC,
1997).

Various ethical theories and principles are essential in addressing climate change.
Utilitarianism, which promotes actions that increase overall happiness and reduce suffering,
indicates that lowering greenhouse gas emissions is critical to avoiding widespread harm (Mill,
1863). Deontology, which focuses on duty and rules, asserts that individuals, corporations, and
governments have a moral duty to combat climate change regardless of the outcomes (Kant,
1785). Justice theory emphasizes fairness and equity, suggesting that those who have contributed
most to climate change should bear the greatest responsibility for mitigating its effects (Rawls,
1971).

The responsibility to address climate change is distributed among individuals,

corporations, and governments. Individuals are obligated to minimize their carbon footprint
through lifestyle changes like conserving energy, reducing waste, and supporting sustainable
practices (Gardiner, 2011). Corporations, especially those with high carbon emissions, have a
duty to adopt environmentally friendly practices and invest in sustainable technologies
(Jamieson, 2014). Governments hold the most significant responsibility, as they have the
regulatory power to enforce policies that can lead to substantial reductions in greenhouse gas
emissions and promote climate resilience (Stern, 2007).

Intergenerational justice involves ethical considerations that extend beyond the current
generation, focusing on the rights and well-being of future generations. This concept asserts that
today's generation has a moral duty to ensure that their actions do not compromise the ability of
future generations to meet their own needs (Rawls, 1971). Climate change, with its long-term
and potentially irreversible impacts, underscores the importance of considering how present
decisions will affect the environmental, economic, and social conditions of future generations
(Gardiner, 2011).

To uphold intergenerational justice, policies and actions must be implemented to protect

future generations from the negative effects of climate change. This includes setting stringent
emissions reduction targets, investing in renewable energy, and enhancing climate resilience
through adaptation measures (IPCC, 2021). Furthermore, international cooperation is essential,
as climate change is a global issue that requires a collective response to ensure a sustainable and
equitable future for all (Stern, 2007).
 Environmental justice movements have emerged globally, led by grassroots organizations
and community activists advocating for fair treatment and participation in environmental
decisions. These movements seek to address environmental inequalities, particularly in
marginalized communities. Examples include the fight against environmental racism in the
United States, struggles against industrial pollution in developing countries, and campaigns for
indigenous land rights (Bullard, 2000).

Grassroots organizations have achieved significant successes in raising awareness and

effecting change. For instance, the opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline by the Standing
Rock Sioux Tribe in the United States drew international attention and underscored the
significance of indigenous rights and environmental justice (LaDuke, 2017). Nevertheless,
grassroots movements encounter challenges such as limited resources, lack of access to decision-
making processes, and opposition from influential interests (Martinez-Alier, 2002).

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are pivotal in advancing environmental justice

through advocacy, research, and direct action. Organizations like Greenpeace and the World
Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) have played vital roles in raising awareness about environmental
issues, advocating for policy changes, and supporting local communities affected by
environmental injustices (Dowie, 2009).

International bodies such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate

Change (UNFCCC) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have also
contributed to environmental justice endeavors. The UNFCCC fosters international collaboration
on climate change mitigation and adaptation, while the IPCC provides scientific assessments to
inform policy decisions (IPCC, 2021). These initiatives are crucial for addressing global
environmental challenges and advancing justice and equity in environmental governance.

Various significant policies and agreements have been crafted at both national and
international levels to tackle environmental justice and climate change. The Paris Agreement,
ratified in 2015, stands as a monumental international pact aiming to restrict global warming to
well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels (United Nations, 2015). On the
domestic front, the Green New Deal is a proposed suite of economic revitalization programs
seeking to address both climate change and economic disparity (Ocasio-Cortez & Markey,
2019).

The effectiveness of these policies and agreements in addressing environmental justice

and climate change varies. While the Paris Agreement signifies a significant stride in global
collaboration, critics contend that it lacks enforceable mechanisms and fails to address the
historical accountabilities of developed nations in precipitating climate change (Bäckstrand &
Lövbrand, 2016). Similarly, the Green New Deal has faced scrutiny for its ambitious objectives
and potential economic repercussions (Dernbach & May, 2020).

Numerous pivotal legal cases and precedents have shaped the legal milieu of
environmental justice. For instance, in the United States, the landmark case of Massachusetts v.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the EPA's authority to regulate greenhouse
gas emissions under the Clean Air Act (549 U.S. 497, 2007). This ruling paved the way for
subsequent regulatory measures to combat climate change.

Environmental laws and regulations play a pivotal role in advancing environmental

justice and sustainability. In the United States, statutes such as the National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA) and the Clean Water Act (CWA) provide the groundwork for addressing
environmental impacts and safeguarding natural resources (42 U.S.C. § 4321 et seq., 1970; 33
U.S.C. § 1251 et seq., 1972). Nevertheless, the efficacy of these laws in attaining environmental
justice objectives has been contested, with critics highlighting disparities in enforcement and
adherence (Bullard, 1994).

Mitigation efforts, such as carbon pricing and the promotion of renewable energy
sources, are crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change.
Ethical considerations are central to evaluating these strategies. For example, carbon pricing
seeks to internalize the social cost of carbon emissions, ensuring that emitters bear the costs
(Sandel, 2012). This approach is rooted in the polluter pays principle and aims to incentivize the
shift to cleaner energy sources. The development of renewable energy projects also raises ethical
considerations, including land use and community impacts, which require careful assessment
(Sovacool et al., 2017).

Examination of successful mitigation projects can offer insights into the ethical
dimensions of climate change mitigation. For instance, the implementation of a carbon tax in
British Columbia, Canada, has effectively reduced greenhouse gas emissions while fostering
economic growth (British Columbia Ministry of Finance, 2020). Similarly, the adoption of
renewable energy sources in nations like Denmark and Germany demonstrates the feasibility of
transitioning to a low-carbon economy (Sovacool et al., 2017).

Adaptation measures, such as the development of climate-resilient infrastructure and the

implementation of relocation policies for vulnerable communities, are essential for mitigating the
impacts of climate change. Ethical considerations in adaptation planning encompass issues of
fairness, justice, and the safeguarding of human rights (Adger et al., 2009). For example,
relocation policies must ensure the protection of the rights and well-being of affected
communities, and that vulnerable populations are not disproportionately burdened by climate
change impacts.

Exploring successful adaptation projects can elucidate the ethical challenges and
considerations inherent in adaptation planning. For instance, the Delta Works project in the
Netherlands, featuring a complex system of dams, sluices, locks, dikes, levees, and storm surge
barriers, has effectively shielded the country from flooding and rising sea levels (IPCC, 2014).
Likewise, the implementation of early warning systems and community-based adaptation
measures in countries like Bangladesh has reduced the impacts of climate-related disasters
(Haque et al., 2018).

III. Analysis
 Climate change presents profound ethical challenges, particularly in its disproportionate
impact on vulnerable populations and future generations. Despite contributing minimally to its
causes, marginalized communities in developing nations suffer the most from its effects,
highlighting issues of justice and fairness (IPCC, 2021). Ensuring fairness and protection for all,
especially the most vulnerable, is crucial in ethical responses to climate change (WHO, 2018).

The moral implications of climate change are significant, prompting considerations of

intergenerational justice and our responsibilities to future generations. Present actions, such as
reducing greenhouse gas emissions and investing in renewable energy, will have lasting impacts
on the environment and society. Upholding moral principles like fairness and responsibility is
essential in addressing climate change (Kant, 1785).

Various philosophical perspectives offer insights into the ethical dilemmas of climate
change. Utilitarianism, focusing on maximizing overall happiness, may support actions that
reduce greenhouse gas emissions to avoid widespread harm (Mill, 1863). Deontology
emphasizes duty and rules, suggesting that individuals, corporations, and governments have a
moral obligation to combat climate change irrespective of outcomes (Kant, 1785). Virtue ethics
underscores the development of moral character and virtues, guiding actions that promote Earth's
well-being (Aristotle, 350 BCE).

Addressing climate change requires political will and cooperation at national and
international levels. Policies and agreements, such as the Paris Agreement and the Green New
Deal, are crucial for mitigating climate change and promoting environmental justice. However,
their effectiveness depends on implementation and enforcement (Bäckstrand & Lövbrand, 2016).

Climate change exacerbates existing socio-economic inequalities, disproportionately

affecting vulnerable communities like low-income neighborhoods, indigenous populations, and
communities of color due to limited resources and infrastructure. Addressing these impacts
requires tackling underlying socio-economic disparities and ensuring equitable access to
resources (Bullard, 2000).

IV. Recommendation

Based on the analysis that the researcher made, the following recommendations have been
formulated:

1. Policy or lawmakers must prioritize incorporate of environmental justice deliberations in

climate change mitigations.

2. Create policies that focus on targeting the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in areas
that are excessively impacted by it specially the among most-at-risk populations.

3. Promote educational campaigns to raise awareness regarding the ethical connotations of

climate change and its significance to individuals and communities.

4. Encourage companies or corporations to implement corporate social responsibility (CSR)

programs that give importance to practices that are ethical to business and sustainability
of the environment.
 5. Make a healthy collaboration with international organizations regarding climate change
mitigations and strategies, especially by supporting their cause or programs.

6. Active engagement in community initiatives that practice and promote sustainability of

our environment can help mitigate the impacts of climate change.

V. Requiem

Therefore, it is imperative that finding a solution ethically for climate change requires an
encompassing and in-depth approach that includes environmental justice in mitigating and
creating strategies for sustainability. The incommensurate impact among most-at-risk
populations and the ethical responsibility to ensure the equitability of future generations
emphasizes the need for global efforts and implementation of sustainable environmental policies.
Emphasizing the focus on reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, promoting awareness about
the ethical consequences of climate change, and encouraging corporate responsibility are small
steps that can be a big step by taking a collective course of actions. Cooperating with
international organizations and engaging in local communities is significant in fostering
sustainability and for preserving our environment for future generations. This research paper
emphasizes the urgent need for ethical deliberation in climate action to corroborate that all
communities and especially the most disadvantaged populations are supported, protected, and
secured amidst environmental challenges.

VI. Message to your Professor:

Dear Sir Stranger,

I just want to say how thankful I am for bringing the best of us to everyone in our class,
you always push us to our limits to be the better version of ourselves. Thank you for your
unwavering support and guidance throughout the semester. The discussions and stories that you
told us were incredibly insightful, I truly appreciate the effort that you put into your work. Your
feedback to my assessments was inspiring, and it motivated me to do my best even more. I am
thankful for the opportunity to learn from you, looking forward to being able to utilize the
knowledge and insights I gained from your class in the future. Thank you for your passion and
dedication to teaching.

Best regards,

JC Salvidar
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