ESEA Environmental Ethics & Law Flashcards

What is the primary goal of environmental ethics?

Answer: Protecting the environment from exploitation

Environmental ethics is a branch of philosophy that studies the moral relationship of human beings to, and the value and moral status of, the environment and its non-human contents. Its primary goal is to establish moral principles and guidelines for human interaction with nature, advocating for the protection of the environment from unsustainable exploitation and degradation.

Which of the following is considered a key principle of environmental law?

Answer: Sustainable use of natural resources

A key principle of environmental law is the sustainable use of natural resources, aiming to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This involves regulating resource extraction, pollution, and land use to ensure long-term ecological integrity and resource availability, balancing human needs with environmental protection.

Which of the following acts focuses on reducing air pollution in the United States?

Answer: Clean Air Act

The Clean Air Act is a comprehensive federal law in the United States designed to control air pollution on a national level. It sets national ambient air quality standards, regulates emissions from stationary and mobile sources, and establishes programs to address specific pollutants like acid rain and ozone-depleting substances, thereby focusing on reducing air pollution.

What is a key challenge in enforcing environmental laws?

Answer: Lack of resources for enforcement

Environmental laws are only effective if they can be properly enforced. A key challenge is that regulatory agencies often lack sufficient funding, staffing, and equipment to monitor compliance, investigate violations, and pursue legal action against offenders. This scarcity of resources significantly hinders their ability to ensure environmental protection.

Which principle of environmental ethics argues that all living beings, human and non-human, have intrinsic value?

Answer: Deep ecology

Deep ecology is an environmental philosophy that posits all living beings, including humans and non-humans, possess inherent or intrinsic value, independent of their usefulness to humanity. It advocates for a fundamental shift in human perception and societal structures to recognize and protect the inherent worth of nature itself. This contrasts with anthropocentric views that prioritize human interests.

Which of the following laws requires federal agencies to assess the environmental impact of proposed projects?

Answer: National Environmental Policy Act

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is a foundational U.S. environmental law that requires federal agencies to assess the environmental impacts of their proposed actions. This includes preparing Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) for major projects, ensuring that environmental considerations are integrated into federal decision-making processes before projects proceed. It mandates a thorough review of potential environmental consequences.

Which act is designed to protect endangered species in the U.S.?

Answer: Endangered Species Act

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) is a landmark U.S. federal law designed to protect animal and plant species that are at risk of extinction. It provides a framework for the conservation of endangered and threatened species and their habitats. The ESA mandates listing species, designating critical habitat, and developing recovery plans to prevent their disappearance.

What is the precautionary principle in environmental decision-making?

Answer: Taking preventive action in the face of uncertainty

The precautionary principle in environmental decision-making advocates for taking preventive action in the face of scientific uncertainty about potential harm. It suggests that if there is a suspected risk of severe or irreversible damage to the environment or human health, protective measures should be implemented even if full scientific proof of harm is not yet established. This shifts the burden of proof to those proposing the activity.

Which international agreement aims to address global climate change?

Answer: Paris Agreement

The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change, adopted in 2015, with the primary goal of limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels. It requires all signatory countries to set nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change impacts. This agreement represents a global effort to address the climate crisis.