Assignment Task:
Create a thoughtful and thorough response in paragraph form to Jennifer's post below, and agree or disagree with Jennifer's conclusions about justice theories as applied to the wicked problem of externalities using specific examples. Explain why using course content (Gainsburg, I., Roy, S. & Cunningham, J.L. "An examination of how six reasons for valuing nature are endorsed and associated with pro-environmental behavior across 12 countries." Sci Rep 13, 8484 (2023)), ( Chapter 2 "Cross Cutting Themes in Environmental Law," pp. 64 - 70 (through "Stewardship, Intergenerational Equity, and Sustainability" Zygmunt Plater, et al., Environmental Law & Policy: Nature, Law, and Society. Fifth Edition. Wolters Kluwer (2016) [7 pp]), ("Local Knowledge, know-how and knowledge mobilized in a globalized world: A new approach of indigenous local ecological knowledge," by Congretel & Pinton, British Ecological Society, "People and Nature" Volume 2, Issue 3, September 2020 [17pp]), (Ethical Theory & Business, Arnold, Beauchamp, et al., 10th ed, Chapter 11, "Economic & Global Justice," pp. 542-582, 587 (Case 5) - 588. [42 pp.]), and (Advancing Environmental Justice Through the Integration of Traditional Ecological Knowledge Into Environmental Policy, by Jennifer Rasmussen, Special Issue: Planetary Health: Building the Field and Growing the Movement, School of Public Health, University of Massachusetts (2023) [12 pp])) and your synthesis of our material so far.
Also, create 2-3 questions that would help the reader gain a deeper understanding of Jennifer's point of view by creating questions that engage your peers to use critical thinking and problem solving skills. Please try to include open-ended questions that require more than a "yes" or "no answer." Also, avoid questions that only ask "What is..?" Instead, ask questions using "Why?" or "How?"
Fully cite all sources in-text. If any outside sources are used, they must also be cited in-text and MUST be from recent (2015-2024) peer-reviewed scientific journals. Also provide a full reference section at the end.
Jennifer's Response: When looking at a justice theory that should be used as a guiding principle the one that stands out the most is utilitarian. When trying to answer this question, it is a very complex question, however, whoever is responsible for the global North use of low-cost fossil fuel is compromising the marginalized people causing carbon emissions to rise almost 63% (Fuhr, 2021). The companies, businesses, and governments who are using these low-cost fossil fuels should be responsible for the pollution that they are causing to everyone else. When doing more further research it shows that historically, the Global North has perpetuated pollution affecting others and must be held responsible (Fuhr, 2021). This perspective aligns with the principles of utilitarian justice, which emphasizes mitigating harm to ensure the well-being of the majority and the environment (Arnold et al., 2020).
The global north is wealthy and has large infrastructures, using low-cost fuel, which is contributing to a higher rate of global carbon emissions worldwide. There should be an agreement throughout all nations that if one country or government is causing significantly more global carbon emissions than any other, there should be a financial effort, or steps put in place to lessen their emissions as well as invest in technology that would help create cleaner energy (Fuhr, 2021). Steps should also be taken to help other countries adjust and recover from climate change impacts due to low-cost fossil fuels used by larger wealthier nations.
Over the past five weeks, I've discovered just how enriching it has been to study unitarianism. I always aim to be kind to others, and this theory truly aligns with my personal values. That's why it has stayed with me so strongly during this time. Reflecting on key concepts and principles from week 3 that connect with the issue of externalities, I believe that environmental justice and intergenerational equality fit perfectly. This connection resonates with me because I've witnessed climate change firsthand where I've lived. The rise in global carbon emissions and issues from fossil fuels is a growing concern that will affect future generations if not addressed (Zygmunt et al., 2016). I'm genuinely worried about the sustainability and resources that will be available for my children's children if we continue to overuse fossil fuels.