Journal article
Global environmental justice beyond Copenhagen: footprints, fairness and the future of the planet
Forum on public policy
22 Jun 2010
Abstract
To more fully appreciate its implications, global climate change needs to be considered within the larger context of the overall distribution of eco-system services around the world currently and into the future. In particular, our present public policies and private practices in this regard can be seen to be a major ethical failure, environmental injustice on a global scale. Ecological footprint analysis provides a convenient framework for considering a more fair distribution of all eco-system services globally to achieve intra-generational environmental justice. Furthermore, it is clear that our current ecological footprints, even if fairly distributed, are not sustainable into the future without irreparably damaging ecosystem services, which could result in ecological catastrophe and preclude any reasonable form of sustainability and inter-generational environmental justice. To avoid this potential catastrophe, a global paradigm shift will be needed will participation by all sectors of society. This Eco-Enlightenment will require changes in individuals, institutions and ideas--a new level of thinking about what truly constitutes progress and prosperity for all members of current and future generations.
Metrics
1 Record Views
Details
- Title
- Global environmental justice beyond Copenhagen: footprints, fairness and the future of the planet
- Creators
- Paul W Brandt-Rauf
- Publication Details
- Forum on public policy
- Publisher
- Forum on Public Policy
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health Systems; Drexel University
- Identifiers
- 991019342552704721