Anu Paajanen, Diana Ramirez, Festus Zulu, Hanne Nikkinen, Jason Selvarajan, Jens Narger, Maria Polyanskaya,Petra Vallila, Soili Laurila and Tineke Demoor

The Ethics of Climate Change

Anu Paajanen, Diana Ramirez, Festus Zulu, Hanne Nikkinen, Jason Selvarajan, Jens Narger, Maria Polyanskaya,Petra Vallila, Soili Laurila and

The Hidden Ethics?Petra, Tineke & Diana

The Hidden Ethics?Petra, Tineke & Diana

Group Work I

Who has the greatest obligation to act and why?

Individuals in developing countries

Individuals in developed countries

Governments in developing countries

Governments in developed countries

Business

Environmental NGOs

Group Work I

Who has the greatest obligation to act and why?

Individuals in developing countries

Individuals in developed countries

Governments in developing countries

Governments in developed countries

Business

Environmental NGOs

A Fight for Facts

More climate and climate change information is now available than ever before and many groups are looking to use this information for decision making.

The search for climate change facts is heated:

What is really happening?

Who is responsible?

What should be done and by whom?

A Fight for Facts

More climate and climate change information is now available than ever before and many groups are looking to use this information for decision making.

The search for climate change facts is heated:

What is really happening?

Who is responsible?

What should be done and by whom?

Hidden Agendas

The phenomenon of climate change is often observed from a certain perspective –be it political, ‘environmental’, social or economic.

Although it might seem that the “ethics” aren’t discussed, the values and moral backgrounds of the participants are ever-present.

Hidden Agendas

The phenomenon of climate change is often observed from a certain perspective –be it political, ‘environmental’, social or economic.

Although it might seem that the “ethics” aren’t discussed, the values and moral backgrounds of the participants are ever-present.

Hidden Agendas

To oversimplify things – our values and beliefs often appear when something is described as self-evident, when something must or cannot be done, when something is right or when something is wrong.

”They must be responsible and take the lead!”

”The ways of consumption cannot be changed.”

”But the fact is that it is only natural…”

So often we make moral choices while we are not aware of them.

Hidden Agendas

To oversimplify things – our values and beliefs often appear when something is described as self-evident, when something must or cannot be done, when something is right or when something is wrong.

”They must be responsible and take the lead!”

”The ways of consumption cannot be changed.”

”But the fact is that it is only natural…”

So often we make moral choices while we are not aware of them.

Behind the Manifests

Like individuals, also the institutionalized subjects such as governments, NGO's, international organizations and different groups act stemming from a particular set of values.

For example when a NGO writes its constitution it makes choices between right and wrong and justifiable and unjustifiable.

When these actors then interact with each other the focus is often on concrete things and scientific facts – but underlying these concrete facts there are multiple moral choices already made.

Behind the Manifests

Like individuals, also the institutionalized subjects such as governments, NGO's, international organizations and different groups act stemming from a particular set of values.

For example when a NGO writes its constitution it makes choices between right and wrong and justifiable and unjustifiable.

When these actors then interact with each other the focus is often on concrete things and scientific facts – but underlying these concrete facts there are multiple moral choices already made.

“The Ethics of Climate Change”

The Ethics of Climate Change are not just thebeliefs/principles, but the reasons/justifications for them

Why: give meaning to our beliefs

How: consistency, moral theories (the greatest happinessprinciple or categorical imperative), intuitions, emotions orthought experiments, and so on...

Now all you have to do is act upon it!

“The Ethics of Climate Change”

The Ethics of Climate Change are not just thebeliefs/principles, but the reasons/justifications for them

Why: give meaning to our beliefs

How: consistency, moral theories (the greatest happinessprinciple or categorical imperative), intuitions, emotions orthought experiments, and so on...

Now all you have to do is act upon it!

Defining Ethics

ETHICS/MORAL PHILOSOPHY

Meta-ethics Normative ethics

Applied ethics

ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS

Defining Ethics

ETHICS/MORAL PHILOSOPHY

Applied ethics

ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS

Moral psychology

Descriptive ethics

Group Work II

Did you think about the ethics?

Identify the values you had

Group Work II

Did you think about the ethics?

Identify the values you had

Arguments for Not Doing Anything About Climate

ChangeJens

Uncertainties in science, technology, the economy and the individual

Arguments for Not Doing Anything About Climate

ChangeJens

Uncertainties in science, technology, the economy and the individual

Why we Are Not ActingWe are accustomed to thinking about individual easily identified harms which are local, right in front of us in space and time

A clash between individual and common interests (Tragedy of the commons): it “makes sense to be selfish”

The ones who come earlier are not much in danger from the ones who come later

Why we Are Not ActingWe are accustomed to thinking about individual easily identified harms which are local, right in front of us in space and time

A clash between individual and common interests (Tragedy of the commons): it “makes sense to be selfish”

The ones who come earlier are not much in danger from the ones who come later

Individual LevelEven if I didn’t want to burn fossil fuels, I’m embedded in a culture set up to do so, even when it comes only to the satisfaction of my very basic needs

Individual Level

Uncertainties in ScienceWe only partly understand the effects of the oceans and the ice sheets on our climate; positive feedback mechanisms themselves are only slowly coming into view

We don’t know when and where the trouble caused by climate change will occur

Uncertainties in ScienceWe only partly understand the effects of the oceans and the ice sheets on our climate; positive feedback mechanisms themselves are only slowly coming into view

We don’t know when and where the trouble caused by climate change will occur

Economical Point of ViewDoing something would simply cost too much, therefore we shouldn’t do anything

“It would be foolish to reduce your greenhouse emissions if others don’t do so”

One-sided action on climate will do damage to the economy, result in job losses, maybe ruin our current wealth or standard of living

Economical Point of ViewDoing something would simply cost too much, therefore we shouldn’t do anything

“It would be foolish to reduce your greenhouse emissions if others don’t do so”

One-sided action on climate will do damage to the economy, result in job losses, maybe ruin our current wealth or standard of living

TechnologyImprovements in contemporary technologies might save us from the worst climate change:

Solar power, windmills, renewable energies

Breakthroughs in future technologies

“We always find technical solutions to our troubles”

TechnologyImprovements in contemporary technologies might save us from the worst climate change:

Solar power, windmills, renewable energies

Breakthroughs in future technologies

“We always find technical solutions to our troubles”

On the Other Hand...Is the uncertainty of not knowing what to do enough reason for doing little or nothing?

Is economical concern an appropriate one related to environmental concern?

If technology doesn’t rescue us, who or what will?

On the Other Hand...Is the uncertainty of not knowing what to do enough reason for doing little or nothing?

Is economical concern an appropriate one related to environmental concern?

If technology doesn’t rescue us, who or what will?

Should Climate Change be the Global Priority?

Jason

Can We Ignore Those In Need Now?

Should Climate Change be the Global Priority?

Jason

Can We Ignore Those In Need Now?

Help the Future or the Present?

We have lots of problems

800 million are starving

One billion lack clean drinking water

Two billion lack sanitation

2 million die from AIDS each year

175 million international migrants

940 million illiterate adults

Several billion people will be affected by global warming

Help the Future or the Present?

We have lots of problems

800 million are starving

One billion lack clean drinking water

Two billion lack sanitation

2 million die from AIDS each year

175 million international migrants

940 million illiterate adults

Several billion people will be affected by global warming

We Don’t Solve All Problems

We would like to solve all the problems in the world, but we simply don’t, therefore, we should prioritize on the most important things first.

Who is the best person to prioritize?

Bjorn Lomborg and the Copenhagen Consensus believe that economist are best suited since they are impartial and able to measure the benefit or a course of action (power of statistics).

The Copenhagen Consensus involved 30 of the worlds best economists including four nobel laureates.

We Don’t Solve All Problems

We would like to solve all the problems in the world, but we simply don’t, therefore, we should prioritize on the most important things first.

Who is the best person to prioritize?

Bjorn Lomborg and the Copenhagen Consensus believe that economist are best suited since they are impartial and able to measure the benefit or a course of action (power of statistics).

The Copenhagen Consensus involved 30 of the worlds best economists including four nobel laureates.

Best PrioritiesBest Priorities

free trade, end EU agricultural subsidies

(trade barriers)

Cost/Benefit AnalysisWhat is the return for a dollar?

For every euro you spend a euro on controlling HIV/AIDS you get around 50€ (20 million/year), malnutrition 40€ (, diseases and control of malaria 20€.

Combating climate change through Kyoto gets you 2 cents back per euro spent

“Kyoto would cost 150 billion dollars a year and only delay the effects of global warming by 6 years by 2100”

Cost/Benefit AnalysisWhat is the return for a dollar?

For every euro you spend a euro on controlling HIV/AIDS you get around 50€ (20 million/year), malnutrition 40€ (, diseases and control of malaria 20€.

Combating climate change through Kyoto gets you 2 cents back per euro spent

“Kyoto would cost 150 billion dollars a year and only delay the effects of global warming by 6 years by 2100”

Returns?

1:50 or 50:1

Returns?

1:50 or 50:1

ODA Diverted from Development

‘At the turn of the century, over 7% of [OECD] aid flows were spent on greenhouse gas emissions mitigation. However, the contribution of emissions mitigation projects to the central development objective of poverty reduction as specified in the Millennium Development Goals is limited and other project types are likely to be much more effective’

‘Rural renewable energy provision in poor countries has a much higher impact on poverty, but a much lower impact on greenhouse gas emissions’

Moreover, mitigation activities in developing countries provide politicians in industrialized countries with a welcome strategy to distract their constituencies from the lack of success in reducing greenhouse gas emissions domestically (Michaelowa & Michaelowa, 2005).

Finland’s Official Development Assistance is also being diverted from existing life-saving projects for CO2 mitigation strategies

ODA Diverted from Development

‘At the turn of the century, over 7% of [OECD] aid flows were spent on greenhouse gas emissions mitigation. However, the contribution of emissions mitigation projects to the central development objective of poverty reduction as specified in the Millennium Development Goals is limited and other project types are likely to be much more effective’

‘Rural renewable energy provision in poor countries has a much higher impact on poverty, but a much lower impact on greenhouse gas emissions’

Moreover, mitigation activities in developing countries provide politicians in industrialized countries with a welcome strategy to distract their constituencies from the lack of success in reducing greenhouse gas emissions domestically (Michaelowa & Michaelowa, 2005).

Finland’s Official Development Assistance is also being diverted from existing life-saving projects for CO2 mitigation strategies

In Conclusion‘Bangladeshis in the year 2100 will look back and wonder how we cared so much for them now, yet cared so little for their great grandparents, who needed the help so much more.’

Of course we MUST act on climate change, but adapting and having the resources and infrastructure to deal with climate change may save more lives, even in the long run (utilitarian point of view).

It is easier, faster and cheaper to help those in immediate danger first!

In Conclusion‘Bangladeshis in the year 2100 will look back and wonder how we cared so much for them now, yet cared so little for their great grandparents, who needed the help so much more.’

Of course we MUST act on climate change, but adapting and having the resources and infrastructure to deal with climate change may save more lives, even in the long run (utilitarian point of view).

It is easier, faster and cheaper to help those in immediate danger first!

Moral Weights and Responsibilities

Soili & Hanne

Moral Weights and Responsibilities

Soili & Hanne

Past, Present, FutureHistorical principle of justice

Present entitlements and capacities

Sustainability

Past, Present, FutureHistorical principle of justice

Present entitlements and capacities

Sustainability

Burdens and Benefits

Distribution of goodsLimited resourcesUsage

Talk of punishmentCorrective/compensatory action

Burdens and Benefits

EqualitiesBurdens and Benefits

Historical Principal

Carbon sinks are finiteThe absorption limit all ready used

by developed countries

Developed countries have the responsibility to act

Historical Principal

Inequality: Developed countries beneficiariesDeveloping countries pay the bill

Is it just or unjust?

Present Entitlements and Capacities

What is responsibility?Knowing/intention

There has been knowledge already since 1990Nothing was done

Are we responsible for our parents acts? Yes, because we are the beneficiaries

Developed countries have room for reduction and the ability to pay for itPrinciple of equity

Present Entitlements and Capacities

What is responsibility?Knowing/intention

There has been knowledge already since 1990Nothing was done

Are we responsible for our parents acts? Yes, because we are the beneficiaries

Developed countries have room for reduction and the ability to pay for itPrinciple of equity

SustainabilityAvoiding unnecessary pain through sustainable choices

Also the developing countries have to join the fight against climate change

SustainabilityAvoiding unnecessary pain through sustainable choices

Also the developing countries have to join the fight against climate change

Individual ChoicesFestus

Ethics of Climate Change and Individual Persons

Individual ChoicesFestus

Ethics of Climate Change and Individual Persons

Consistency

MORALITY AS WE HAVE SEEN INSISTS ON A KIND OF HUMANE CONSISTENCY

We blame America and other countries for not taking action on climate change because of largest share of global emissions

Yet our daily activities as individuals contribute a lot to greenhouse gases

Some individuals are responsible for no measurable level of greenhouse gases.

Consistency

MORALITY AS WE HAVE SEEN INSISTS ON A KIND OF HUMANE CONSISTENCY

We blame America and other countries for not taking action on climate change because of largest share of global emissions

Yet our daily activities as individuals contribute a lot to greenhouse gases

Some individuals are responsible for no measurable level of greenhouse gases.

Does My Impact on Climate Carry the Same Weight as an

Americans?

Ethically killing is wrong and it doesn’t matter whom is killed.

my wrong doing as an individual carries the same weight as of America different only in size

Therefore, the individual failure to do something about high carbon lifestyle is morally outrageous

Does My Impact on Climate Carry the Same Weight as an

Americans?

Ethically killing is wrong and it doesn’t matter whom is killed.

my wrong doing as an individual carries the same weight as of America different only in size

Therefore, the individual failure to do something about high carbon lifestyle is morally outrageous

Carbon Footprint of the WorldCarbon Footprint of the World

Why don’t we do something?

Why has so little been done? Despite a lot of facts on climate change.

Psychological defense mechanism or denial, such as not believing in climate change, technology will halt climate change, Americans or the government is to be blamed, It is not my problem and many more others.

We claim that what we can do cannot make a difference this result of our task of doing something seem even worse than we thought.

Why don’t we do something?

Why has so little been done? Despite a lot of facts on climate change.

Psychological defense mechanism or denial, such as not believing in climate change, technology will halt climate change, Americans or the government is to be blamed, It is not my problem and many more others.

We claim that what we can do cannot make a difference this result of our task of doing something seem even worse than we thought.

Individual contributions

We also emit greenhouse gases, we have a moral obligation as individuals to do something , it is not just you, but me and everyone else

Individual lifestyle change can be effective

Scientific evidence on its own cannot bring action – we as individual needs to act

A moral difference can be only be made in the individual choices you make

The Individual can also influence government policy.

Individual contributions

We also emit greenhouse gases, we have a moral obligation as individuals to do something , it is not just you, but me and everyone else

Individual lifestyle change can be effective

Scientific evidence on its own cannot bring action – we as individual needs to act

A moral difference can be only be made in the individual choices you make

The Individual can also influence government policy.

Homework :)

Think about your own values in relation to climate change.

Where do they come from?

What justifications do you have for them?

Homework :)

Think about your own values in relation to climate change.

Where do they come from?

What justifications do you have for them?

ResourcesGarvey, James. The Ethics of Climate Change: Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd., 2008

Climate or development - Is ODA diverted from its original purpose?http://hwwi.org/uploads/tx_wilpubdb/HWWI_Research_Paper_2.pdf

Copenhagen Consensus - http://www.copenhagenconsensus.com/Home.aspx

clock pic - http://www.gearfuse.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/redundant-clock-by-ji-lee.jpg

title pic - http://www.stgeorges-windsor.org/assets/images/House/Ethics460.jpg

patterns - http://www.squidfingers.com/patterns

high ground pic - http://www.iupui.edu/~mstd/a403503/eth1.gif

starbucks pic - http://www.tomorrowstrends.com/starbucks.jpg

global carbon footprint - http://www.worldmapper.org/images/largepng/299.png

ResourcesGarvey, James. The Ethics of Climate Change: Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd., 2008

Climate or development - Is ODA diverted from its original purpose?http://hwwi.org/uploads/tx_wilpubdb/HWWI_Research_Paper_2.pdf

Copenhagen Consensus - http://www.copenhagenconsensus.com/Home.aspx

clock pic - http://www.gearfuse.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/redundant-clock-by-ji-lee.jpg

title pic - http://www.stgeorges-windsor.org/assets/images/House/Ethics460.jpg

patterns - http://www.squidfingers.com/patterns

high ground pic - http://www.iupui.edu/~mstd/a403503/eth1.gif

starbucks pic - http://www.tomorrowstrends.com/starbucks.jpg

global carbon footprint - http://www.worldmapper.org/images/largepng/299.png

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME