ABSTRACT

Many of the frequent justifications used to defend the environment-the conservation of minerals, the preservation of the world’s forests and against the stockpiling of nuclear waste-draw upon the idea of intergenerational justice in one way or another. In this section you will encounter readings that think through whether it is possible, and if so what it means, to have obligations to future generations. In addition, these readings also provide opportunities to consider different approaches to this issue vis-à-vis specific areas of environmental concern like water quality or deforestation. This debate, while conducted in largely anthropocentric terms, also involves high stakes. Our decision on whether to fulfil obligations to the future can have a dramatic impact on our own quality of material life.