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Justice, Posterity, and the Environment

Author

Listed:
  • Beckerman, Wilfred

    (Balliol College, Oxford)

  • Pasek, Joanna

    (University College London)

Abstract

In rich countries, environmental problems are seen as problems of prosperity. In poor countries they are seen as problems of poverty. This is because the environmental problems in poor countries, such as lack of clean drinking water, are problems that affect them here and now, whereas in rich countries the environmental problems that people worry about most are those that-largely as a result of prosperity and economic growth-seem likely to harm mainly future generations. But what exactly are our obligations to future generations? Are these determined by their 'rights', or intergenerational justice, or equity, or 'sustainable development'? The first part of the book argues that none of these concepts provides any guidance, but that we still have a moral obligation to take account of the interests that future generations will have. And an appraisal of probable developments suggests that, while environmental problems have to be taken seriously, our main obligation to future generations is to bequeath to them a society in which there is greater respect for basic human rights than is the case today. Furthermore, generations are not homogeneous entities. Resources devoted to environmental protection cannot be used for, say, health care or education or housing, not to mention the urgent claims in poor countries for better food, sanitation, drinking water, shelter, and basic infrastructures to prevent or cure widespread disease. It cannot serve the interests of justice if the burden of protecting the environment for the benefit of posterity is born mainly by poorer people today.

Suggested Citation

  • Beckerman, Wilfred & Pasek, Joanna, 2001. "Justice, Posterity, and the Environment," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199245086.
  • Handle: RePEc:oxp:obooks:9780199245086
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Philippe Burny & Benon Gaziński & Lech Nieżurawski & Czesław Sobków, 2018. "Dynamics of the Implementation of the Concept of Sustainable Development in the European Union Countries," Collegium of Economic Analysis Annals, Warsaw School of Economics, Collegium of Economic Analysis, issue 49, pages 163-176.
    2. Olivier Godard, 2011. "Climate justice, between global and international justice -Insights from justification theory," RSCAS Working Papers 2011/56, European University Institute.
    3. Edward A. Page, 2007. "Fairness on the Day after Tomorrow: Justice, Reciprocity and Global Climate Change," Political Studies, Political Studies Association, vol. 55(1), pages 225-242, March.
    4. Marc David Davidson, 2021. "How Fairness Principles in the Climate Debate Relate to Theories of Distributive Justice," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(13), pages 1-16, June.
    5. repec:sae:envval:v:13:y:2004:i:4:p:421-448 is not listed on IDEAS
    6. Mathew Humphrey, 2006. "Democratic Legitimacy, Public Justification and Environmental Direct Action," Political Studies, Political Studies Association, vol. 54(2), pages 310-327, June.
    7. Jin Xue & Finn Arler & Petter Næss, 2012. "Is the degrowth debate relevant to China?," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 14(1), pages 85-109, February.
    8. Tim Meijers, 2024. "Zipper arguments and duties regarding future generations," Politics, Philosophy & Economics, , vol. 23(2), pages 181-204, May.
    9. repec:sae:envval:v:22:y:2013:i:3:p:317-337 is not listed on IDEAS
    10. Janna Thompson, 2005. "Intergenerational Equity in an Ageing Society," Agenda - A Journal of Policy Analysis and Reform, Australian National University, College of Business and Economics, School of Economics, vol. 12(1), pages 83-96.

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