Consequentialist Ethics (HL IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))

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Biology & Environmental Systems and Societies

Consequentialist ethics is a moral theory that evaluates the morality of an action based on its consequences
According to this ethical perspective, actions are judged as morally right or wrong solely based on the outcomes they produce
- In other words, actions leading to positive consequences are seen as good, while those leading to negative consequences are seen as bad
In consequentialist ethics, the intentions behind an action are not considered to be relevant to its moral evaluation
- Instead, the focus lies solely on the results or consequences of the action

Within a consequentialist framework, morally good actions are those that result in the greatest overall benefit or "good" for the greatest number of people (sometimes referred to as the greatest common good)
Conversely, morally bad actions are those that lead to harmful or negative consequences for individuals or society as a whole
There is significant debate among ethicists regarding how to determine what actually constitutes good or bad consequences
Some consequentialist theories propose that human happiness or well-being should be the standard metric for evaluating consequences
- This perspective suggests that actions promoting happiness or enhancing the well-being of individuals are morally good, while those that cause suffering or reduce well-being are morally bad

Examples of Applying Consequentialist Ethics to Environmental Issues

Environmental Example	Ethical Assessment
Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar power	Within a consequentialist framework, this action is often seen as morally good due to its potential positive consequences, including reduced carbon emissions and mitigating climate change
Clearing forests to make way for agricultural activities, such as farming or cattle grazing	While this action may have short-term economic benefits, consequentialist analysis might highlight its negative consequences, such as habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity and contribution to climate change

When applying consequentialist ethics to real-world situations, determining the net consequences of an action can be complex
- Environmental issues present particular challenges, as the consequences of human actions on the natural world are often interconnected and far-reaching
Scientific understanding of ecological systems changes over time and this can lead to changes in how we view the consequences of certain actions
- What may initially seem like a positive consequence may later be recognised as negative, or vice versa, as our understanding deepens

Changing Perceptions of Environmental Consequences

Environmental Action	Initial Perception	Changed Perception
Use of DDT (insecticide)	Viewed as beneficial for controlling pests like malaria-spreading mosquitoes	Now recognised for its detrimental effects on wildlife and the environment, including persistence, bioaccumulation, and harm to non-target organisms
Introduction of non-native species	Seen as beneficial for agriculture and pest control (e.g. cane toad) or ornamental purposes (e.g. Japanese knotweed)	Now acknowledged as causing ecological disruptions such as competition with native species, predation, and habitat alteration, leading to invasive species, ecological imbalances and declines of native species
Clearing of wetlands	Considered necessary for agricultural expansion, urban development, and flood control	Now understood as vital for flood mitigation, water filtration, and habitat provision, prompting conservation and restoration efforts to preserve ecosystem services and biodiversity
Overfishing and marine ecosystems	Regarded primarily as a vital means of food production (source of protein) and economic activity	Now recognised for its negative impacts on fish stocks, food webs, and ecosystem stability, leading to increased awareness of sustainable fishing practices and conservation measures to protect marine biodiversity and health

These examples illustrate how advancements in scientific understanding have led to shifts in our ecological awareness and perception of the consequences of human actions on the environment
- This highlights the importance of ongoing research and informed decision-making in environmental management and policy

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