Valuing nature : ethical considerations of biodiversity in sustainability science

摘要: Species extinction rates have during the last centuries reached levels leading scholars to proclaim a sixth mass extinction, even referred as defining element of Anthropocene. How humanity relates nature and biodiversity has thus become part how we delineate describe geological epoch live in. Sustainability science since its origins built on research agenda calling for an investigation incentives sustainable interaction between society nature. Biodiversity, conceptualisation that operates at intersection environment, is in this regard important concept. Biodiversity loss also been identified one four long-term challenges achieve sustainability. However, debating conservation means discuss why protection value. Inspired by critical theory articulated need remain sceptical long-held beliefs, study inquires sustainability conceptualises values discourse. Through conducting qualitative content analysis three major journals science, special attention given issue valuation motivating factor policy recommendations. The results summarise conventionally engages with biodiversity, field development, predominantly valued anthropocentric utilitarian fashion, favouring ecosystem services approach contributing towards human well-being. discussion introduces biological integrity bioabundance alternatives according diversity. Further, are critically discussed based anthropocentrism ecocentrism moral philosophy perspectives granting relevance entities. Here, materialistic non-materialistic dismissed favour ecocentric environmental ethics deontology virtue ethics. As normative ethical perspectives, enrich debate concerning consequently provide new impetus relation environment climate changing world. needs develop ethic balances nature’s “purpose-for-us” “purpose-for-itself” underlying mechanism degradation. Rather than following promoting “use environment” studies should return search achieving nature-society reinvigorate humans relate (Less)