Philosophical Foundations of Climate Change Policy

The widespread agreement on the need to combat climate change has led to a philosophical debate on the extent of our obligations. Utilitarianism, which maintains that we have an obligation to maximize the well-being of all people, has been the most influential position, but environmental philosophers find this argument unpersuasive. Joseph Heath presents an approach to thinking about climate change policy grounded in social contract theory, which focuses on the fairness of existing institutions rather than the welfare of future generations.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 352 pages
\n Publication date: 29 September 2021
\n Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc
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The consensus among experts is clear: action must be taken to address anthropogenic climate change. However, the scope of our responsibilities remains a subject of debate. It would be unjust to allow global warming to escalate to dangerous levels. Nevertheless, defining the nature of this injustice presents a challenging task. The temporal structure of the problem, coupled with the significant time lag between our actions and their consequences, contributes to this difficulty. Normative theories that seem plausible in contemporary contexts may yield unexpected or perverse outcomes when applied to long-term problems that impact individuals who have not yet been born.

While states have a range of sensible climate change policies at their disposal, the philosophical foundations of these policies remain uncertain. The most influential philosophical position has been utilitarianism, which advocates for maximizing the well-being of all individuals, both present and future. However, many environmental philosophers find this argument unconvincing, as it also implies a commitment to maximizing economic growth. Their attempts to provide alternative foundations for policy have thus far been unsuccessful.

In response to this challenge, Joseph Heath offers an approach to thinking about climate change policy rooted in social contract theory. Rather than focusing solely on the welfare of future generations, Heath emphasizes the fairness of existing institutions. By examining the distribution of benefits and burdens within society, he seeks to generate a set of plausible policy prescriptions that balance the interests of different stakeholders.

One of Heath's key arguments is that climate change policy should prioritize the protection of vulnerable communities, particularly those who are least responsible for the problem but are most affected by its consequences. He advocates for policies that redistribute resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon taxes and renewable energy subsidies. Heath also suggests that climate change policy should be integrated with other social and economic policies, such as poverty reduction, healthcare, and education, to ensure that the benefits of climate action are shared fairly across society.

Heath's approach to thinking about climate change policy is grounded in a recognition of the complex and interconnected nature of the problem. He acknowledges that there are no easy solutions, and that policy choices will require a balancing of competing interests and values. However, he believes that by focusing on the fairness of existing institutions and the distribution of benefits and burdens, we can develop a set of policies that are both effective in addressing climate change and equitable for all members of society.

In conclusion, the consensus among experts is clear: action must be taken to address anthropogenic climate change. However, the scope of our responsibilities and the nature of the injustice involved remain complex and challenging to define. Joseph Heath's approach to thinking about climate change policy grounded in social contract theory offers a promising way forward. By focusing on the fairness of existing institutions and the distribution of benefits and burdens, he seeks to generate a set of plausible policy prescriptions that balance the interests of different stakeholders and promote the well-being of all individuals, both present and future.

\n Weight: 658g\n
Dimension: 235 x 389 x 29 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780197567982\n \n