F1213 The Ethics of Climate Change (F1213)

Monday 13.30-15.00
Wednesday 13.30-15.00

Global warming is arguably the biggest challenge that humankind is facing in the imminent future, unprecedented in scope and depth. Although any predictions concerning potential changes in climate are highly uncertain, it is to be expected that global warming will require far-reaching adaptions.  And it will not only be technical or scientific measures and solutions that are required but maybe even more so ‘social innovations’, as our economies and, hence, our societies will be profoundly changed.

It is in this connection that we are exposed to distinctively ethical questions that are connected with climate change. For example, if it becomes necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions globally, how shall the burdens of these cuts effectively be distributed? Must developing countries, despite the fact that they only recently started to improve economically, curb their emissions at the same rate as developed countries or should they be granted a 'right to development'? Must countries which suffer more than others from the effects of global warming be compensated by the 'polluters'? Is it permissible to wait and hope for technical innovations or do we already have an obligation to abandon our western, highly consumptive way of life? What, in particular, do we owe future generations and what do we owe less developed societies of our own generation? How should we balance competing claims? Do attempts to mitigate global warming justify infringements of individual liberties, for example by granting every person emission permits that must be used car use, air travels, or any other activities resulting in CO2-emissions?

And as if this were not enough of a conundrum, some argue moreover that climate change and global poverty are closely related, so much so that abating the potential effects of global warming would be the most promising way to fight poverty and destitution in today’s world.

While all of this clearly signals that the prospect of an ongoing climate change poses serious challenges to existing societies, these challenges are not matched yet by an adequate understanding of their ethical aspects. However, serious discussions now are under way, and it is fair to say that some conceptual progress may have been made.

The course aims to take stock of the recent advances in this still rather unexplored field of ethical questions, in the firm belief that it will become more urgent by the day.

Learning Outcomes

The course is meant to introduce students of all disciplines to the most important normative questions connected with climate change and global warming. It will address, specifically, issues of individual and collective responsibility, distributive justice, and rights of future generations. An introduction will be achieved simultaneously to ethics, political philosophy, and welfare economics.

Teaching and Evaluation Methods

Lecture with discussions in class. Students' presentations will be an integral part of the course.Evaluation will be based on two short papers (mid-term paper, end-term paper) and presentation.

Required Preliminary Knowledge

None