Philosophy - Animal rights & liberation article by Peter Singer Essay

Philosophy - Animal rights & liberation article by Peter Singer - Essay Example Singer points out that when humans alter nature, they tend to only take the costs and benefits for humans into consideration; and the effects of such actions on other animals are often given no moral significance. To illustrate, according to Singer, when a ‘reservoir’ is constructed, though it is pointed out that it would drown a valley teeming with wildlife, the reason behind this concern often lies in the fact that the valley has value as a place for recreation like hunting, shooting, and bush walking. In other words, the hardships caused by the reservoir to the lives of the nonhuman beings in the valley are not of any moral concern. Thus, the claim is that while lamenting on the negative impact of such human encroachments, the concern is not about the direct hardship caused by the alteration to the nonhuman beings there, but about the possible losses to humans themselves as a result of the alteration. In other words, the sustainability of a human interference in nature is often decided by weighing its benefits to humans against its negative impacts on humans. The lives of other species are not given any value other than the usefulness of those animals to humans. According to Singer, not giving attention to the sufferings of nonhuman things for the mere reason that they do not belong to human species is not justifiable. In order to justify this claim, Singer provides the example of the history of slavery. The White slave owners never took the sufferings of the Black slaves into consideration because their moral concerns were limited to White people (135). However, later on, the society realized the fact that the ideology was terribly wrong. Very similar is the case of nonhuman things too. The only difference is that in the former, ‘race’ was the boundary of morality, and in the latter case, ‘species’ is the boundary. Thus, the argument culminates in the

Hawaiian island ecosystem Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Hawaiian island ecosystem - Essay Example here is a gradient between ecosystems-wide impact, as is caused by drastic habitat change, and impact on single species† (Committee on Resources, 2003). Erosion or land runoff contributes approximately two third of total land pollution in the island which has become the biggest menace today. Commercial factor of fishing has destroyed coral reef. Reports (as cited in Timbers, n.d.) reveal the fact that ‘Seventy five percent of fish species in Hawaii are in critical condition’. Above all, the marine debris pollutes the water of river, stream, ocean and sea. Evidently, as an after effect of the waste disposal, many species have already vanished from the face of the earth. It is important to think if the threat posed by the invasive species can be overcome some way. Biological control seems effective in this regard. In order to get rid of these deadly species, and for controlling pests, weeds, plant deceases, and even insects, as a practical solution, relying on certai n living organisms, such as predation, parasitism, or certain other natural mechanisms is effective. In other words, pest management is the primary and ever relevant method to overcome the danger caused by invasive species. In addition, it is necessary to overcome problems in which man has direct involvement. For instance, the issue of marine debris has to be addressed with prime importance. Evidently, marine debris occurs mostly due to excess disposal of plastic on the water. And, preventing such waste disposal needs proper management and collaborative effort. Eventually, by improving control over overuse of plastics it is possible at certain extent. Along with this, non-governmental initiatives and awareness programs can also ensure public participation in protecting the aquatic environment...This paper will analyze the major ecological issues in the region, their tragic effects, and practical solutions. It is important to think if the threat posed by the invasive species can be overcome some way. Biological control seems effective in this regard. In order to get rid of these deadly species, and for controlling pests, weeds, plant deceases, and even insects, as a practical solution, relying on certain living organisms, such as predation, parasitism, or certain other natural mechanisms is effective. In other words, pest management is the primary and ever relevant method to overcome the danger caused by invasive species To recapitulate, Hawaii Island is the promise island among many islands across the United States. The region has been facing potential environmental threats for the recent decades. Unfair human intervention along with invasive species constitutes the major threat to the eco-balance of the island. The success of bringing harmony in the island depends on analyzing the problem and applying practical solutions. Only a comprehensive approach can find a proper solution for this issue. Stakeholders in this matter include government, NGOs, tourists, and the general public. Among the practical solutions, pest management is very important. Other strategies include but not limited to awareness programs, prevention of aquatic disposal, and preservation of endangered species.