A Defence of Environmental Stewardship. (1st August 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Welchman, Jennifer
• Is Part Of: Environmental values. Volume 21:Number 3(2012:Autumn)
• Page Start: 297
• Page End: 316
• Publication Date: 2012-08-01
• Subjects: Environmental ethics -- Periodicals; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; 179.105
• DOI: 10.3197/096327112X13400390125975
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0963-2719

Abstract

Public recognition of the fragility of the natural systems on which present and future generations depend has prompted calls for the practice of environmental stewardship - calls widely criticised in the environmental ethics literature. Some argue that stewardship's historical associations entail that it is inherently sexist, speciesist and/or anthropocentric. Others argue that absent belief in a creator to appoint us as stewards and hold us accountable, talk of 'environmental stewardship' is empty. I review the concept's recent evolution and provide a tentative definition. I argue that so defined, it is not vulnerable to standard criticisms, but is instead a promising way of construing morally decent conduct towards the environment.