Question

Assignment anthropocentrism, global warming, consumerism-WORTH 15%

North American culture supports excessive consumerism;“consumerism has encouraged people to seek happiness through constant expansion of their material standard of living” (Bush, 2008). Adam Smith is arguably the most influential economist of all time. He wrote extensively on capitalism, and he said “consumption is the sole end and purpose of all production; and the interest of the producer ought to be attended to only so far as it may be necessary for promoting that of the consumer” (Smith, 1776).

Part 1

Please consider the lecture notes and videos when answering the following questions. BE sure to answer in full sentences and paragraph formation. Don’t assume I have read the question.

1. Is the pursuit of wealth and an accumulation of goods a positive thing for society? Is it ethical for North American society to act in a way that indicates destroying the environment is a reasonable price to pay for excessive consumerism?(Connections, Extensions). 5 marks

2. Consider the example from the class notes on Justin Trudeau banning single use plastic straws. How would politics need to change to address the issue of environmental destruction as a result ofexcessive consumerism? (Connections, Extensions) 5 marks

3. Businesses and advertising agencies are major engines in promoting the consumption of products. The ultimate goal is for businesses to make more money. How much of what we consume is influenced/dictated by advertising; therefore, catering to money making and not catering to what is needed or what is necessary? Is our culture of consumerism driven by advertising and the need for businesses to make money? Is this ethical? 5 marks

Part 2: The effects of Global Warming on human life.

The World Health Organisation (2017) found that “Between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year, from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea and heat stress.”

Be sure to watch the Panopto video “Introduction to Arguments’ prior to answering the following questions.

4. Consider the following two arguments. Find the conclusion of each argument (hint: look for the word ‘therefore’).

A. The amount of pollution coming from Canada is a small fraction when compared to other more populous countries. According to the UCSUSA (2020), Canada produces 1.6% of the world’s Carbon Dioxide emissions (China produces 28%, the USA produces 15%, and India produces 7%). If Canada compromises economic growth to reduce Canada’s Carbon footprint, the environmental impact would be barely noticeable with respect to global pollution, but Canadians would suffer from lost economy. Therefore, it is not ethical to compromise the lifestyle of Canadians with no measurable environmental gain unless large polluting countries like China, the US, and India are subject to the same regulations.

i. Write the conclusion for argument A here (hint, the sentence following the word “Therefore”) (1 mark)

ii. Write the supporting statements for argument A here (hint: the sentences that are not the concluding sentences.

B. In the list of top 20 Global polluters, Canada is ranked 9th (UCSUSA, 2020). On a per capita basis, Canada produces more carbon dioxide emissions than any other country (Rabson, 2018). Given that individually,Canadians produce more Carbon emissions than any other nationality, it is our moral duty to create emission reducing policies, even if doing so compromises economic growth.

i. Write the conclusion for argument B here (hint, the sentence following the word “Therefore”) (1 mark)

ii. Write the supporting statements for argument B here (hint: the sentences that are not the concluding sentences.

5. Write a brief (a couple of sentences) opinion piece about the two arguments above. Which conclusion do you agree with, if either? Offer support for your perspective (include and elaborate on your reasoning- this is an opinion piece with no outside sources required).

Part 3

6. As discussed in the slides, what barriers to critical thought can prevent people from taking action against climate change? Explain or define the barrier; then, connect how exactly this affects action or lack of action against climate change. (hint: see the Panopto video Anthropocentrism III). What cognitive biases prevent people from taking action against climate change- define the bias and explain how this prevents individuals from taking action.

Part 4- reflection

7. What are you willing to do, if anything, to reduce climate change? Support your point with reasons why you feel this way. In your answer connect (refer to) anthropocentrism, consumerism, and global warming.

Answer 1

Part 1

1. The pursuit of wealth and accumulation of goods is not a good thing for the society. Wealth is a reservoir we build over our lifetimes. It gets created in one generation and carried on to future generations. Thus, wealth will be concentrated in the hands of a few. Whereas, accumulation of goods leads to several situations like inadequacy of goods in the economy, stockpile of goods, hoarding of goods, etc.

It is not ethical for the North American society to act in a way which destroys the environment inorder to pay for excessive consumerism. Consumerism is the act that encourages the purchase of goods and services in ever greater amounts. This overconsumption of the world resources will lead to widespread misery and catastrophic biodiversity loss.

2. Canada's prime minister Justin Trudeau has announced that Canada will ban harmful single-use plastics as early as 2021 in a bid to reduce ocean waste. This is a strong example of political interference in excessive consumerism which harms environment. European union and many other nations have initiated similar model to save the environment. Likewise, every government should take necessary actions and strong laws inorder to protect environment from degradation especially through consumerism.

3.The word consumerism is way beyond we expect. It states we are whatvwe buy. This is greatly influenced by advertising. Advertising plays an important role in creating the needs of our people. They create an awareness in our mind to buy a commodity which is not exactly needed by a person.

And it is not ethical from consumer point of view. They are fabricating consumers to want their product instead of fabricating products consumers want. And this violates the consumers will to have their own demand.

Part 2

4. A. i . Conclusion of argument A

Therefore, it is not ethical to compromise the lifestyle of Canadians with no measurable environmental gain unless large polluting countries like China, US and India bare subject to the same regulations.

ii. Supporting statements for argument A

The amount of pollution coming from Canada is a small fraction compared to other more popolus countries. According to the UCSUSA (2020), Canada produces 1.6% of the world's carbon dioxide emissions (China produces 28%, USA produces 15% and India produces 7%). If Canada reduces economic growth tobreduce Canada's economic footprint, the environmental impact would be barely noticeable with respect to global pollution, but Canadians would suffer from lost economy.

B. i. Conclusion for argument B

Therefore, Canadians produce more carbon emissions than any other nationality, it is our moral duty to create emission reducing policies, even if doing so compromises economic growth.

ii. Supporting statements for argument B

In the list of top 20 global polluters, Canada is ranked 9th (UCSUSA 2020). On per capita basis, Canada produces more carbon dioxide emissions than any other country (Ransom 2018).