Could Geoengineering “Respect Nature?” Paul W. Taylor’s Ethics, the Principle of Non-Interference, and Argument for a Limited, Reversible Geoengineering

[Geoengineering News]

https://philpapers.org/rec/WOOCGR

Authors: Elliott Woodhouse

Abstract

The Tollgate Principles require that geoengineering projects respect “norms of environmental ethics [including]... respect for nature,” clearly recalling the work of the Paul Taylor. Taylor’s environmental ethics have previously been argued by Christopher Preston to “presume” against geoengineering; based on Taylor’s support of a principle of “non-interference.” However, this reading overlooks Taylor’s own exempting conditions to non-interference, particularly the “Principle of Restitutive Justice.” I argue that under certain strict conditions—particularly “self-obviation”—some geoengineering interventions may meet Taylor’s standards. If true, this shows that the inclusion of “respect for nature” in the Tollgate Principles does not rule-out geoengineering a priori.

Source: Phil Papers