10. Environmental Sustainability and Moral Economy

Our planet is facing unprecedented challenges, from climate change to resource loss, and solving these problems requires more than just science and technology. It demands a new way of thinking one where our economic decisions are guided by moral values, fairness, and care for both people and the Earth. In this presentation, titled “Ethics and Earth: Building a Moral Economy for a Sustainable Future,” I will explore how combining ethical principles with environmental sustainability can help us create a just and thriving world for generations to come. In today’s global economy, the dominant focus on profit maximization often overshadows the ethical and environmental implications of economic activities. While financial success remains a key goal for many businesses and governments, it has become increasingly clear that prioritizing profit alone has contributed to severe environmental degradation, climate change, and social inequalities. To address these challenges effectively, moral values—such as responsibility, fairness, and respect for nature—must become central to economic and environmental decision-making. This shift is essential to driving environmental sustainability, which aims to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.