Rachel Carson's environmental ethic - a guide for global systems decision making

Rachel Carson's work synthesized the principles that support precaution in man-made intrusions into the living world. Her graphic illustrations of the interconnectedness of all living systems showed that we cannot harm the environment without in turn harming ourselves. Natural laws of biology, physics and chemistry affect all countries, regardless of political persuasion, religion, social structure or priorities. Rachel Carson's environmental ethic provides a guide for decision-making that draws from our common humanity, and our common place in the global ecosystem as animals. Rachel Carson's environmental ethic has four parts: Live in harmony with nature; Preserve and learn from the natural places of the world; Minimize the impact of man-made chemicals on natural systems; and Consider the implications of all human actions on the global web of life. Governing our multiple forms of civilization according to the common laws of nature that drive life on earth can help to cross the barriers that divide us. Rachel Carson's environmental ethic can enlighten the debate over intergenerational and inter-cultural justice because the choices we face are a matter of ethics, not technology.