Ethics and environment

The theme of ecology is much more than a trend or a politically correct subject. What is at stake is the maintenance of life upon the Earth, including the very human survival which depends on the environment. This article is an effort towards relating ethics with the environmental and ecological issues. It starts with the matter of free will which brings the fundamental need of ethics. Then there are a few considerations on ethics and the challenge to expand this concept beyond the human scope. Some environmental issues are presented, among which the preservation of forests, the dignity of animals and meat consumption, with considerations based on ethical principles. Last but not least, there is the aid of Christian teachings, relating the Parable of the Good Samaritan with the teachings of Saint Francis of Assisi, in the hope of contributing to a clearer view on the subject and perhaps touching a few hearts.