‘Only Humanists have a duty to care for the environment (15 marks)

Question 1

 Christians also have a duty to care for the environment because they
believe that the world is a gift from God and should be cherished.
 Christians believe that human beings have been made stewards of
creation, which means that the planet is to be preserved for future
generations
 Some Christians may argue that human beings have been given dominion
over the planet and have no duty to care for the environment but have the
right to exploit it for human gain
 Some Christians may argue that since human beings are the pinnacle of
creation that they should only care for the environment if it is in the
interests of human beings to do so.
 Humanists believe that human beings have a duty to care for the planet
as it is humanity’s common home.
 Some humanists, like Singer, might argue that prioritizing human needs
above the needs of other animals affected by environmental damage is
“speciesist”.
 Humanists reject the idea that human beings have been given dominion
over the planet – they are another animal with no more rights over the
goods of the planet than any other animal.
 Possible sources could include:
 Genesis 1&2
 Laudato Sii