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Our generation is in a unique position. It is one of the first in history to both have the ability to damage the environment immensely through its actions and an awareness of its capacity to do so. This unique position in turns creates a unique responsibility that we safeguard the environment for future generations.

It is argued by some that we do not have responsibility to preserve the world in a liveable state for our children and grandchildren and that environmental regulation represents an irrational constraint on our economic prosperity and personal freedom. The problem with this analysis is that it completely disregards the freedom of those future generations to live fulfilling lives. We have the choice to either take measures to restrict the release of pollutants ranging from carbon dioxide to mercury and cadmium into the environment or pursue our prosperity in a laissez-faire manner. However, we must be mindful that those choices have consequences and those consequences constrain the choices that future generations have open to them. For instance, using the mercury example, uncontrolled dumping may mean that fish stocks become contaminated and hence our children may not be able to eat that fish without running the risk of serious harm. The ramifications of carbon dioxide emissions may even affect the very viability of those generations themselves, causing major weather instability, reduced crop yields and greater risk of disease.

We owe a duty of care to our succeeding generations to provide them with a liveable environment. We have actual knowledge of the risks posed by our conduct and the means to take preventative action. If we do not all believe in equity within society, let us at least set our compasses towards equality of opportunity for all, both in the present and the future.

We may live in a capitalist society where land and resources are at the centre of a complex system of property rights. However that does not give us an unfettered right to exploit the environment without regard to the welfare of others. The market may be the guiding hand behind many decisions both corporate and government, but that is not an excuse for failing to preserve the environment either. Indeed, it is the core of prudent economic management to ensure that economic growth is sustainable and that resources are used wisely. In other words, the much vaunted free market is in fact a basis for sustainable industry and development rather than wanton treatment of the environment.

Since time immemorial, people have held land on trust for future generations. It is an excellent principle to adapt as we consider the scope of our global domain. The world will continue to exist for eons to come, but what shape will it be in for your descendants when you are gone?

Learn more about this author, Andrew Newman.
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