This research report provides the reader with an overview of the current
state of Earth as far as global warming and climate change is concerned. I
describe how global warming is largely a consequence of humanoid
behaviour from our past to our present behaviour focusing on self-centred
materialism and consumerism. In the current economic paradigm,
selfishness has become a prized commercial resource as humans continue to
plunder, dominate and use earth’s resources with impunity. I explain ways
in which the traditionally conceived views humans had concerning nature,
including support by some religions, are changing, albeit slowly. This is
accomplished by looking at changes in some concepts in two of the world’s
major religions: Christianity and Islam. I describe the current physical state
of the environment as the resource for human life. Because of its current
state, I look at the importance of an ethical view of the environment. My
major focus though is on the ways in which the emergence of the concept of
international environmental law and its principles such as equitable
utilization and apportionment have relevance and may prove to be the best
deterrent in the attempt to stem global warming. I conclude this overview
by making suggestions and recommendations concerning the Kyoto
protocol - and how global warming can be tackled through an effective legal
regimen.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:wits/oai:wiredspace.wits.ac.za:10539/7359 |
| Date | 15 October 2009 |
| Creators | Ndung'u, Nugi James |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | application/pdf |
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