Question

Explain the narrowly utilitarian, broadly utilitarian and ethical arguments in favour of conservation of biodiversity.

Answer 1

The narrowly utilitarian arguments for conserving biodiversity as they provide direct economic benefits from nature like food, firewood, fibre, construction material, industrial products and products of medicinal importance.

The broadly utilitarian argument for conserving biodiversity is the oxygen supplement, 20 per cent of the total oxygen in the earth atmosphere are released through photosynthesis by the rich biodiversity of the Amazon forest.

The ethical argument is that we share biodiversity with millions of plant, animal and microbe species. Every species has an intrinsic value, even if it may not be of any economic value to us. We also have a moral duty to care for their well-being and pass on our biological legacy in good order to future generations.