With the constant threat of climate change looming over the world, there is a need for a proposal that can adequately deal with climate change. Current measures seem inadequate to deal with climate...Show moreWith the constant threat of climate change looming over the world, there is a need for a proposal that can adequately deal with climate change. Current measures seem inadequate to deal with climate change. Therefore, a radical change is needed and this can be achieved through degrowth and sufficientarianism. This thesis finds that implementing degrowth in combination with sufficientarianism is better equipped to deal with climate change and the distributional issues it raises, than other proposals such as green growth. Degrowth makes sure that we abide by the earth’s ecological ceiling, while sufficientarianism ensures that everyone has enough and that current resources will be justly distributed.Show less
The effects of climate change are becoming visible throughout the world and with it the call for more environmental policies inspired by ecocentrism, a philosophy that attributes intrinsic moral...Show moreThe effects of climate change are becoming visible throughout the world and with it the call for more environmental policies inspired by ecocentrism, a philosophy that attributes intrinsic moral value to nature. One such policy is the Rights of Nature (RoN), which has already been implemented in several countries like Ecuador, Bolivia, and New Zealand. The popularity of the RoN movement is growing but critical evaluations of the policy and implementation are scarce. This thesis aims to close that gap by evaluating the RoN from an ecofeminist perspective. I argue that the RoN’s use of gendered language perpetuates stereotypes of both women and nature and that the way the RoN is implemented now is just a continuation of the liberal Western system instead of the radical change it aims to be. I then apply the three ecofeminist philosophical principles of Phillips (2020) to the RoN and argue that though they help make the RoN more inclusive, they cannot induce radical change as long as they are implemented into a system that is built on the exploitation of both nature and women. Ecofeminism urges us to dismantle this system and base our policies on principles like empathy, care, and love.Show less
This bachelor thesis undertakes a normative analysis of the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) within the framework of climate distributive justice and focuses on the European Union's position. The...Show moreThis bachelor thesis undertakes a normative analysis of the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) within the framework of climate distributive justice and focuses on the European Union's position. The research reveals a misalignment between the current provisions of the ECT and climate distributive principles. Corporations are granted significant autonomy for self-regulation through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the current climate regime, which leads to unjust distributions of climate burdens. Through an in-depth examination of the text of the treaty this thesis proposes a formal regulatory approach that emphasizes states’ legislative responsibility. This approach aims to bridge the gap between current ECT provisions and climate distributive justice imperatives, ensuring a more equitable distribution of climate burdens among corporations and state actors. The thesis outlines a strategic pathway for the EU to address these issues, emphasizing the necessity for an amendment of the ECT. The proposed amendments call for a re-evaluation of the treaty's provisions to align with climate distributive justice principles and hold states accountable for more rigorous legislative measures. The analysis further concludes that, given the urgency of climate action, the EU should expedite its departure from the ECT if the proposed amendments are not implemented. By advocating for a comprehensive re-evaluation and amendment of the ECT, this research contributes to the discourse on climate distributive justice. The proposed changes seek to ensure that international energy agreements adhere to distributive justice principles, promoting a more equitable global climate regime.Show less
As part of the ongoing debate on freedom of expression, this thesis addresses the tension between media freedom and the harms that result from pejorative media narratives of refugees. The debate...Show moreAs part of the ongoing debate on freedom of expression, this thesis addresses the tension between media freedom and the harms that result from pejorative media narratives of refugees. The debate often focuses on speech types that can be linked to more apparent harms, such as hate speech. Pejorative media narratives are often overlooked in discussions about freedom of expression because they lack an explicit intention to promote harm and their effects are not immediately visible. With the influence of the media growing continuously, however, it is becoming increasingly important to consider the ethical boundaries of pejorative media narratives. This thesis explores the question: On what grounds, if any, can limits on media freedom of expression be justified? By taking an egalitarian approach, I contend that a commitment to the moral equality of individuals warrants limiting media freedom of expression in cases where equal moral status is undermined. Because pejorative media narratives of refugees perpetuate structural harms that infringe on their equal moral worth, certain limits are warranted. Considering the costs of limitation, I conclude that media organizations should self-regulate by implementing ethical guidelines for reporting on refugees.Show less
