From the present to the future: environment in the bioethical context

Abstract

This is a reflective study on articles 16 and 17 of the Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights, on “protection future generations” and “protection of the environment, biosphere and biodiversity”. Successive revisits and critical views are necessary in order to enhance their practical effects, as these are subjects of constant analysis and often left out in discussions that accentuate social distinctions. An etymological search was made for constituent terms of the principles to favor their connection, to rethink their contents, associating them with current themes. It was also proposed a re-reading of the statement in a “inverse logic”, having the environment as the background. They are not mere principles in the declaration and, without them, it would hardly be possible to fully accomplish the others. They establish connection between the other articles and assure a balanced life for present and future generations, depending on the human activities.

Bioethics; Biosphere; Biodiversity; Ecological and environmental phenomena