Vol. XXXVIII / 1 - Studia Moralia

224 HANS J. MÜNK
Realization:
An example in this area is the creation of basic structures
and mechanisms for the economy. The right incentives must be
given so as to permit eco-social reform to progress under
economically efficient conditions; it is very important to keep
competitive distortions from occurring, especially at the
international level.
Moderation:
Here the focus is on non-legislative activities, such as
promotion of consensus and processes designed to bring about
acceptance. This task also includes the state’s role as mediator of
solutions negotiated between private parties (e.g. negotiations
between environmental organisations and industrial
associations). 12
5. Ethical Perspectives
5.1 Legitimation:
In addition to the points already addressed regarding the
ethical legitimation of a programme of sustainable
development, a further point is deserving of special treatment,
namely the rights of future generations. Of central concern here
are all the natural resources which are required long term to
assure a dignified human existence. I find that principles of
justice are applicable in this case: Anyone who contributes to the
destruction of the environment is in principle infringing on the
rights of others. This may be legitimate, for instance if the party
affected consents to it. Assuming basic equality of rights for the
different generations, the manner in which one generation treats
the environment – in particular, the condition in which the
environment is left by a given generation – must be such that it
12
These five points are derived from: Heins, B., Die Rolle des Staates für
eine Nachhaltige Entwicklung der Industriegesellschaft (Berlin: Analytica
1997), pp. 101-111.