Future people will have real interests
Although their identities are unknown, future people will need clean air, water, food, security, functioning institutions and a stable environment.
Power creates responsibility
Present generations can impose irreversible risks upon people who have no ability to refuse or influence the decision.
Uncertainty does not remove duty
We cannot predict every future condition, but uncertainty can strengthen the case for avoiding irreversible damage and preserving options.
Development also benefits the future
Infrastructure, knowledge, medicine and institutions created today can improve future lives. Responsibility is not limited to restricting activity.
Discounting future harm has limits
Economic calculations often assign lower value to harms occurring later. Financial convenience should not make severe future suffering morally insignificant.
Justice extends beyond national borders
Environmental and technological decisions may affect future people worldwide, including populations that received little benefit from the original activity.
Evidence notes
Assessment should consider the scale, duration and reversibility of harm, uncertainty, available alternatives, distribution of benefits and whether future options are preserved.
Ethical questions
How much present sacrifice is justified to prevent future harm?
Should irreversible risks receive special moral weight?
Who represents future people in current political decisions?
Conclusion
We owe future generations a reasonable opportunity to live safe and worthwhile lives. That requires preserving essential resources, avoiding reckless irreversible harm and passing on knowledge and institutions capable of correction.