I agree with Derek Parfit’s belief that there doesn’t always have to be a “definite victim” in order to call something bad or a crime. It is undeniable that our choices that we are making now will affect future generations, and I agree that we are responsible for making wise environmental decisions now to ensure that future generations will be better off. Humans are somewhat to blame for any detrimental effect we might have on future generations, and should do what can be done to benefit future generations while also looking out for ourselves.

While others may disagree and challenge that we should look out for the interests of ourselves in the here and now, I believe that we can still further ourselves as well as the potential future generations to come at the same time. Making more environmentally friendly decisions now such as acting to end the overexploitation of resources will help us to live longer with the continual ability to draw from those resources over time, while at the same time helping to preserve the chance that those same resources will help and sustain others in the future. Similarly, burning fossil fuels and pumping other harmful substances into the air is a detriment to us now, and even more so in the future. Depleting the ozone layer, which enables through harmful radiation from the sun, increases the risk of skin cancer as well as a host of other issues that immediately effect generations now, and only grows worse for those in the future. We must not be consumed by short sightedness and instead look to the effects we will have on those individuals yet to come. Becoming environmentally aware and taking actions now really will benefit us, and will most definitely make the lives of people yet to come much better. We must act with not only ourselves in mind, but those of the future in order to secure them with the best possible lives we can.