Environmental Sustainability and the Moral Economy: An Analytical Study

Dr. P. Manochithra

Abstract: The rapid pace of industrialization and the unrestrained pursuit of profit have resulted in severe environmental degradation, threatening the planet's sustainability. This study explores the intersection of environmental sustainability and the moral economy, emphasizing the need for ethical, value-driven economic practices to counteract ecological harm. Environmental sustainability refers to the responsible interaction with the environment to avoid depletion of natural resources, ensuring long-term planetary health. The moral economy prioritizes human values such as fairness, equity, and responsibility over profit maximization. Using primary data collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed through statistical tools such as Chi-square test, percentage analysis, and rank correlation, this research investigates public awareness, attitudes, and behaviors related to sustainable living and ethical economic practices. The findings reveal a strong public inclination towards integrating moral values in environmental decision-making, suggesting that policy frameworks and economic systems must be restructured to align with sustainable and ethical principles.

Keywords: Environmental Sustainability, Moral Economy, Ethical Consumption, Sustainable Development, Chi-square Test, Percentage Analysis, Rank Correlation