The article covers some aspects of the formation of environmental ethics or environmental onsciousness in the contemporary society. Environmental ethics is one of the basic conditions of modern sustainable social and economic development on local and global levels. Environmental ethics is the moral relationship between society and the environment. Environmental ethics bases on the development of philosophy, closely connects with public views, and is implemented in practice in management and in the sphere of consumption. Global sustainable development has different sides. Increased consumption leads to environmental problems. However, the transition to eco-friendly methods requires additional resources. The environmental pollution is associated with poverty. And environmental ethics implies the ability to solve ecological problems. Sociological studies show how environmental ethics forms in Russia. Interest in the environmental movement is growing, but the environmental awareness is still not very evident. Identifying the factors of the formation of environmental consciousness is essential for the formation of the socio-ethical foundations of sustainable development in modern society.