GS4 · Topic
Environmental Ethics
Obligation towards the non-human and the unborn: sustainability, animal welfare, intergenerational equity, development against ecology.
105 UPSC Mains GS4 questions on Environmental Ethics that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2013–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
You are the district magistrate in a district of a hill state. An NRI tycoon is planning to arrange a large wedding ceremony in your district. Given the scale of the ceremony, a feasibility report was prepared. The report has called for adopting a cautious approach and has raised concerns regarding its impact on the environment. Recognizing this, the NRI has offered extra compensation for the prospective environmental damages. Also, the local MLA and some prominent residents are arguing that such a wedding can help in developing the district as a tourist hotspot and turn it into a popular wedding destination, bringing prosperity for the residents. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in the given situation and their respective interests. (b) Highlight the options available to you and the course of action you will take, giving reasons for the same.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Environmental EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government
Lithium is emerging as the new gold in the modern world. It is used extensively in making re-chargeable batteries that are used across phones, laptops, electric vehicles etc. As the world is transitioning towards clean energy, demand for lithium is rising exponentially. India is dependent on imports for her lithium needs. Recently, a large lithium deposit has been found during a geological survey in Central India. According to initial estimates, the reserve is large enough to not only fulfill domestic requirements but also leave enough surplus for India to export lithium to other countries. The news of this discovery is covered by national media. This reserve can provide much needed impetus to adoption and development of green energy technologies in the country. Many prominent union ministers have expressed their desire for timely development of lithium mines and claimed that this discovery to be an outcome of their far-sighted governance and development model. Amit is a senior government official who has been appointed as project development officer for this mining project. During initial assessment of the project, Amit found that the discovered reserve lies inside a forest inhabited by tribals. This is a pristine forest, hitherto untouched by humans, other than indigenous tribal communities. This forest hosts a wide variety of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic. Further, the lithium reserve lies at the foothill of a hillock. This hillock has a small shrine where the deity worshipped by the tribals is located. Lithium mining in this area would mean destruction of forest, blasting of the mountain where shrine of the tribal deity is located and displacement of tribals. The tribal population is against this mining project. They consider this project as an assault on their way of life and culture. Intelligence report suggests that if these tribals are forcefully displaced and their shrine destroyed, they can become easy targets for the Naxal indoctrination and create a security nightmare for the state. On the other hand, Amit is facing political pressure for execution of this project and has been repeatedly reminded that not only this project is of national importance but also can be a stepping stone for his career. Amit is your colleague and a close friend. He asks you for your advice in this matter. Based on the described situation, help Amit identify various ethical dilemmas in this case. In your opinion, what is the most suitable course of action for Amit? Justify your choice.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentEnvironmental Ethics
To enhance tourism and revenue, the state government proposed Project Z, which includes a tiger safari and a specialized zoo within an Indian national park. Ajay, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in charge of the park, was assigned to oversee and approve infrastructure development for the zoo and safari. Well-regarded as a liberal officer, Ajay was approached by local friends and a nearby MLA with a plan for a high-tech tourist resort adjacent to the park. Believing the project would not harm the park’s core area, Ajay approved it, overlooking the details and the environmental impact. Weeks later, an activist filed a complaint alleging illegal deforestation and unauthorized construction related to the resort. Upon reviewing the complaint, Ajay discovered that the resort project, which he had approved, had indeed felled over 500 trees and built structures without proper administrative clearances. Ajay was dismayed to realize he had been misled by his friends and the politician. This situation highlights a troubling case of collusion between a politician and a forest officer, resulting in significant environmental damage for political and commercial gain. In the given situation answer the following: a) Identify the stakeholders and ethical dilemmas involved in the case. b) What are the potential long-term consequences of such laxity for environmental governance and public trust? c) What are the options available to Ajay in the given situation? What should be his course of action? [20M]
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Crisis Decision MakingConflict of Interest
The moral circle of humanity has been expanding constantly over time. Discuss in this context whether non-human entities should have the same rights as human beings.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Environmental EthicsDimensions of Ethics
Identify the issues involved in this scenario. (b) What steps would you take as the Divisional Forest Officer to ensure villagers' safety along with protection of tigers?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Environmental EthicsCrisis Decision Making
Nations must incorporate morality in their climate action for just and equitable distribution of global carbon space. In this light, bring out and discuss ethical dimensions in India's climate action plans and commitments.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Environmental EthicsDimensions of Ethics
What do you mean by environment ethics? How does Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) address this?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Environmental Ethics
Recently, a metropolitan city which is also the NCT of the country is experiencing extreme air pollution due to which it has been unofficially declared as 'environmental emergency'. The city appears to be like a gas chamber. The immediate causes are burning of crops stubbles in vicinity states and fire crackers on the festive occasion. The other factors are related with city lifestyle wherein most of the human polluting activities remain largely unregulated. Other cities in the country which are close to the vicinity states have also started facing air pollution problems. The emergency like situation has resulted into respiratory related problems such heart and asthma and children are being considered as the most vulnerable. One death has also been reported. Suppose you are the head of the pollution department of the city then a) Is it failure of environmental governance or a human failure? Analyse the factors responsible for failure of regulation of human activities in the city. b) What should be the immediate steps taken to tackle the emergency? c) Discuss the medium and long term steps so that the city air pollution is contained at acceptable.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016
Environmental EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government
As the District Commissioner of Wayanad, Kerala, you are responsible for a district renowned for its lush, pristine forests and vibrant tourism sector. This year, however, the region faced unprecedented challenges due to exceptionally heavy rainfall, which far exceeded meteorological predictions. On one night in July, while residents of the Vellarimala hill ranges slept, the stability of the land beneath them began to deteriorate. The situation culminated in a catastrophic landslide, which has been recorded as the most severe landslide disaster in Kerala's history. The twin landslides engulfed the two villages, resulting in the tragic loss of over 360 lives and leaving many missing. The once picturesque hilly landscape was transformed into a scene of utter devastation, with rivers swelling and boulders crashing down. Immediately following the disaster, a contentious blame game ensued between center and state governments regarding adequate warnings. As you arrive at the scene, the sheer scale of destruction is overwhelming, with river waters too strong to allow access to the affected areas and the possibility that survivors might still be trapped within the landslide debris. This disaster highlights a critical issue of our era: the challenge of balancing environmental conservation with economic development. As the district grapples with rising populations, increased consumerism, and the pressures of development, the event underscores the pressing need for responsible stewardship of both natural resources and development practices. In the given circumstance answer the following: a) Identify the ethical issues in the given case. b) Give philosophical perspectives on the environment versus development debate. c) What will be your course of action in the given situation? d) What long-term strategies would you recommend to improve disaster preparedness in the region? [20M]
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Environmental EthicsCrisis Decision Making
You are an Indian Forest Service Officer posted in a division which falls in the coastal regulation zone and contains multiple wildlife sanctuaries. Recently, the State government has brought up a proposal of a new food processing park in your division. Under the proposal, around 175 square kilometers of forest land will be acquired as per the law. The developers of the project claim the various socio-economic benefits it can provide to the people in the area. Due to this a sizeable chunk of trees will be uprooted. There are studies which suggest that such initiatives have a long-term impact on wildlife and also leads to human-wildlife conflict. Some residents living in the periphery of the forest have supported this move in hope of employment opportunities. However, traditional dwellers of the forests have protested against this move. The government has constituted a committee to frame guidelines for sustainable operation of this project. The committee has asked for your suggestions in this regard. (a) Identify the principles and values that would guide your suggestions in this regard. (b) What course of action should be taken in order to balance the social and environmental needs in this case?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Environmental EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government
You are the General manager of a chemical company, XYZ, located in Panchnagar. Panchnagar is situated on the banks of the river Panch, which is a tributary of one of the major rivers of the country. XYZ was established in Panchnagar with active policy support from the government 20 years ago. XYZ is a major source of employment for the people of Panchnagar. XYZ is involved in various social activities. XYZ has built a primary hospital to attend to the health requirements of the people. It has also built a school in Panchnagar, and gives scholarships to the needy and meritorious children. Though XYZ is making a tremendous contribution to the social and economic growth of Panchnagar, your executive director is not happy with the profits incurred by XYZ in the last quarter. He has exhorted you to cut unnecessary costs and improve the revenue of the company. One day, you receive a letter from an NGO working for environment conservation. The NGO appreciates your company's work for the development of Panchnagar. However, the NGO has cautioned you about certain negative environmental and social impacts associated with the functioning of XYZ. The letter appraises you that a highly toxic chemical is being discharged into the Panch river by the XYZ. According to the studies conducted by the NGO, the toxic chemical may be carcinogenic and may adversely impact the health of people who depend on the river for their water needs. Further, the river is endemic to several endangered species. The release of the chemical waste into the Panch river may be a reason for the declining population of these species. The letter also informs you about a new filtration technology that has been effective in filtering out the toxic waste in question. The NGO's letter exhorts you to take corrective steps to rectify the issue by deploying the new filtration technology. After reading the letter you approach your executive director and brief him about the release of the possibly carcinogenic chemical into the Panch river. You also advise him to install the new filtration technology to ensure that toxic chemical is not discharged into the river. The executive director informs you that he is aware of the new technology which, in his opinion, is not only very expensive but also has a high recurring maintenance cost. The executive director tells you that XYZ is a law-abiding company and all its waste discharges are in compliance with relevant statutory and environmental guidelines. He further reminds you that XYZ is already contributing substantially to the socio-economic development of Panchnagar. Also, the executive director is of the view that the NGO is working in its own vested interests and should not be taken seriously. a) What arguments can you advance to show that doing nothing about the possibly carcinogenic chemical is not morally correct? b) What alternatives do you have in order to ameliorate the situation under the given circumstances?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Environmental EthicsCorporate Governance
What do you understand by environmental ethics? How are laws and ethics different from each other?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Environmental EthicsLaw and Morality
You are the Compliance Officer at GreenTech Industries, a company that manufactures eco-friendly products and believes in making positive environmental impacts. Your primary responsibility is to ensure that the company adheres to environmental laws and ethical standards. The Company recently developed a new product that promises significant ecological benefits but involves a manufacturing process that produces hazardous waste. During an internal audit, you discover that the hazardous waste from the new product's manufacturing process is being disposed of in a manner that technically meets legal standards but raises serious ethical concerns. While compliant with current laws, the disposal method poses potential risks to a local community's health and the environment in the long term. Legally, GreenTech Industries is not violating any regulations. The waste disposal method is within the permissible limits set by environmental laws. However, ethically, you are aware that this method could significantly harm the local community and ecosystem. You were left wondering, on the one hand, the Company was legally correct, but on the other, it was hypocritical about its avowed values of positively impacting the environment. As a conscientious professional, you are serious about taking action, but the challenge is its whats and hows. 1. What are the ethical issues and dilemmas that confronts you in the above case? 2. Discuss the available options along with its merits and demerits. 3. What will be your chosen course of action? Why
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Corporate GovernanceEthical Dilemmas in Government
As the current generation is responsible for climate change, it should take moral ownership and be held responsible for solving the crisis.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
Environmental EthicsDimensions of Ethics
In the wake of climate change and severe air pollution in India, there is huge public awareness and demand to stop felling of trees for industry requirements. Laws in India are also very strict against felling of trees; therefore India has been importing huge quantities of cheap wood/timber from south-east Asian countries like Indonesia. India's demand of timber has resulted into large scale destruction of tropical forests and associated biodiversity in these countries, along with the displacement of many locals. (a) Bring out the ethical dilemmas in this case (b) Do you think the same environmental ethics followed in home country should guide our international dealings or international relations should be based on pure economic terms?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Ethics in International RelationsEnvironmental Ethics
Ritika Verma, the director of a reputed heritage conservation NGO that has spent over a decade protecting ancient monuments and ecologically sensitive cultural landscapes in the semi-arid region of Rajasthan. Recently, the state government has unveiled a major Solar Energy Park Project spanning nearly 5,000 hectares of largely barren but historically significant desert land dotted with ancient stepwells (Baolis), medieval Caravanserai ruins, and sacred groves that are home to several endangered desert flora and fauna. The project is expected to make the state a leader in renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions significantly, and provide green electricity to millions, aligning with India's national renewable energy goals and global climate commitments. It will also create thousands of direct and indirect jobs for local villagers, many of whom struggle with seasonal migration and poverty. However, the proposed solar farm will require flattening sand dunes, restricting grazing land for pastoral communities, and potentially disturbing fragile micro-habitats that support unique desert biodiversity. Local communities are divided, some want the project for jobs and development, while others fear it will disrupt their traditional livelihoods, cultural heritage sites, and spiritual groves that hold deep cultural significance. Adding to Ritika's dilemma, her NGO recently received significant donations from an international renewable energy foundation, the same foundation that has invested heavily in the Solar Park project. Her board expects her to balance environmental stewardship with a progressive stance on green energy. Meanwhile, local activists accuse the NGO of hypocrisy if it supports the project and betrayal if it opposes clean energy goals. (a) Identify and briefly discuss the key ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What options are available to Ritika? Critically analyze each option. (c) Suggest a course of action that Ritika should take in this situation. Justify your answer with suitable ethical principles and values.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Environmental EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government
What measures can you propose to reduce the reliance on animal testing in the company's future research?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Corporate GovernanceEnvironmental Ethics
Mr. X is a billionaire businessman who heads a conglomerate engaged in insurance, energy generation and distribution, and manufacturing. Despite being globally known as a philanthropist he turned down a shareholder request seeking the disclosure of the conglomerate's actions on issues related to climate change as well as diversity and inclusion. Because of increased attention to climate and diversity issues, many leading firms have committed themselves to incorporate relevant considerations in their business strategies. Therefore, some industry-observors wonder if Mr. X is out of touch with the industry at large and have warned him that failing to address climate change issues puts his businesses under systemic risk. But, Mr. X maintained his vote against the disclosure proposal, while at the same time acknowledged the importance of both climate change and a diverse and inclusive work force. However, Mr. X believes that such ethical issues take secondary importance to maximising shareholder profit. (a) Discuss the importance of including climate change strategies and diversity and inclusion in a business organisation? (b) In your opinion, what matters more for a business organisation - socio-environmental concerns or shareholder profit? (c) How can the two above-mentioned issues be reconciled?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Corporate GovernanceEnvironmental Ethics
Water crisis is emerging a new threat for survival of human and peace and harmony in society. Many Indian cities are also facing scarcity of water and one such is Jabalpur which is located in the heart of Madhya Pradesh and lies 15 kilometres from river Narmada. Narmada, rain, groundwater and two reservoirs are the four major sources of water for Jabalpur. Once known as the city of lakes, the water bodies have today lost their lust and it is experiencing an imminent water crisis. Water shortage leads to long queues and street squabbles with people's patience running out. Concrete buildings and waste material, sports and business complexes are being planned in place of the retreating water bodies, without a passing thought to the consequences on environment such as drying of lakes. Scarcity of water has led to the digging of tubewells in every plot of the newly-constructed colonies which has worse effect on groundwater and consequently has further aggravated the problem with the fall of the watertable. Earlier most of the rain that fell recharged groundwater aquifers because of dense green cover which, acted as a barrier for surface runoff. Now, with substantial removal of forest cover the available reservoirs are getting silted up. Unfortunately, there is no official policy to respond to the crisis. (a) As a Municipal commissioner of the Jabalpur discuss the feasible solution for reviving lakes, reservoirs and solving the problem of scarcity of water at the same time ensuring the normal life of people should come under so much disruption. (b) There can be some possible negative consequences of your solutions. Discuss strategies to overcome them?
20 marks · 200 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016
Crisis Decision MakingEnvironmental Ethics
Prachinmath is a pilgrim town nestled in the laps of Himalayas. The town is part of one of the border states of the country. It serves as the base for a highly revered and well-known pilgrimage undertaken by millions of people every year. The people of Prachinmath, who are largely from a close-knit community of Pahadi tribe, have lived in the area for several generations. The Pahadi people, since many generations, have developed a lifestyle which is integral to the ecosystem of Prachinmath. The traditional knowledge of the tribe passed from one generation to other have helped the people in living with the environment in a sustainable manner. The people of Prachinmath worshipped the local deity, and believed it to be their destiny to live in the region in a peaceful and harmonious way. However, the increasing pace of unplanned development, uncontrolled religious tourism, creation of strategic infrastructure etc., in the contemporary times have fundamentally altered the minimalistic nature of relationship that the people of Prachinmath had with the local/fragile environment. Prachinmath Bachao Committee (PBC), a civil society organization of Pahadi tribals, has consistently opposed the unbridled and brazen exploitation of the resources of Prachinmath. They have through petitions, jan sabhas, nukkad nataks etc., highlighted the grave consequences of the unsustainable development model that the state and the Union governments were adopting for Prachinmath. However, their petitions had fallen on deaf ears. Moreover, the government justified the infrastructure creation in Prachinmath in order to cater to its strategic and religious significance. The problems came to a head when the government decided to construct a tunnel in Prachinmath in order to generate hydroelectricity. The PBC as well as prominent geologists of the country vehemently opposed the idea citing its negative impact upon the region. The scientific community was of the opinion that Prachinmath sits on geological fault lines and is built on a debris of a landslide, any large-scale construction may cause irreparable damage to the environment. Nevertheless, the government went ahead with the project, constructing the tunnel in a record time, citing its necessity for the energy security of the country. Even many economists were of the opinion that increased energy capacity will help India curtail its import bill. Such steps were hailed by the governments as the stepping stone of the country towards strategic autonomy. The worst fears of the local and scientific communities came true when the houses in Prachinmath started showing large cracks. The reason for the crack, as found out after a detailed study, was attributed to the subsidence of land in Prachinmath. The sinking of the land, development of large cracks, collapsing of the buildings etc., caught the attention of social, electronic, and print media alike. Overnight, Prachinmath became the talk of the country. Even the international media highlighted the episode, and the existential threat that it posed to the local communities as well as the environment. The state and Union governments swung into action and formed an expert committee, comprising of scientists, bureaucrats, NDRF/SDRF personnel etc., to look into the matter. The committee advised the government to evacuate Prachinmath completely, as the sinking of the land was continuing. Working on the recommendations of the committee, government prepared a detailed resettlement and rehabilitation plan for the people of Prachinmath. The Pahadi people, who squarely blamed the government for the crisis, felt cheated by the actions of the government and refused to evacuate from Prachinmath, the place of their ancestors. a) What are the various conflicting interests in the above case study. b) As a DM of the district in which Prachinmath falls, how will you convince the people to evacuate from the area? c) What can we do to avoid such situations in the future.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Environmental EthicsEmpathy and Compassion
Discuss the reasons behind such behaviour on part of society towards air pollution. (b) Suggest measures that are required to be undertaken to nudge people towards pro-environment behaviour.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Environmental EthicsSocial Influence and Persuasion
Kailash is a climate conscious and responsible citizen. Kailash left his well-paying job as a senior manager in a multinational company and started a small firm that manufactures eco-friendly products. The motto of his company is "zero wastage and green for welfare". His firm makes bio-degradable polymer which can be used as an alternative to plastic bags, bottles, plates etc. Kailash thinks that this will promote a healthier environment and will have a positive impact on people's health. It will also help address the problem of climate change by reducing one's carbon footprint. For this to be achieved, he believes that not just products, but the process should be less polluting. This is why, he invested heavily in non-polluting machinery. These machines are certified as "green machines". In fact, some of them were even imported from other countries. All of this has gained him a good reputation in the eyes of critics and environmentalists. But as the technology used in manufacturing these products is new, imported and expensive, the products made by Kailash's firm is costlier than conventional plastic products. Kailash has proved that his product is environmentally benign, but he was unable to scale up production because he ran out of funds. Kailash knows that if he could start manufacturing the polymer at a large scale and leverage economies of scale his product would become more price competitive to conventional plastics. Kailash used last of his funds to publicize his product. Kailash thought that with this publicity, raising funds from the market would be easy. Kailash reached out to many investors, and they showed great interest in Kailash's product. But none of them were willing to invest money in this product. They feared that this new product, being much expensive, would not be able to compete with the conventional plastic products. Kailash's firm is also losing his existing customers who complain about very high cost of his products. Both Kailash's prospective investors and past customers know that this technology is less polluting and environmentally benign and has a positive attitude towards it. But consumer concern and attitude about the environment does not readily translate into the purchase of environmentally friendly products. Academic research has also identified this gap between purchase intentions and behaviors. Kailash knows that if he changes the production procedure, things can look better for the company on the financial front, but that can take away his reputation and will also be against his own beliefs. The only possible hope is to expand his consumer base, sell his products at full capacity and convince investors to invest in his eco-friendly venture to keep his green industry running. Consider yourself in Kailash's position and answer the following questions: a) How will you induce behavioral change to nudge people to move towards eco-friendly products? b) What factors will you have to consider while inspiring such a change?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Environmental EthicsSocial Influence and Persuasion
Current & time countries are facing brunt of climate change through rising sea level, extreme weather events. In this context Developed countries setting climate targets without devolving any substantial funds raises ethical questions.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Ethics in International RelationsEnvironmental Ethics
Critical 'tiger' habitats (CTHs), also known as core areas of tiger reserves- are identified under the Wild Life Protection Act (WLPA) 1972 based on scientific evidence that "such areas are required to be kept as inviolate (no human settlement and usage) for the purpose of tiger conservation, without affecting the rights of the Scheduled Tribes or such other forest dwellers". Critical 'wildlife' habitats (CWLHs), on the other hand, are defined only in the Forest Rights Act, 2006. CWLHs are meant to be areas of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that are required to be kept as inviolate for the purpose of wildlife conservation (not just tigers). Similar to CTH, the identification of CWLH is done based on scientific and objective criteria, but it mandatorily requires settlement of forest rights under FRA. Unlike CTHs, the notification of CWLHs can only be done with the consent of the Gram Sabhas and affected stakeholders. You are the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) who granted Community Forest Resource (CFR) rights for fishing inside the Tiger Reserve. Within few days the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) of the Government of India ordered against the recognition of forest rights (which are rights recognisable under the Forest Rights Act, 2006) in critical tiger habitats. The forest dwellers as all FRA-related matters are the domain of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), but it has been silent on the order. There are concerns among advocates of wildlife conservation that the recognition of forest rights will negatively impact tiger populations in CTHs. On other hand Tribal activist demand that the NTCA order has no legal or scientific basis, and should be withdrawn with immediate effect, as it may have adverse implications on forest rights of communities living inside CTHs. a) In the above case, what options are available to you? b) What will be your course of action? Justify your position. c) In your opinion, should human rights take precedence over animal rights? Justify the morality of your position.
25 marks · 300 words · Answered by 1 topper
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentEmpathy and Compassion
The effects of climate change will be felt most keenly by developing nations eg submergence of small island nations states like Maldives due to sea level rise. small nations are virtually powerless to arrest climate change. thus developed nations must behave responsibly and accept their differentiated responsibilities regarding climate change.
Answered by 1 topper
Ethics in International RelationsEnvironmental Ethics
Many Indian cities are facing a major problem of management of household waste. Huge volume of wastes have meant that landfill sites are facing the problem of overcapacity. On the other hand, the waste-to-energy plants constructed to solve the problem are also facing flak due to their inefficiency and release of poisonous pollutants. The manner of waste disposal by people is identified as one of the main reasons behind this problem. The government has notified rules regarding disposal, collection and treatment of waste and has initiated numerous awareness campaigns in the past. Still, the problem does not seem to be getting under control. Given such a situation, answer the following questions: (a) What do you think is the reason behind the apathy of people towards issues like waste disposal that affect the larger interests of society in general? (b) Identify the stakeholders and the significance of their involvement in addressing the issue.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
Environmental EthicsAttitude
Developing countries are often very vulnerable to exploitation by multinational corporations. They support industrialization but lack of infrastructure is a major limiting factor. Further, without suitable laws and regulations, developing nations are ill prepared for such endeavours. In their efforts to attract business, these nations often overlook the health and safety violations by the corporations doing business within their borders. Drawn by low-cost labour, new markets, and lower operation costs, corporations have little incentive to address environmental and human risks once they are entrenched. In this situation there is imminent threat of disaster. Discuss some feasible strategies to balance economic development and safety and security of people at large in developing countries with special emphasis on India.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2015
Corporate GovernanceEthical Dilemmas in Government
Climate change not only threatens our ecosystems but also undermines the foundation of our fundamental rights, deepens inequalities and creates new forms of injustice. Adapting to climate change and trying to mitigate its impacts are not just a matter of scientific knowledge and political will but also demand a broader view of a complex, inter-related situation. Human induced climate change has brought in several ethical dimensions not just in causing climate change but also in the role and responsibility in mitigating it. (a) Highlight the ethical issues arising out of human-induced climate change. (b) What ethical principles should form the basis of global action on climate change?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Environmental EthicsEthics in International Relations
In the backdrop of prevailing practices like greenwashing, have highlighted cases of dichotomy between legal-ethical situation. The same case accounts here, calling for deeper course of action.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Corporate GovernanceEnvironmental Ethics
Recently, disturbing incidents have occurred in different parts of the country where animals are being subjected to cruelty. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the human-animal relationship and suggest steps to mitigate such incidents.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Environmental EthicsDimensions of Ethics