GS4 · 10 marks · 150 words

"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children." Discuss the ethical responsibilities of individuals, corporations, and governments in protecting the environment for future generations.

Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2024–2025

Syllabus: Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in-human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics - in private and public relationships. Human Values - lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family society and educational institutions in inculcating values.

How toppers approached it

From all 8 answers · about 170 words · 13% drew a diagram.

Opening

  • No separate opening38%
  • A definition25%
  • A quotation25%
  • A figure13%

Body

  • Points100%

Close

  • A summary50%
  • A quotation25%
  • No separate close13%
  • A way forward13%

The toppers’ answers

Aayushi BansalAIR 7 · CSE 2024 · 168 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a definition

This quote highlights the concept of intergenerational equity, which is a cornerstone of sustainable development. It posits that current generations are mere custodians of the planet's resources, obligated to pass them down in a healthy state.

Body · points

Ethical Responsibilities

1. Individuals:

  • Conscious Consumption: Adopting sustainable lifestyles, reducing waste, and minimizing carbon footprints.
  • Awareness and Advocacy: Educating peers and demanding eco-friendly policies from governments.

2. Corporations:

  • Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Moving beyond profit to prioritize the triple bottom line—people, planet, and profit.
  • Sustainable Innovation: Investing in green technologies and circular economy models to reduce resource extraction.

3. Governments:

  • Policy Formulation: Enacting stringent environmental regulations and international agreements (like the Paris Agreement).
  • Resource Management: Balancing economic growth with environmental conservation through sustainable urban planning and conservation efforts.

Conclusion

Close · a way forward

The stewardship of the Earth is a collective moral duty. Only through a collaborative and proactive approach can we ensure that future generations inherit a habitable and thriving planet, fulfilling our role as responsible ancestors.

More on Environmental Ethics

Obligation towards the non-human and the unborn: sustainability, animal welfare, intergenerational equity, development against ecology.

All GS4 questions on Environmental Ethics