Environmental Ethics

The issues confronting humanity are multifaceted - from political conflicts and human rights abuses to pandemics and climate change. They are not contained within national borders, nor do they fit into the silos of separate government agencies or academic specialties. What is required is greater international cooperation, mutual respect, abiding by international laws and participative global decision-making. However, over the last decade, it has been observed that international relations have overshadowed these basic tenets of global governance and now we are at the verge of serious global catastrophic risks. When it comes to the structures of global governance, business as usual, is no longer an option. Not only an improvement in our understanding of risks is required but also taking responsibility to lead collective action for a coordinated global response. (a) What do you think are the factors hindering collective actions? (b) Provide a case for the moral obligation of the international community to come together and find solutions to the problems we face. (c) What should be the principles guiding such international cooperation?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 13 toppers · CSE 2020–2021

Ethics in International RelationsAccountability and Ethical Governance

When people use a common resource without a coordinated plan the result is often a tragedy of the commons in which the resource is depleted. In this context, discuss the various ethical challenges arising out of utilization of Global Commons.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 13 toppers · CSE 2020–2021

Environmental EthicsEthics in International Relations

As the head of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), you are tasked to complete the construction of a power plant. The project needs to be completed expeditiously to fulfil the promise made by the government to ensure access to power for all. The selected site is in a remote area and is ideal for plant construction. However, the project would require relocation of the people living in the vicinity. Initially, the local community objected to disruption in their lives but were convinced later about the economic benefits that would accrue to the region through this plant. The project had started gathering pace, but recently a local NGO working for environment protection got involved with the local community regarding the issue. And now the local community has started protesting against any developmental activity in the region. As the officer-in-charge for the speedy execution of the project, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What course of action will you take and why?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 12 toppers · CSE 2020–2021

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentEnvironmental Ethics

Economic growth has been the primary goal of economic policies, and the principal measure of an economy's success. In the last few decades, economic growth benefitted mankind in multiple ways. But alongside these benefits, it has also generated significant issues and a series of converging challenges. In light of this, answer the following: (a) What was the rationale behind GDP growth being considered the pillar of economic policies the world over in the past few decades? (b) Explain the need to go beyond GDP growth and reassess our measures of development. Identify some of the components that need to be complemented with GDP growth going forward.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2020–2021

Accountability and Ethical GovernanceDimensions of Ethics

Problems surrounding air pollution present an urgent challenge for many countries, including India. Among other reasons, this challenge has been exacerbated by the indifferent attitude of people towards it. Various studies have pointed out the harmful effects of air pollution. Despite the government bringing various regulations on activities like stubble burning and bursting fire crackers, people violate them. (a) 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 7 toppers · CSE 2020

AttitudeEnvironmental Ethics

A private company has proposed a large-scale hydel power project to tap the potential of a fast-flowing river in a state predominantly occupied by indigenous tribal groups. The state is backward and badly needs funds for socio-economic development. The state government is deliberating on the issue and is yet to take a final decision on the matter. While the project is expected to generate substantial revenue and employment, it will submerge the surrounding areas eventually displacing the tribals. Another issue of concern is that the tribal community regards this land and the river as sacred and integral to their cultural heritage. Thus, the tribals are not in favour of going ahead with the project and are already protesting against it. Their leader has threatened to initiate a hunger strike if the government goes ahead with the project. This has caught the attention of the mainstream media and social activists. Based on the information given above, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders involved in the case and their respective interests. (b) Keeping in mind the issues involved, how can differing interests be reconciled for ensuring sustainable development in the area?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2019–2021

Environmental EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government

The challenges posed by the corporate sector's impact on climate, environmental sustainability, and living conditions has highlighted the need for responsible and inclusive business practices. In this direction, the contemporary discourse on corporate governance is emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Evaluate the ESG framework in equipping the corporate world with the capabilities to fulfill its social roles and responsibilities.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2020–2024

Corporate GovernanceEnvironmental Ethics

There are large number of leather industries in a major industrial town of India. They provide employment to large number of people and are also a prominent source of revenue for the state. Lately it has been observed that despite following the present emission control rules, the collective ecological footprint of these industries remains quite high affecting the surrounding areas in an adverse manner. The new technologies available for emission control are quite costly and thus acts as a disincentive for the owners of the industries for adopting them. In light of this information, the government is contemplating the following options: (a) Shutting down the industries in the region (b) Relocating the industries to a new region (c) Making the emission control rules stricter (d) Providing incentives to the industry owners for adoption of new technology. Analyse the above options in terms of their merits and demerits. What course of action would you choose and why?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2019–2023

Environmental EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government

In a metropolitan city a new metro rail project has been sanctioned. The project is expected to reduce traffic congestion, lower the pollution levels in the city and save significant amount of fossil fuel. However, the project requires construction of a car shed for the metro terminus station. The city is already very congested and not much land is available except a patch of green belt within the municipal area. Consequently, the municipal corporation’s Tree Authority approved a proposal to cut down about 2700 trees to make way for the metro car shed. The approval enraged environment action and citizens’ groups who have organized protest rallies demanding withdrawal of this order and conservation of the green belt. The print and electronic media also took up the cause. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the different stakeholders in the given case. Also, bring out the issues involved from the point of view of different stakeholders. (b) If you are the Municipal Commissioner, what course of action will you adopt keeping in mind the interests of different stakeholders?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020

Environmental EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government

Environmental ethics is about the moral relationship of human beings to, and also the value and moral status of, the environment and its non-human contents. Elaborate.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020

Environmental EthicsDimensions of Ethics

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