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

Let us sacrifice our today so that our children can have a better tomorrow. -- A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2021

Human ValuesEnvironmental 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

You are posted as a District Magistrate (DM) of a district where residents are facing the menace of stray dogs. Instances of dogs chasing two-wheelers, cyclists and attacking pedestrians are on the rise. Elderly persons as well as children are the worst-hit and recently, an 8 year old girl was severely injured by a pack of dogs. The perceived magnanimity of the problem and inaction from government authorities have prompted vigilante groups to cull dogs in mass numbers. However, local NGOs have come out against such a practice of mass culling and are calling for stringent action against those killing stray dogs. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) As the DM, suggest short-term and long-term measures to tackle the above issue.

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

Environmental EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government

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 humans beings.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2021

Environmental EthicsDimensions of Ethics

Stakeholder Capitalism is suggested as a way forward in wake of social, economic and environment challenges posed by Shareholder Capitalism. Examine the relevant arguments in this debate.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021

Corporate GovernanceDimensions of Ethics

You are working as a Divisional Forest Officer in an area which is home to tigers. Recently, there have been reports of a tiger venturing into agricultural fields and also killing livestock of villagers. Unfortunately, 2-3 villagers have been killed by some wild animals in last few weeks. Villagers claim that the tiger has killed their fellow villagers and request you to protect their lives and property by either relocating or killing the man-eater tiger. They also obstructed investigation of forest officials to ascertain whether it was the work of tiger or some other animals. Your attempts to trap the tiger have not been successful. Concerned over the delay in killing or relocating the tiger, villagers hire a private hunter to kill the tiger on their own and argue that they have a right to defend themselves and their property. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) 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?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021

Environmental EthicsCrisis Decision Making

With its highly coveted line of consumer electronics, a multinational company 'A' has a cult following among loyal consumers and makes profits of crores of rupees. Recently, a report by an international non-governmental organisation has highlighted that in some overseas production centres of the company, the working conditions are hazardous for the labour, which include children also. In some centres, the international environmental standards are also flouted. The company's global head has defended their position by saying that they have little control over monitoring and regulating the entire supply chain due to internationalization of the production process. Based on the above information, answer the following: (a) Do you think company 'A' should be held responsible for ethical lapses made by individuals further down its supply chain? (b) Should customers be expected to take into account the ethical track record of companies while making purchases? Give reasons.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021–2022

Corporate GovernanceAccountability and Ethical Governance

You are posted as District Magistrate (DM) of a district where residents are facing the menace of stray dogs. Instances of dogs chasing two-wheelers, cyclists and attacking pedestrians are on the rise. Elderly persons as well as children are the worst-hit and recently, an 8 year old girl was severely injured by a pack of dogs. The perceived magnanimity of the problem and inaction from government authorities have prompted vigilante groups to cull dogs in mass numbers. However, local NGOs have come out against such a practice of mass culling and are calling for stringent action against those killing stray dogs. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) As the DM, suggest short-term and long-term measures to tackle the above issue.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021

Environmental EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government

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

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

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

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