Environmental Ethics

Question 1

What is the Ancient Environmental View?

Answer 1

Anthropocentric. Assumed hierarchy and superiority of humans.

Question 2

What is the Medieval Environmental View?

Answer 2

The planet was created by Hashem for man’s use. Anthropocentric ‘Imago Dei’ and assumed obligation of husbandry i.e. looking after the planet.

Question 3

What is the Modern Environmental View?

Answer 3

Human superiority due to reason and rationality. Anthropocentricity remains despite ‘enlightenment’ and new discoveries.

Question 4

Name Environmental Engineering Problems.

Answer 4

Pollution
Global Warming
Overpopulation
Waste Disposal
Ocean Acidification
Loss of Biodiversity
Deforestation
Ozone Layer Depletion

Question 5

What are the Environmental Responsibilities of Engineers?

Answer 5

1. To use their knowledge and skills to help Protect the environment.
2. Guided by laws - municipal or national.
3. ECSA (professional code of ethics) details the expectations for the environment.

Question 6

Name x2 of ECSA’s Expectations.

Answer 6

1. Have due regard for and in their work avoid, adverse impact on the Environment.
2. Adhere to generally accepted principles of Sustainable Development.

Question 7

Name Environmental ‘Buzz’ Words.

Answer 7

Minimal Environmental Impact
Environmental Protection
Environmental Justice

Sustainable Design
Sustainable Developments

Green Engineering

Culturally Inclusive

Question 8

Practical Implications of Environmentalism.

Answer 8

Where - to site projects

What - materials are going to be used
What - methods are being used to construct, dispose etc.

How does - it affect current and future environmental concerns

Question 9

What are the x2 Approaches for Environmental Issue Analysis?

Answer 9

1. Cost-Oblivious Approach
2. Cost-Benefit Approach

Question 10

Explain the Cost-Oblivious Approach.

Answer 10

Cost is not taken into account
Rather, it ensures Environment is as clean as possible.

Question 11

Explain the Cost-Benefit Approach.

Answer 11

Problem is analysed in terms of the benefits derived by reducing the pollution and costs required to solve the problem

Goal is to achieve an economically beneficial balance of pollution with health or environmental considerations

Question 12

Weaknesses of Cost-Oblivious Approach

Answer 12

• Cost is not taken into account
• Money is a finite resource and so is the environment - Falls to the taxpayer to fund
• Difficult to uphold

Question 13

Weaknesses of Cost-Benefit Approach

Answer 13

• Assumes cost is important - but often true costs are incalculable
• Accurate assessment of cost and benefit is not certain
• Who pays and Who Benefits?
• Does not directly look into ‘Ethics’

Question 14

List x2 Cost-Oblivious Projects in SA.