TBD Case 14: Water Wars

Question 1

What is the central question regarding water rights?

Answer 1

Is it ethical for wealthier nations to demand water rights from poorer, drought-stricken areas, despite existing treaties?

Question 2

Who are the stakeholders in water rights agreements?

Answer 2

Sovereign authority of states and residents of states that enter into treaties.

Question 3

What ethical frameworks are relevant to water rights agreements?

Answer 3

Act consequentialism

Question 4

What is the stance on contractual obligations in water rights agreements?

Answer 4

Contracts should reflect changing circumstances, consider the welfare of citizens, and be flexible to extenuating circumstances.

Question 5

Why are flexible contracts important in water rights agreements?

Answer 5

To account for factors like changing water levels and to ensure the contract remains ethical.

Question 6

What should happen if a governing authority defaults on a water rights contract?

Answer 6

Consideration should be given to the people who bear the consequences, and the contract should be re-evaluated.

Question 7

Why is international cooperation important in addressing water rights issues?

Answer 7

Climate change affects everyone, and cooperation is necessary to hold each other accountable and prioritize human rights.

Question 8

What is the ultimate goal in re-evaluating water rights agreements?

Answer 8

To prioritize human rights, modify existing treaties to meet current ecological and political needs, and ensure accountability.

Question 9

Act consequentialism

Answer 9

Act Consequentialism is a moral philosophy that suggests that an action is right if it leads to the best possible outcome. This theory is a type of Consequentialism, which holds that the morality of an action should be determined by its consequences.

Question 10

Why are contracts important in society?

Answer 10

They foster cohesive agreements, maximize utility for those involved, and promote credibility.

Question 11

What happens when contracts are not enforced without valid exceptions?

Answer 11

It constitutes a failure for the contracting party and may undermine their credibility.

Question 12

What is the ethical implication of contracts?

Answer 12

Contracts have ethics implications as they impact the relationships and agreements between entities.

Question 13

What is the overall goal of contracts in society?

Answer 13

To maximize the utility of those involved and promote cohesive agreements.

Question 14

How much water does Mexico owe the US?

Answer 14

265 billion gallons, with a deadline of October 2025.

Question 15

What is the annual water loss in Texas due to inefficiencies?

Answer 15

An estimated 129 billion gallons.

Question 16

What percentage of the minimum required water has Mexico delivered under the Treaty?

Answer 16

32%.

Question 17

What is the impact of water shortages on Texan farmers?

Answer 17

The Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers Association closed its last sugar mill, resulting in significant economic losses and job losses for over 600 farmers and workers.

Question 18

Why is it challenging for Mexico to meet its water debt obligations?

Answer 18

Climate change and drought have severely impacted Mexico’s water supply, making it difficult to meet its obligations.

Question 19

What is the concern about the US “letting it slide” on Mexico’s water debt?

Answer 19

It could set a precedent for future non-compliance and undermine the treaty’s integrity.

Question 20

Why is cooperation between the US and Mexico necessary to address the water crisis?

Answer 20

Climate change affects both countries, and cooperation is necessary to find solutions, such as reducing water waste and incentivizing conservation.

Question 21

What should be the priority for both the US and Mexico in addressing the water crisis?

Answer 21

Prioritizing the interests of their own citizens, while also working together to find cooperative solutions.

Question 22

What happens to the treaty if it becomes impossible for Mexico to pay back its water debt?

Answer 22

The treaty’s integrity and future cooperation between the US and Mexico may be at risk.