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SUS1501 ASSIGMENT 7
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Exam of 2 pages for the course SUS1501 ASSIGMENT 3 at SUS1501 ASSIGMENT 3 (SUS1501 ASSIGMENT 7)
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Part A: My Ecological FootprintI used the ecological footprint calculator provided in the instructions and my footprint is 2.7 global
hectares (gha). This means that I am using the resources of 2.7 Earths to sustain my lifestyle. This is a
bit higher than the global average of 2.1 gha, but it is still within the safe operating space for
humanity.
I am somewhat concerned about my ecological footprint, but I am also aware that I am doing more
than many people to reduce my impact on the environment. I live in a small apartment, I walk or
bike to work, I eat a mostly plant-based diet, and I recycle and compost. I could do more, of course,
but I believe that I am making a positive contribution.
Part B: My Ecological Footprint and Virtue Ethics
In my previous assessment, I wrote about the importance of virtue ethics in environmental ethics. I
argued that virtue ethics can help us to develop the character traits that we need to live in a
sustainable way. These traits include compassion, humility, and a sense of responsibility for the
environment.
In light of my ecological footprint, I believe that I need to continue to develop these virtues. I need
to be more compassionate towards other people and other living things. I need to be more humble
about my impact on the environment. And I need to feel a greater sense of responsibility for the
future of the planet.
I am confident that I can develop these virtues over time. I am already making progress, and I am
committed to continuing to learn and grow. I believe that it is important to do our part to protect
the environment, and I am determined to make a difference.
Part C: My Ecological Footprint and Ethical Theories
Deontology: From the perspective of deontology, my ecological footprint is problematic
because it is not fair to future generations. I am using up resources that they will need in the
future. I also have a duty to protect the environment for its own sake, and my current
lifestyle is not doing that.
Consequentialism: From the perspective of consequentialism, my ecological footprint is also
problematic because it is not maximizing the aggregate good in the system. My lifestyle is
contributing to climate change and other environmental problems, which are harming
people and the planet.
Distributive justice: From the perspective of distributive justice, my ecological footprint is
unfair because it is not giving future generations an equal opportunity to enjoy the benefits
of the environment. I am taking more than my fair share of resources, which is preventing
them from having a good life.
I believe that all three of these ethical theories can help us to understand the problem of my
ecological footprint. Deontology tells us that we have a duty to protect the environment for its own
sake and for the sake of future generations. Consequentialism tells us that we need to act in ways
that maximize the aggregate good in the system. And distributive justice tells us that we need to
ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to enjoy the benefits of the environment.
I believe that we need to take all of these ethical theories into account when we think about how to
reduce our ecological footprints. We need to find ways to live in a way that is fair to future
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