Ethics
Semester 1
Session 1
Sustainable Development: the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
Limits to growth report: nontechnical report of findings, wrote in 1972.
It discussed the possibility of exponential economic and population growth
with finite supply of resources, studied by computer simulation. (Dennis
meadows & Donella Meadows)
Triple bottom line: sustainability framework people, planet and profit
SDG: sustain development goals (17). The SDGs can be divided into five
themes: people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnership.
1. No Poverty: programs to support small businesses in low-income
communities.
2. No Hunger: Establishing community gardens and food banks
3. Good Health and Well-being: Expanding vaccination programs and
promoting mental health awareness campaigns.
4. Quality Education: Providing scholarships and building schools in
rural areas to ensure equal education opportunities.
5. Gender Equality: Promoting policies for equal pay and increasing the
representation of women in leadership positions.
6. Clean Water and Sanitation: Constructing water filtration systems
and improving sanitation infrastructure in developing regions.
7. Affordable and Sustainable Energy: Investing in solar panel
installations in off-grid communities to provide reliable and clean
energy.
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth: Creating vocational training
programs to enhance job skills and support entrepreneurship.
9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Building sustainable
transportation networks and supporting technology hubs to boost
local industries.
10. Reduce Inequality: Implementing social inclusion policies and
affirmative action programs to uplift marginalized groups.
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities: Promoting urban green
spaces and sustainable public transport systems.
12. Responsible Production and Consumption: Encouraging
recycling programs and supporting companies that use eco-friendly
packaging.
13. Climate Action: Implementing carbon reduction initiatives,
such as reforestation projects and renewable energy incentives.
14. Life in the Water: Protecting marine areas and reducing plastic
waste through better waste management systems.
15. Life on the Land: Supporting conservation programs and
sustainable agricultural practices to protect biodiversity.
, 16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Public Services: Strengthening legal
systems and fostering community mediation programs to reduce
conflict.
17. Partnership to Achieve Goals: Forming international coalitions
and public-private partnerships to share resources and expertise for
development.
How are SDGs integrated today?
1. Government Policies: Many countries align their national development
plans with the SDG (policies on climate, education, health, and
economic growth)
2. Corporate Initiatives: adopt sustainability frameworks, such as ESG
(Environmental, Social, and Governance), responsible production,
clean energy, and reducing inequalities.
3. Education: Schools and universities raise awareness and encourage
sustainable practices.
4. Community Projects: NGOs and local organizations implement projects
(poverty reduction, clean water access, and gender equality)
5. Technological Innovation: Startups and tech companies develop
solutions for clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and health
monitoring.
6. Global Reporting: Progress is monitored through global and regional
reports, fostering accountability and continuous improvement.
Session 2
Values: individual beliefs that motivate people to act one way or another.
They serve as a guide for human behavior. Your faith, culture, education,
mentors, and personal experiences heavily influence your beliefs, they can
change. Enthusiasm, fairness, forgiveness, generosity, gratitude,
honesty, humility, innovation
Norms: something that is usual, typical, standard, or expected (saying
please and thank you, apologizing, listening when somebody is speaking)
Difference between values and characteristics: characteristics of a
person that describe how they tend to feel, think, and behave (patience,
adaptability, and being detail-oriented) Values are fundamental ideas and
beliefs that guide a person or organization's motivations and decisions
(honesty, transparency, and being helpful)
Ethical implications of sustainability: goal is to think of how humans
ought to live. Considering their connections with other humans, the
natural world, and future generations.
Why should nature have a voice?
1. Environmental Justice: Nature's health is directly tied to human well-
being.
2. Interdependence: Ecosystems sustain life by providing resources like
clean air, water, and food. Protecting them safeguards future.