Ethical Concerns & Dilemmas

Model Answer

Introduction

Global warming and climate change, driven by human greed in the name of development, pose a severe threat to life on Earth. Unsustainable practices such as resource over-exploitation, pollution, and deforestation contribute significantly to environmental degradation, leading to the potential extinction of numerous species, including humans.

Human Activities and Their Consequences

Excessive Resource Exploitation

The relentless extraction of fossil fuels and minerals contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, coal accounts for 55% of India’s energy needs, significantly increasing carbon emissions.

Deforestation and Habitat Loss

Large-scale deforestation for agriculture and urbanization has resulted in the loss of approximately 20% of Amazonian forest cover since the 1960s, exacerbating CO₂ levels in the atmosphere.

Pollution from Industrial Activities

Unregulated industrial growth leads to severe air pollution. In Delhi, air quality regularly breaches WHO standards due to emissions from factories and vehicles.

Rapid Urbanization

The conversion of green spaces into urban areas creates heat islands, disrupting natural ecosystems and contributing to climate change.

The Threat of Extinction

Biodiversity Loss

Climate change has led to habitat destruction, threatening over 45,300 species with extinction according to the IUCN Red List.

Ocean Acidification

Increased CO₂ levels cause ocean acidification, resulting in coral bleaching in ecosystems like the Great Barrier Reef.

Disruption of Ecosystem Services

The decline of pollinators such as bees threatens global crop production, jeopardizing food security.

Water Scarcity

Climate change exacerbates water scarcity, leading to desertification. The Thar Desert in India is expanding, displacing rural populations.

Strategies for Restoration and Balance

1. Enhancing Regulatory Frameworks: Strengthening environmental laws, such as India’s Environment Protection Act, to control pollution (Source: Ministry of Environment, India).
2. Promoting Afforestation: Initiatives like India’s Green India Mission aim to restore degraded ecosystems and absorb CO₂ emissions.
3. Integrating Sustainability in Education: The National Education Policy 2020 includes climate education to foster environmental awareness.
4. Encouraging Renewable Energy: Supporting technologies like solar energy through India’s International Solar Alliance to reduce fossil fuel reliance.
5. International Cooperation: Engaging in global agreements like the Paris Agreement to collectively mitigate climate change impacts.
6. Adopting the 3Rs Principle: Emphasizing Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle to minimize waste and resource consumption.

Conclusion

To combat global warming and climate change, we must transition from a path of destruction to one of sustainability. By implementing robust regulations, promoting renewable technologies, and fostering international cooperation, we can protect life on Earth and restore equilibrium between society and the environment. Collective action is essential for a sustainable future.

Model Answer

Introduction

The statement, “The concept of Just and Unjust is contextual,” highlights the dynamic nature of justice, which evolves with societal values and norms. As John Rawls noted, justice is essential for social institutions, and what was deemed just in the past may now be perceived as unjust. This evolution necessitates constant scrutiny to prevent miscarriages of justice.

Historical Legislation and Social Evolution

Justice has historically evolved in response to changing societal norms. The Bengal Sati Regulation of 1829 outlawed the practice of Sati, illustrating how cultural practices once accepted as just were redefined as unjust through legal reform.

Technological Advances and Legal Responses

As technology advances, laws must adapt to new realities. The Information Technology Act of 2000, amended in 2008, reflects a response to digital crimes, ensuring data privacy and curbing cybercrime, thereby applying utilitarian ethics for the greater good.

Economic Changes and Justice

Economic shifts often require a reevaluation of justice. After India’s liberalization in the 1990s, labor laws were revised to ensure fairness and equity in a new capitalist framework, grounded in Rawlsian principles of distributive justice.

Shifts in Collective Morality

Changing societal values lead to legal reforms. The 2018 Supreme Court ruling decriminalizing homosexuality in India overturned colonial-era laws, reflecting evolving attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights.

Public Health and Ethics

During the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns exemplified the need to balance individual freedoms with collective health, requiring a redefinition of justice in public health contexts.

Continuous Scrutiny of Justice

To prevent miscarriages of justice, several measures are essential:

1. Regular Legal Reforms: Continuous updates to laws ensure relevance. The Indian Penal Code has been revised to address cyberbullying.
2. Judicial Reviews: The Supreme Court uses judicial review to align laws with evolving social values, safeguarding fundamental rights.
3. Ethical Committees: In emerging fields like AI, ethics committees evaluate implications to ensure fairness and prevent injustices.
4. International Benchmarking: Aligning national laws with international standards helps prevent normative isolationism and ensures global justice.
5. Educational Reforms: Law schools now offer courses in cyber law, equipping future jurists to address contemporary challenges.

Conclusion

Justice is not static; it must evolve with societal, technological, and moral changes. Constant scrutiny and adaptation of legal frameworks are essential to uphold fairness and equity. As Dr. B.R. Ambedkar emphasized, justice is about rendering every person their due, requiring continuous reflection and reform in our understanding of what is just.