Introduction
An environmental dilemma is a situation whereby a solution has a negative outcome. A solution can be considered an environmental dilemma if it has a negative impact. There are several environmental dilemmas that affect us today. Different governments have moved in to implement laws with an aim of protecting the environment. However, some of the remedies they implement to protect the environment turn out to be hazardous.
The depletion of the ozone layer has been a major concern for the past decade. Dangerous fumes emitted to the atmosphere have been reduced greatly over the past few years. This has been achieved through the use of ‘green’ energy which include use of electricity and other non-fossil fuels like biogas and nuclear. Most of them have proved to be very effective in controlling the amount of carbon emission to the atmosphere but on the other hand exposing the environment to a disaster of its kind.
For the last five years, there has been a raging debate about the use of nuclear energy and the danger it posses to the environment. This is an example of an environmental dilemma as there is need for adequate storage of the waste products. Using nuclear energy has helped reduce the use of fossil fuels which pollutes the environment due to the presence of dangerous emissions to the environment which cause global warming. Nuclear energy is a solution to the use of fossil based fuels but it does not have a positive result as well instead it also has hazardous environmental implications if the waste products are not managed or if a foul occurs. The most recent tragedy occurred in Japan after the nuclear plant was destroyed by the tsunami quakes.
A dilemma must have no potential positive outcome. A dilemma can be solved using several methods. One of which is the use of Kant’s ethics or categorical imperative. I prefer using Kant’s ethics to solve a dilemma of the kind mentioned above. This is because Kant offers a very organized way of dealing with the dilemmas. The Kant’s view is concerned with acts that accords duty. It employs Goodwill which acts as a sake of duty and these are the ones believed to have moral worth. The ethics also use the hypothetical imperative, categorical imperative and practical imperative which involves the act to treat humanity. The moral approach to issues ensures that the right solution is found that is sustainable at least for the time being.
Work cited list
1. Huib P. & Robert J.V. (2002) Environmental Dilemmas and Policy Design. Cambridge University
2. http:// /news/Electric-Bikes-pose-Environmental-Dilemma-70562.shtml
3. http://instruct.westvalley.edu/lafave/Kant_eth.htm
