The case of Peruvian asparagus unearths a grave ethical dilemma relating the trade-off between human interests and environmental concerns. Overtly, asparagus exports have enabled Peru's growth economically and socially. Unemployment is substantially reduced; children are better nourished, and the situation of women is ameliorated. However, asparagus cultivation has deteriorated the water table to a great extent. As the place is nearly a desert, intensive asparagus growth has dried up natural aquifer thereby causing pressure on the land. It has made the irrigation costlier directly causing a burden on small-scale farmers also.
Progressive ethics explicitly states that social development and economic progress should not obfuscate natural rhythms. If it does, those actions fall under dubious ethical practices. The case of asparagus contradicts with conservationists as well who advocate using natural resources with an aim to achieve sustainable development and preservation.
In contrast to suggested ethical principles, asparagus, a water-thirsty crop, will only intensify the environmental burden in coming years. The area will land in trouble if the cultivation of asparagus continues for a long time. Though export companies have suggested the construction of dams as a solution, the author opines that it will further humiliate natural system by making the irrigation more expensive at the same time. Degrading environment for social and economic gains is also contradictory to ethical pluralism that makes it morally wrong to harm the environment in the name of business practices.
At present, there are no standard laws governing water use in the area. However, the government is now forced to take some action, thanks to international consumers who have pressurized exporters and the government to take actions for a better environmental control. The best solution, thus, is to cutting down the agriculture of asparagus and maintain a balance between human progress and environmental harm.
References
Graber, C. (2012, January 23). Despite Economic Gains, Peru's Asparagus Boom Threatening Water Table. Retrieved November 24, 2014, from pri.org: http://www.pri.org/stories/2012-01-23/despite-economic-gains-perus-asparagus-boom-threatening-water-table
Harris, C., Pritchard, M., Rabins, M. J., & James, R. (2013). Engineering Ethics: Concepts and Cases. Cengage Learning.
Weber, M. (1947). The Theory of Social Science and its Relation of Philosophy (2 ed.). (T. Parsons, Ed.) London: Routledge.
