Create an 8-10 slide PPT, or some other presentation, that accomplishes the following:
1. Chose some ethical issue you feel is important (abortion, gun control, climate change, eating meat, anything that can be considered a moral matter – if you are unsure, be sure to clear with your instructor)
2. Present research on the situation being sure to clearly discuss both sides, as much as possible. Some conundrums will have much more weight on one side than the other such as climate change.
3. Reiterate the primary theories contained in your moral compass from week 3 and then explain the position on this issue your compass promotes.
Slide 1: Title Slide
Speaker Notes Good morning/afternoon/evening everyone. Today, we’ll be exploring climate change through the lens of ethics. We’ll examine the science, consider different viewpoints, and see how this issue aligns with moral principles.
Slide 2: What is Climate Change?
The long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place.
Caused by human activities, primarily fossil fuel burning, which increases heat-trapping greenhouse gases.
Image: Line graph showing rising global temperatures
Speaker Notes Climate change is the long-term shift in weather patterns across the globe. It’s primarily driven by human activity, particularly the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. These activities release greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, causing global temperatures to rise.
Slide 3: The Impacts of Climate Change
Rising sea levels threaten coastal communities.
More extreme weather events like heatwaves, droughts, floods, and wildfires.
Disruption of ecosystems and mass extinctions.
Threats to food security and water resources.
Image: A collage of images depicting the consequences of climate change (rising sea levels, wildfires, floods)
Speaker Notes The effects of climate change are already being felt worldwide. Rising sea levels threaten coastal cities and ecosystems. Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense. These changes disrupt ecosystems, leading to mass extinctions. Food security and water resources are also under threat.
Slide 4: The Science is Clear
Overwhelming scientific consensus that human activities are the primary cause of climate change.
Numerous studies by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) provide evidence.
Image: Logo of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
Speaker Notes There is an overwhelming scientific consensus that human activities are the primary driver of climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a leading international body for the assessment of climate change, has released numerous reports outlining this evidence.
Slide 5: Ethical Considerations
Do we have a moral obligation to future generations?
Is it fair for developed nations to have benefited from fossil fuels while developing nations face the consequences?
Do we have a responsibility to protect the environment and its biodiversity?
Image: A diverse group of people holding hands, representing different generations and nationalities
Speaker Notes Climate change raises several ethical questions. Do we have a moral obligation to leave a healthy planet for future generations? Is it fair that developed nations, who have historically benefited from burning fossil fuels, are now asking developing nations to make sacrifices? Do we have a responsibility to protect the environment and the incredible diversity of life it sustains?
Slide 6: Moral Compass Theories
Utilitarianism: Focuses on maximizing overall well-being. Climate action benefits outweighs the costs of transitioning to clean energy.
Deontological Ethics: Actions are judged by their inherent right or wrong, regardless of consequences. Polluting the environment is inherently wrong.
Social Justice Ethics: Focuses on fairness and equity. Developed nations have a greater responsibility to act due to historical emissions.
Image: Three scales representing the three ethical theories
Speaker Notes From week 3, we discussed different moral compass theories. Utilitarianism argues for the greatest good for the greatest number. Taking action on climate change would benefit humanity in the long run. Deontology focuses on the inherent right or wrong of actions. Polluting the environment inherently violates our responsibility to the planet. Social justice ethics emphasizes fairness. Developed nations have a greater responsibility due to their historical emissions.
Slide 7: A Moral Imperative
Based on the science, the ethical considerations, and our moral compass, addressing climate change is a moral imperative.
We need to transition to clean energy sources and invest in sustainable practices.
International cooperation is crucial to ensure a just and equitable transition.
Image: A wind turbine and solar panels, representing clean energy sources
Speaker Notes Considering the overwhelming scientific evidence, the ethical considerations, and the guidance from our moral compass, addressing climate change is a moral imperative. We need to transition to clean energy sources, invest in sustainable practices, and work together internationally to ensure a just and equitable transition.
Slide 8: Conclusion
Climate change is a complex issue with far-reaching consequences.
By taking action now, we can build a more sustainable future for all.
Image: A diverse group of people working together on a green globe
Speaker Notes Climate