Advancing a Sustainable Energy Ethics Through Stakeholder Engagement

Abstract

The World's dependence on fossil fuels and the need to move to more beneficial energy alternatives pose daunting challenges to humanity. Historically, economic and political rationality has driven the exploration, development and management of natural resources in the search for stable energy supplies. The insistence on continuing the unsustainable consumption patterns of developed countries has jeopardized human rights, political stability, environmental quality and sustainable improvement for vulnerable communities. This single-minded pursuit of economic rationality pushes to the side a more beneficial, holistic sustainability framework that integrates environmental, ethical and social value with economic and practical considerations. This paper will focus on responding to the challenge of energy sustainability by advancing a new energy ethics founded on the bedrock of solid environmental, social and ethical principles. It will also expand this baseline by presenting a new vision of ethical and practical excellence in energy, a vision that will translate readily into new and implementable energy policies.