Australia
(Indigenous)
(Indigenous)
What would a deontologist think about the government’s duty toward Indigenous communities during wildfires? A- Prioritize maximal funding B- Follow moral rules regardless of the result C- Prioritize cities only D- Act based on emotions
B- Follow moral rules regardless of the result
Regarding feminist ethics, which communities were especially affected after the Algerian wildfires?
Rural communities, (accepting elderly, children...)
Which ethical theory would MOST likely support shutting off electricity before the fire if it could prevent harm, even if it causes inconvenience?
Utilitarianism — because it focuses on maximizing overall well-being and preventing the greatest harm.
Is it fair that some communities were affected more than others by the wildfire? Why or why not?
No, it is not fair because rural and Indigenous communities were more affected and often have fewer resources to respond or recover.
The Black Summer fires caused hundreds of deaths and widespread damage. Which ethical theory supports taking climate action because it would reduce suffering for the greatest number of people in future disasters? Explain why this theory in a sentence or two.
Utilitarianism — because it focuses on reducing harm and to maximize the overall well-being.
How does wildfire spread reveal a loss of cultural values or virtue? (virtue ethics)
By the destruction of traditions, stories, and sacred lands
What concrete example explains why multispecies ethics can be applied to the Algerian wildfires?
Rural communities rely on the agricultural lands and vegetations that got destroyed.
From a deontological perspective, why is the unequal distribution of water between resorts and local communities considered unethical?
Because it violates the duty to treat people fairly and respect their basic rights, meaning local communities were treated as a means rather than an end.
During the Donnie Creek wildfire, some small communities got less help than bigger towns. Acting in a way that helps the most people possible is an example of which ethical theory?
Utilitarianism
During the Black Summer fires, many vulnerable people were exposed to dangerous smoke and forced to evacuate. What would ethics of care recommend governments prioritize when making decisions in this situation?
Focusing on empathy and relationships by giving more attention to vulnerable individuals, considering their specific needs and situations, and prioritizing their well-being over general rules.
How do wildfires impact Indigenous cultural identity?
Many answers are accepted: loss of sacred/cultural sites, evacuate from homes, disrupted traditional practices...
In your opinion, what ethics should’ve especially been used in the case of the Algerian Wildfires? Explain why.
Many answers accepted: feminist ethics (vulnerable communities), deontology (moral duty of authorities), multispecies ethics (reforestation, human-nature interdependence)
How would feminist ethics explain why the impacts of the Maui wildfires were not experienced equally among the population?
Feminist ethics would say the impacts weren’t equal because some groups already had less power and fewer resources. Local and Indigenous communities were more vulnerable, so they were affected more than wealthier groups like tourists or investors.
Who should be more responsible for reducing the impacts of wildfires: individuals or the government? Explain one reason.
Government (they make laws, control emissions...)
Individuals (reduce carbon footprint)
After the Black Summer fires caused large-scale ecosystem destruction and affected up to 3 billion animals, how would a multispecies ethics perspective challenge a typical human-centered government response?
It would argue that governments should not focus only on human recovery, but must also take responsibility for restoring ecosystems and protecting animal life, recognizing that humans are interconnected with other species and take responsibility for the damage.