Du Xiangxian's Business Ethic Issue by s8080203 Du Xiangxian 2022311184

Business Ethics Issue：Enterprises Pollution

ess924456 — 2024-10-16 04:39:29 UTC

This Padlet will discuss the ethics issues of enterprises pollution in combination with the journal article "Research on the Evolutionary Mechanism and Optimum Control of Pro-environmental Behavior of Polluting Enterprises Driven by Environmental Policies"(Xu et al., 2024) as well as the SDG13(climate action). With the continuous development of the global economy, humanity has made significant progress in various industries. Among them, businesses have played an indispensable role, making great contributions to social progress, economic development, job creation, and tax revenue generation. However, during their development, businesses have also caused substantial environmental pollution and destruction, leading to the deterioration of the global climate. The costs of these impacts are borne by the whole society at large, which is clearly an unfair situation.

Sustainable Development Goal 13

ess924456 — 2024-10-16 05:03:48 UTC

SDG13 is focused on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. The article pointed out that the main goal of current environmental governance is to reduce pollution and negative externalities, and a key approach to achieving this is by guiding the environmental behavior of enterprises (Xu et al., 2024). By examining how environmental policies influence the pro-environmental behavior of polluting enterprises, the research highlights a critical pathway to reducing emissions and improving environmental responsibility. To achieve the goal of SDG13, “the environmental policies usually need to be adjusted according to the internal and external conditions when necessary, and then they can play a more important role in the guidance of environmental behavior of polluting enterprises” (Xu et al., 2024).

Overview

ess924456 — 2024-10-16 05:17:38 UTC

The article explores how environmental policies influence the pro-environmental behavior of polluting enterprises. It highlights the gradual evolution of these behaviors, dividing them into three stages: primary green behavior, positive green behavior, and pro-environmental behavior. The study finds that environmental policies, both incentive-based and regulatory, play a critical role in driving this evolution. However, the study emphasizes that the effects of these policies vary across different stages of development. While incentive policies promote green transformation, their efficiency is relatively low. The study uses system simulation modeling to analyze the dynamics of these behaviors. Ultimately, the findings underline the importance of balancing incentive and regulatory policies to guide enterprises toward long-term environmental responsibility.

Utilitarianism

ess924456 — 2024-10-16 05:51:46 UTC

Utilitarianism and care ethics are directly related to the ethical issues, journal article, and SDG 13 discussed as they provide frameworks for evaluating the environmental behavior of polluting enterprises and the impact of environmental policies. First,” Utilitarianism is the moral doctrine that we should always act to produce the great est possible balance of good over bad for everyone affected by our actions” (Shaw et al., 2016, p. 60), which aligns with the goal of reducing pollution and environmental damage as discussed in the journal article. Utilitarianism would support the adoption of policies that reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency since these actions would benefit society by mitigating climate change, a key aspect of SDG 13. The article shows how environmental governance aims to reduce negative externalities like pollution, which aligns with the utilitarian principle of promoting the greatest good for the greatest number. Second, the ethic of care is based upon the concept of human interdependence through personal relationships.

What is Climate Change? The Importance of ESG for Companies

ess924456 — 2024-10-16 06:08:27 UTC

The video "What is Climate Change? The Importance of ESG for Companies" is directly aligned with SDG13, which calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. The video demonstrates how businesses can integrate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices to reduce their carbon footprints and mitigate environmental damage. This not only supports SDG13’s goals of lowering emissions but also raises significant ethical issues. Corporations have a moral responsibility to prevent pollution and minimize their environmental impact, especially as climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable communities. By ignoring sustainable practices, companies contribute to environmental degradation, violating principles of social justice and intergenerational equity. Ethical accountability demands that businesses take meaningful steps to preserve the environment for future generations and avoid harming those most susceptible to the negative effects of climate change.

Conclusoin

ess924456 — 2024-10-16 06:21:37 UTC

In conclusion, the integration of ethical frameworks, environmental policies, and business practices is essential for achieving SDG13’s climate action goals. Xu et al. (2024) highlight how regulatory and incentive-based policies promote pro-environmental behavior in polluting enterprises, crucial for reducing corporate environmental harm. This aligns with utilitarianism and care ethics, which advocate for minimizing societal harm and protecting vulnerable populations. The videos "What is Climate Change? The Importance of ESG for Companies" and "Utilitarianism: Making Ethical Decisions" reinforce the need for businesses to embrace ESG practices and prioritize the common good by reducing emissions. Ethical accountability requires balancing profit with environmental responsibility to ensure long-term sustainability. A balanced approach that merges ethics, policy, and responsibility is key to addressing corporate environmental challenges and meeting SDG13’s objectives.

Utilitarianism: Making Ethical Decisions

ess924456 — 2024-10-16 06:41:10 UTC

"Utilitarianism: Making Ethical Decisions", introduces the concept of utilitarianism by emphasizing how ethical decisions should focus on generating the greatest good for the greatest number of people. In the context of SDG13 (climate action), this ethical framework supports the idea that businesses and governments must take urgent climate action because it results in long-term benefits for society. Reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency, and adopting green technologies all serve the broader public by mitigating the adverse effects of climate change, such as extreme weather events and resource depletion. The utilitarian approach would advocate for policies and corporate behaviors that prioritize environmental sustainability to protect both current and future generations, aligning with SDG13's objectives

Importance of Ethics in the Business Environment

ess924456 — 2024-10-16 06:46:54 UTC

Ethics in the business environment is crucial for several reasons, including trust building, brand value enhancing, long-term profitability, legal compliance and risk reduction.

How it relats to SDG13

ess924456 — 2024-10-16 06:49:38 UTC

Care Ethics

ess924456 — 2024-10-16 06:50:02 UTC

The ethic of care is relevant to the ethical issue of enterprises causing pollution and leaving the societal cost for others to bear, as highlighted in the journal article. Care ethics would advocate for businesses to take responsibility for their environmental impact, ensuring that their practices do not harm the environment or vulnerable populations. This focus on responsibility and care supports SDG 13’s emphasis on protecting the planet and ensuring a sustainable future.

Reference list

ess924456 — 2024-10-16 07:32:27 UTC

Xu, G., Zhou, Y., & Zhou, Y. (2024). Research on the evolutionary mechanism and optimum control of pro-environmental behavior of polluting enterprises driven by environmental policies. Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, 26(9), 22085–22101. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-023-03161-9

Shaw, W., Barry, V., Issa, T., Shaw, W. H., & Muntean, D. (2016). Moral Issues in Business. Cengage Australia.