Balancing the Needs of Today and Tomorrow: The Ethics and Philosophy of the Fracking Industry

Introduction

Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, has become an integral part of the global energy landscape. This process has allowed for the extraction of oil and gas from previously inaccessible resources, leading to economic growth and improved energy security. However, the fracking industry is not without its ethical and philosophical dilemmas. The central question at the heart of this issue is how to balance the lives and needs of today's people who benefit from the fracking industry with the lives and needs of future generations.

Temporal Proximity and Moral Concern

The ethics of temporal proximity involve the moral weight we place on individuals and generations based on their proximity to us in time. Parfit (1984) discusses this idea in the context of obligations to future generations, arguing that we should not discount their well-being simply because they are temporally distant. This principle is aligned with the idea of impartiality, which posits that moral concern should be equally distributed among all individuals, regardless of their proximity to us (Singer, 1972).

However, some philosophers argue for a degree of partiality based on proximity, suggesting that we have a stronger moral obligation to those closer to us in time (Nagel, 1970). This perspective could justify prioritizing the needs of present generations over those of the future. This debate between impartiality and partiality highlights the complexity of the philosophical and ethical implications of temporal proximity in the context of the fracking industry.

The Benefits of Fracking Today

The utilitarian perspective, as formulated by philosophers such as Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, emphasizes the maximization of overall happiness and well-being, often quantified as utility. This ethical approach focuses on the consequences of actions, seeking to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number of people. In the context of the fracking industry, utilitarianism can be used to argue in favor of its continued operation based on the benefits it provides.

For example, the fracking industry has contributed significantly to economic growth in countries where it has been employed. By unlocking previously inaccessible oil and gas reserves, fracking has lowered energy costs, stimulated investment, and increased revenue from exports (Stevens, 2012). This economic growth has positive downstream effects, as it can lead to higher living standards and increased opportunities for many people.

Fracking has also created numerous jobs, both directly and indirectly. The industry requires a wide range of skilled workers, from engineers and geologists to truck drivers and rig operators. In addition, the economic activity generated by fracking supports employment in ancillary industries, such as manufacturing, hospitality, and construction (Stevens, 2012). This job creation can be particularly impactful in regions that have experienced economic stagnation or decline, providing new employment opportunities and revitalizing local communities.

Additionally, access to reliable and affordable energy is crucial for the functioning of modern societies. Fracking has contributed to increased energy security by reducing dependence on foreign oil and gas imports, diversifying energy supplies, and creating a more competitive market (Stevens, 2012). This enhanced energy security can lead...…a utilitarian perspective, investing in these alternatives could promote greater overall well-being in the long term.

Similarly, a rights-based approach would support the development of cleaner energy sources to safeguard the rights of future generations to a healthy environment. If nations invest in these technologies, societies can better uphold the rights of future generations to inherit a healthy and sustainable environment. Moreover, a virtue ethics perspective can also support the development of renewable energy technologies because through investing in cleaner energy sources, individuals and organizations and nations demonstrate virtues like prudence and justice, as they are taking responsible actions to minimize environmental harm and promote equitable access to resources.

Conclusion

The ethical and philosophical implications of the fracking industry are complex and multifaceted. Balancing the needs of today's people with those of future generations requires grappling with the moral weight of temporal proximity, the benefits of fracking for current well-being, and the potential harms it poses to future generations. Ultimately, this analysis suggests that we must carefully consider the ethical principles of utilitarianism, pragmatism, rights, morality, justice, virtue, and care when evaluating the merits of the fracking industry.

Given the competing moral concerns, it is essential for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and society as a whole to engage in thoughtful and informed dialogue about the future of fracking. Clearly there is a way for obtaining the right balance between meeting the needs of today's people and preserving the well-being of future generations. It is important to realize this way and invest in and promote the development of cleaner…