Morality And The Environment Case Study
Uploaded by srheric on Apr 23, 2007
Morality And The Environment Case Study
1.1) Immediate: The immediate issue in this case study is whether or nor Erica Mann who is the coordinator for the western division of the Federal Wildlife Agency and the chairperson for the International Herpetological Society should endorse an artificial habitat proposed for the relocation of the endangered Sonoran Desert Snake. The reason that snake would have to be relocated is because a proposal to build a damn that would ruin the snake’s habitat is being considered. The dam is needed to support Arizona’s agriculture and mining industries. This dam would flood the snakes habitat and eventually force it into extinction. At the same time Erica is aware of the fact that the new environment proposed for the snakes would not necessarily guarantee their survival. In fact the report by the IHS contradicted the report from the FWA and stated that the new habitat would be sufficient for the snake’s survival. Erica is aware of the fact that this report only exists because of political pressures and that it is not entirely accurate or truthful. In fact, Erica herself is being pressured to back the report which she knows is inaccurate. She must decide whether or not she should give in to the political pressure or instead do what she feels is right and save the snake.
1.2) Basic: Can you justify destroying a particular species of animal in the interest of human progress or advancement?
Personal Experience
2.1) Personal Narrative: My personal narrative has less to do with the issue of
Endangered Species than it does with situation that faces Erica. There is a line in the case study where Erica’s superior encourages her to fight the battles she can win. This is what my personal narrative has to do with. As I have grown up and matured towards adulthood these last eight or so years, I have learned some important life lessons. One particular lesson is that I need to pick my battles. Although I have often been adamant about many different issues, I have learned that I can’t always get what I want and that many times I only waste my own time fighting a battle that can’t be won. Throughout my teenage years I consistently butted heads with my parents over many different things....