Ethics and Hydropower Plants

In light of the Global Ethics Day on October 16th, we are reflecting on the importance of ethical decision-making in environmental management. Students in the course “Ethics of conservation and resource use” went on a field trip this week where they visited the hydropower plants at Engidalur, to learn more about hydropower development throughout the Westfjords, and the existing conflicting interests around it. The course introduces the students to a diverse set of theories and principles for ethical environmental management.

Through case studies and practical tools the students learn how to approach ethical dilemmas in research, programme management, industry, and policy related to natural resource management and regional development. On Friday, students will introduce their recommendations for mediating any potential ethical concerns, small or large, related to hydropower development in the Westfjords. The instructor for the course is Dr. Marie Schellens, Environmental Security Analyst at Pax for Peace (NL).