Ethics of Shaping Water Futures

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the concepts and ideas presented by diverse contributors to this volume. It recognizes the importance of water ethics as more than simply an academic matter, infusing all dialogues around water policy and governance, human rights, climate change, and environmental decision making. A comprehensive understanding of the implication of water ethics is challenging, particularly in articulating a moral, reflective process whereby deep cultural, political, and economic differences are accommodated. While discussing several attempts to develop and apply a water ethics charter, we also explore ways in which the situation can be improved within both international and national development narratives. We conclude the chapter by envisioning three possible future scenarios as an instrument for discussing pathways to achieve desirable, ethically motivated outcomes and preclude adverse ones. The three scenarios discussed in this chapter include continuation of business as usual, creation of an unethical world driven by vested interests, and an ethically motivated global community.