Choose a contemporary moral issue in our society  and apply the ethical principle of Utilitarianism to approve this moral issue.

Climate change, and how humans impact the environment is a moral concern in today’s society. Utilitarianism states that an action should be taken if it produces greater happiness than any other alternative—which could easily apply to this situation since current trends suggest that continuing down this path will lead to dire consequences for both human health and quality of life.

As an example, global warming-induced temperature rises can lead to more extreme weather conditions such as heat waves and floods. These events have the potential to cause devastating effects on local communities, putting people at greater risk for illness, relocation, or death. Additionally, air pollution has been linked to chronic respiratory issues like asthma and COPD—both of which impose a significant financial burden on those affected along with their families.

By taking action to reduce greenhouse gasses, we choose the best option for a happier world in terms of increased public safety and improved health. In a utilitarian view, this is not just morally correct but necessary because of the long-term consequences.