Ethics and oil: Preventing the next disaster

Robert O. Schneider, PhD

doi:10.5055/jem.2011.0057

Authors

Robert O. Schneider, PhD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.2011.0057

Keywords:

ethics, industrial disasters, Deepwater Horizon

Abstract

This analytical paper assesses the BP Deepwater Horizon 2010 oil well explosion in the Gulf of Mexico in the context of ethical theory in the field of emergency management. It reviews the relevant literature that pertains to the ethical dimensions of decision making in relation to industrial disasters. Once the theoretical framework is established, a descriptive presentation of features common to Deepwater Horizon and past oil disasters is presented. The analysis suggests that the BP disaster in the Gulf of Mexico was, as much as anything else, the product of a systemic ethical failure on the part of both the oil industry and public officials. In addressing this failure, principles consistent with the theory presented are identified along with some preliminary action steps to stimulate and guide ongoing discussion and evaluation pertaining to the application of ethical theory to the important tasks of risk reduction and safety.

Author Biography

Robert O. Schneider, PhD

Department of Public Administration, University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Pembroke, North Carolina.

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