Do petroleum engineers struggle with ethical dilemmas?

In summary, the conversation discusses the potential ethical issues faced by petroleum engineers in regards to the impact of their work on the environment. The conversation also mentions the use of misinformation by oil companies and the role of engineers in reducing environmental impact. The conversation concludes with a discussion on overpopulation and the morality of industries that contribute to it. Ultimately, the thread is closed due to the potential for political and philosophical arguments rather than scientific discussions.
  • #1
astroman707
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Petroleum engineers are smart, educated individuals. Therefore, I’d assume they’re well aware of the environmental impacts caused by the work they do.
Do they ever struggle with any ethical issues regarding the matter? Is it the money? Is it the possibility of making oil drilling processes more environmentally friendly?
 
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  • #2
astroman707 said:
... the less than ethical exploits of the company they work for.
So, you consider providing the energy needs of the world unethical?
 
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  • #3
phinds said:
So, you consider providing the energy needs of the world unethical?
Of course not. But it is well known that oil companies use their financial power to try and spread misinformation about climate change, and influence politicians.
 
  • #4
astroman707 said:
Do they ever struggle with any ethical issues regarding the matter?
Do the engineers who design windmills struggle with ethical issues with regard to the number of birds that are killed when they fly into a whirling windmill blade?
astroman707 said:
Is it the possibility of making oil drilling processes more environmentally friendly?
If you read up on the technology of oil drilling, you'll find that companies are very attuned to doing things to reduce the impact on the environment, including such techniques as slant drilling, in which a single drill rig with a small footprint can extract oil from an enormously large area.
 
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  • #5
astroman707 said:
Of course not. But it is well known that oil companies use their financial power to try and spread misinformation about climate change, and influence politicians.
That statement will just start a long, pointless argument that is political / philosophical and has nothing to do with science which is what this forum is about.
 
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  • #6
phinds said:
That statement will just start a long, pointless argument that is political / philosophical and has nothing to do with science which is what this forum is about.
You’re right. I don’t want that. I’ll cut that from the post.
 
  • #7
I think the whole thread is silly. No matter what the industry, we engineer to make it as safe and efficient as possible.

IMO climate change is merely a symptom of overpopulation. Should I question the morality of the health care industry that helps people live longer?
 
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  • #8
I wonder if you do have a car?
Whether you have ethical struggles over the CO2 footprint of this thread you started...o0)
 
  • #9
This thread can do nothing but go downhill. There are no engineering issues.

Thread closed.
 
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1. Do petroleum engineers have to make ethical decisions in their work?

Yes, petroleum engineers often have to make ethical decisions in their work. This can include considerations such as environmental impact, safety, and fair treatment of workers.

2. What are some common ethical dilemmas faced by petroleum engineers?

Some common ethical dilemmas faced by petroleum engineers include balancing economic interests with environmental concerns, ensuring worker safety in potentially hazardous environments, and addressing conflicts of interest.

3. How do petroleum engineers handle ethical dilemmas?

Petroleum engineers typically handle ethical dilemmas by following industry codes of conduct and ethical guidelines, seeking guidance from colleagues or superiors, and considering the potential consequences of their actions.

4. Are there any regulations or laws in place to ensure ethical practices in the petroleum engineering industry?

Yes, there are various regulations and laws in place to ensure ethical practices in the petroleum engineering industry. These can include environmental regulations, safety standards, and anti-corruption laws.

5. How can ethical dilemmas in the petroleum engineering industry be addressed and prevented?

Ethical dilemmas in the petroleum engineering industry can be addressed and prevented through proper training and education, promoting a culture of ethical behavior within companies, and holding individuals and companies accountable for their actions.

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