Many say that a businessman’s first priority is to seek profit, but is an individuals decision what moral and ethical boundaries will prevent them from achieving their goal.Currently, Premier Christy Clark is advocating for a project to extract liquefied natural gas in parts of British Columbia. She projects that this could become a hundred billion dollar industry in the next decade. The profit generated from the mining of the natural resource would go towards eliminating provincial debt and reducing taxes in the years to come, as well as creating which would substantially alleviate the financial troubles of British Columbia. Despite the seemingly bright future of LNG, an article in Scientific American explains the severe repercussions to the environment that can be engendered by the process of extraction.

For some, the decision to go ahead with the project is obvious, as the projected revenue speaks for itself. But does any amount of money justify the potential contamination of the drinking water in the areas where is extracted? It is imperative to always be in tune with one’s conscience while making decisions in business. Although an unethical decision may often seem easier short term, it will likely have long term repercussions.

Photo Credit: CTV News