Undated illustration of John Ericsson's solar engine. (Corbis Corporation)

The production and use of energy gives rise to a wide range of ethical and moral issues. Worldwide there are four general energy options available, each of which can raise significant ethical questions. We can continue to rely primarily on fossil fuels, presently estimated to account for more than 80 percent of worldwide energy use. Second, we could shift to greater reliance on nuclear energy. Third, we could develop alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal power. A fourth alternative would focus on conservation and energy efficiency and seek to decrease the overall demand for energy.

Continuing dependence on fossil fuels raises several major ethical issues. Ethical questions concerning our responsibilities to future generations are raised by the fact that fossil fuels are a nonrenewable energy...