Week 3 - BP Deepwater Horizon scandal

Question 1

What was the Deepwater Horizon incident?

Answer 1

A 2010 explosion on BP’s oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico, causing the largest marine oil spill in history.

Question 1

How many people died in the BP oil spill?

Answer 1

11 workers died in the explosion.

Question 2

What caused the disaster?

Answer 2

Poor safety practices, cost-cutting, faulty equipment, and ignored warning signs.

Question 3

What were the consequences of the spill?

Answer 3

Massive environmental damage, $60+ billion in fines and clean-up, and serious harm to BP’s reputation.

Question 4

How does Utilitarianism relate to the BP scandal?

Answer 4

BP’s actions failed to minimize harm and suffering — a clear violation of utilitarian principles.

Question 5

How does Deontology apply to BP?

Answer 5

BP failed in its duty to ensure safety and protect human life and the environment.

Question 6

What does Stakeholder Theory say about BP’s actions?

Answer 6

BP ignored the interests of key stakeholders — workers, communities, and ecosystems — focusing only on profits.