Moral action is not only derived from its consequences on individual and collective basis, but from the point of view of near and distant consequences for the future. At this time it may be morally acceptable to access energy from nuclear fission in order to prolong our fossil fuel allocation and reduce the pollutants associated with their burning. It is immoral to leave to future generations tons of poisonous waste that we are unable to safely reintroduce into the environment. Human Beings have a very short lifetime in comparison to the half-life of many elements. It is difficult to appreciate or care about a remote future when current needs have to be met. Short-term morality will eventually handcuff future generations of Human Beings with a continually degrading quality of life. I will certainly not live to face the problem of nuclear waste disposal. I will not suffer the most drastic effects of an increase in greenhouse gases. I will simply not live enough years to have these and other problems affect my life drastically. If I address these problems within my lifetime in order to lessen their future effects, I will certainly have to make some choices that will affect my lifestyle in a negative way. I would have to bear a future burden in the present time. Why should I?
