when corporations speak of ___ they are refusing to take responsibility for water pollution, air pollution, and other kinds of ecological damages. (a) externalities (b) operational contingencies (c) social contingencies (d) externalization

And your answer is?

When corporations speak of "externalities," they are refusing to take responsibility for water pollution, air pollution, and other kinds of ecological damages. The term "externalities" refers to the costs or benefits that are not directly accounted for or included in the prices of goods or services. In this context, corporations may argue that these environmental damages are external to their operational activities and should not be their responsibility.

To understand this concept and its application, you can follow these steps:

1. Start by researching the term "externalities" to get a general understanding of its definition and concepts.
2. Look for specific examples of how corporations may externalize the costs of pollution or ecological damages in their operations.
3. Explore case studies or reports that highlight instances where corporations have been accused of externalizing environmental costs.
4. Investigate the arguments and perspectives of different stakeholders, including environmental activists, government agencies, and the corporations themselves.
5. Analyze the long-term consequences and impacts of externalizing environmental costs, including the harm to ecosystems, public health, and the overall sustainability of our planet.

By conducting thorough research and examining various perspectives, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of how corporations use the concept of externalities to avoid taking responsibility for their environmental impact.