1. Do you think that currently developing countries have the right to exploit forests (and other resources) as Europe and the U.S. did to increase their economic well-being?
Born and raised in Colombia, I became very much aware of the environmental, social and economic problems related to the exploitation of the Amazon jungle, and the use and distribution of petroleum. I do believe developing countries have the right to use their resources, for their government’s main objective should be to improve the quality of life of their residents. In this monetary driven-global world, that means that in order to achieve improvements to healthcare, education, and human food standards, among some of the quality of life measures, you must have the capacity to initiate trade with other nations or buy resources from others.
Why should some countries have the right to enjoy all the phases, as portrayed in the Environmental Kuznets Curves of pollution and economic development?
The premise of the curves is that developing countries are nations were pollution grows rapidly for the nation is more interested in jobs and income than in clean air and/water. The nation, at this stage, may be too poor to pay for abetment, or the environmental regulation is weak. If rich countries want to help, by all means, they should. I agree that more is known about the toxicity of some human actions, and developing governments should act and achieve their citizen’s interests. However, I do not think anyone has the right to dictate developing countries not to evolve as the industrialized counterparts have done. I agree with Hardin that rules and morals should be single in nature; meaning that the same rule applied yesterday, applies today and tomorrow. It is hoped that as income increases in the developing countries that a balance between pollution and growth is achieved. It is desired that nation’s industrial sectors will become cleaner and its society gains a higher value for their environment. Quality of life is more than income; it encompasses their environment and its quality and health.
2. What expectations do you think industrialized nations should have for developing nations in the climate-change debate?
I believe climate change affects us all, for the environmental problems cannot be compartmentalized, for they affect and cross areas across political and geographical boundaries. Industrialized nations must research and improve the human activities that are harming earth........independently of it being caused by poor or rich nations’ actions. With this said, the developing countries need to consider the consequences of their actions, and engage in minimizing negative impacts they may be causing. They must be open to solutions. If the proposed solutions are costly, or may affect economical growth and development, they must seek alternative corrective solutions. We are all in this together, and environmental catastrophic events affect rich and poor, without discriminating.
I do not think that equal participation (at least monetarily) should be the goal of this debate; neither should be it the goal of any corrective proposals. The goal of climate-change debates should be that of fostering equity between industrialized and developing countries. We all have similar social and political rights and responsibilities as all others. How we implement or develop these in our daily-life, depends on the area and the society we are part off. However, private ownership and sovereignty are values that are to be kept front and center in the debate. By acknowledging these, any proposal achieved in this climate debate, may have the possibility of implementation and success.
Developing countries must acknowledge all the technical and technological advances, and data that others may be willing to share. It is important that development of emission standards is part of the debate, however these standards may be implemented differently between nations. The calendar years of implementation may be farther in the future for developing countries that those of the standards set for richer or more industrialized countries. The target quantity is the same, although the year of implementation can be different and tailored uniquely for the existing-nation’s conditions. The solutions cannot be tailored or equal for all. The nation’s well-being must be composed of environmental health, economic growth, health care and quality of life.
The Introduction
12 years ago
Maria-
ReplyDeleteI thought your perspective on developing nations using their resources was interesting. Your comments made me think of the question in a different way. Looking at it from a non-US point of view I can see how countries would choose to use resources in a way that developed countries might not.
Maria,
ReplyDeleteI agreed with your commment that developing nations must acknowledge all the technical and technological advances and data that others countries may be willing to share. Developing nations need to begin to utilize new technologies to reduce emissions and slow climate change. It will also be up to the nations with these technologies to make them available to the developing nations.
Ryan
I think some of the developing countries look at the devleoped world with discontent, and don't want their opportunities for economic growth limited by the actions of the developed world.
ReplyDeleteWhile they should look at the consequences of their actions, what about the consequences they are being forced to deal with that they did not benefit from?
I agree with you Maria, too an extent. I understand that each respective country should be allowed to exploit their resources as the US has. But converesely, I all countries should be cognizant of what reprecussions they are having on the rest of the world, and they should strive for a more sustainable economy, if possible.
ReplyDeleteHi Maria, I do appreciate your post and it is nice to have the point of view from someone raised outside of the U.S./Europe. I understand that the little money some of the developing countries do have needs to be spent on improving the welfare of their citizens, but what worries me is what Rick mentioned in his comment above. I feel that some countries may feel such negative feelings towards developed countries that they make hasty or possibly spiteful decisions, that aren't necessarily beneficial to anyone. I think the most important thing is that the country make the most efficient use of their income while maintaing the values that are important to their citizens. Thanks for your post! Sincerely, Nikki
ReplyDeleteMaria, you are awesome. Many people do not realize that many developing countries cannot improve their environmental laws because of outside forces. Developed countries benefit from the lack of these laws, because they can purchase those resources at a lower price. It's called blaming the victim.
ReplyDelete