a) Why or why not?
This argument is complicated and complex in nature, as the diminishment of environmental resources is a global concern. The US and Europe exploited natural resources in order to increase their economic wellbeing and global status. As a result of their usage of the environment’s resources, these two nations have become very powerful and have produced a high level of economic security. Although this has aided the US and Europe in becoming financially stable and industrialized, this would not be the optimal method in obtaining economic security for other developing countries. It would be preferable for developing nations to be able to secure other feasible methods of advancement versus utilizing already strained environmental resources. However, by looking through the perspective of developing countries one may also argue that they have the right to be able to advance themselves and thereby use the resources that are currently at their disposal. Utilizing the theory of the Kutznet Curve it can be argued that developing countries may not be concerned immediately with the environmental outcome of resource usage, but may be more vested in financial security. According to this theory, it is only after coming to a peak in the usage of environmental resources and obtaining stability financially that countries will begin to invest in protecting the environment.
2. What expectations do you think industrialized nations should have for developing nations in the climate change debate?
a)Should equity between industrialized and developing countries be a goal in this debate?
b) What if a developing nation values economic development more than slowing down global warming? In this case, should they be required to participate in reducing emissions? Why or why not?
c) Conversely, what expectations should developing nations have for industrialized nations?
Climate change and the present concerns with pollution is a global concern, and not one that is solely restricted to industrialized nations. However, it can be argued that industrialized nations produce more pollutants and harmful toxins than nations that are in the process of developing. Though equity between industrialized and developing nations may be the most favorable, it is not reasonable. Each nation has varying resources and capabilities in guarding against further environmental strains, with industrialized nations having significantly more resources. There has been a great deal of research and literature produced within the past few decades that has made the world aware of the issues concerning global warming. Therefore, countries who value economic development more than slowing down global warming should be made to participate in programs to reduce emissions. Hardin spoke frequently of the world sharing various resources and the need to begin to work collaboratively to address the problem. Thus, nations who desire to develop their country must also be willing to aid in preserving the environment which is shared across the globe. Developing nations also have a right to maintain expectations for industrialized nations, as industrialized nations have already been partakers of the environment’s resources and assets. Nations that are industrialized should attempt to provide nations with guidance on how to implement programs within their countries that are capable or meeting their environmental needs. Industrialized nations should endeavor to aid those nations that are still in the process of development with practical measures of how to continue to progress and advance in light of these environmental concerns. Although this is a difficult question to answer, there are a couple of possible solutions that can be implemented to address this dilemma. In order to address the issues associated with climate change, a global effort will be necessary.
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