Environment Essay Outlines

Environment Essay Outlines

Environment Essay Outlines

Man and the Environment Man and the Environment

The Concept of Bearing Responsibility The Concept of Bearing Responsibility

To what extent should rich nations bear responsibility for solving environmental To what extent should rich nations bear responsibility for solving environmental

problems? problems? Generic:

Generic:

•• bear responsibilit bear responsibilityy

•• criteria (cause, ability, self-interest)criteria (cause, ability, self-interest)

Generic (command): Generic (command):

•• Extent question – requires stuent to ac!no"lege that responsibility is shareExtent question – requires stuent to ac!no"lege that responsibility is share

Topical: Topical:

•• rich, e#elope nationsrich, e#elope nations

•• i$plie – e#eloping nationsi$plie – e#eloping nations •• sol#ingsol#ing

•• cutting bac! - reucing consu$ption an prouctioncutting bac! - reucing consu$ption an prouction •• acti#e $easures – reforestation, alternati#e energy,acti#e $easures – reforestation, alternati#e energy, •• $itigation%aaptation – coping "ith consequences$itigation%aaptation – coping "ith consequences

hat environmental problems? hat environmental problems?

•• &part fro$ global "ar$ing, these proble$s inclue eforestation,&part fro$ global "ar$ing, these proble$s inclue eforestation, •• loss of bioi#ersity, air, "ater, an lan pollution'loss of bioi#ersity, air, "ater, an lan pollution'

!ow to measure extent of responsibility? !ow to measure extent of responsibility?

•• () o" $uch of the a$age "ere their oing*() o" $uch of the a$age "ere their oing* •• (+) o" able are they to sol#e the proble$s*(+) o" able are they to sol#e the proble$s* •• () o" $uch is at sta!e for the$*() o" $uch is at sta!e for the$*

Criteria C&./E Criteria C&./E

R

Riicch h nnaattiioonnss 00ee##eellooppiinng g nnaattiioonnss 11nnuussttrriiees s ((2233CCss, , TT33CCss)) Ca

Caususee iiststororicicalallyly, , ririch ch nanatitionons as arere  pri$ary contributo

 pri$ary contributors to globalrs to global "ar$ing ue to past inustrial "ar$ing ue to past inustrial acti#ity'

acti#ity'

4er capita consu$ption 4er capita consu$ption  patterns are high

 patterns are highest in theest in the e#elope "orl'

e#elope "orl'

Currently, so$e of the Currently, so$e of the e#eloping nations "ho e#eloping nations "ho are the larger

are the larger

contributors to global contributors to global "ar$ing'

"ar$ing'

1n the future, it is the 1n the future, it is the current rapily

current rapily

e#eloping nations that e#eloping nations that "ill be the pri$ary "ill be the pri$ary contributors to global contributors to global

--5hile it $ay appear that so$e --5hile it $ay appear that so$e of the e#eloping nations are of the e#eloping nations are greater contributors to carbon greater contributors to carbon e$issions toay, $uch of such e$issions toay, $uch of such e$issions are fro$ inustrial e$issions are fro$ inustrial acti#ity fro$ co$panies o"ne acti#ity fro$ co$panies o"ne  by rich nations'

 by rich nations'

--4hysical location is thus not as --4hysical location is thus not as i$portant as national

i$portant as national o"nership'

"ar$ing' "ar$ing' &b

&bililitityy 1t i1t is ths the rie rich nch natatioions "ns "hoho  possess $ost of the

 possess $ost of the

technological !no"-ho" an technological !no"-ho" an financial $eans to eal "ith financial $eans to eal "ith en#iron$ental catastrophe an en#iron$ental catastrophe an to research possible alternati#e to research possible alternati#e energy solutions'

energy solutions'

1t is also the rich nations "ho 1t is also the rich nations "ho are able to $ost help the are able to $ost help the e#eloping nations "hen it e#eloping nations "hen it co$es to coping "ith the co$es to coping "ith the consequences of global consequences of global "ar$ing' "ar$ing' 1t is the e#eloping 1t is the e#eloping nations "ho hol the nations "ho hol the !ey to sol#ing

!ey to sol#ing

en#iron$ental proble$s en#iron$ental proble$s  because they $a!e up  because they $a!e up

$ost of the "orl $ost of the "orl’’ss  population an con  population an controltrol

$ost of the "orl $ost of the "orl’’ss resources'

resources'

This $eans that they This $eans that they ha#e the potential ability ha#e the potential ability to help aress to help aress en#iron$ental issues' en#iron$ental issues' /elf-interes interes tt

Rich nations are not spare Rich nations are not spare fro$ the ill-effects of global fro$ the ill-effects of global "ar$ing' 2oreo#er, they ha#e "ar$ing' 2oreo#er, they ha#e significant interests in business significant interests in business e#elop$ent in the e#eloping e#elop$ent in the e#eloping "orl'

"orl'

0e#eloping nations ha#e 0e#eloping nations ha#e an ob#ious sta!e in

an ob#ious sta!e in resol#ing en#iron$ental resol#ing en#iron$ental issues because they issues because they suffer the brunt of suffer the brunt of global "ar$ing' global "ar$ing'

hile developed nations should bear more responsibility" developing nations should also hile developed nations should bear more responsibility" developing nations should also play their part in

play their part in solving the environmental problesolving the environmental problems#ms#

&ssu$ing rich nations ha#e () cause en#iron$ental proble$s, (+) the ability an () are &ssu$ing rich nations ha#e () cause en#iron$ental proble$s, (+) the ability an () are self-interest, they shoul bear $ore responsibility to sol#e the en#iron$ental proble$s' self-interest, they shoul bear $ore responsibility to sol#e the en#iron$ental proble$s'

&lthough they ha#e a $oral obligation, it "oul be unfair for the$ to bear full responsibility' &lthough they ha#e a $oral obligation, it "oul be unfair for the$ to bear full responsibility' This is because e#eloping nations are increasingly () causing en#iron$ental proble$s, (+) This is because e#eloping nations are increasingly () causing en#iron$ental proble$s, (+) gaining the ability an () are self-intereste to $a!e a$ens'

gaining the ability an () are self-intereste to $a!e a$ens'

.lti$ately for the en#iron$ental proble$s to be sol#e, this "oul require the co$$it$ent .lti$ately for the en#iron$ental proble$s to be sol#e, this "oul require the co$$it$ent an cooperation of both nations'

an cooperation of both nations'

6et, e#eloping nations are increasingly () causing en#iron$ental proble$s, (+) gaining the 6et, e#eloping nations are increasingly () causing en#iron$ental proble$s, (+) gaining the ability an () are self-intereste to $a!e a$ens'

ability an () are self-intereste to $a!e a$ens'

The $oncept of %ossibility The $oncept of %ossibility

1s it possible to protect the en#iron$ent "hen $any countries require increasing a$ounts of 1s it possible to protect the en#iron$ent "hen $any countries require increasing a$ounts of energy to progress*

energy to progress*

Generic: Generic:

"ar$ing' "ar$ing' &b

&bililitityy 1t i1t is ths the rie rich nch natatioions "ns "hoho  possess $ost of the

 possess $ost of the

technological !no"-ho" an technological !no"-ho" an financial $eans to eal "ith financial $eans to eal "ith en#iron$ental catastrophe an en#iron$ental catastrophe an to research possible alternati#e to research possible alternati#e energy solutions'

energy solutions'

1t is also the rich nations "ho 1t is also the rich nations "ho are able to $ost help the are able to $ost help the e#eloping nations "hen it e#eloping nations "hen it co$es to coping "ith the co$es to coping "ith the consequences of global consequences of global "ar$ing' "ar$ing' 1t is the e#eloping 1t is the e#eloping nations "ho hol the nations "ho hol the !ey to sol#ing

!ey to sol#ing

en#iron$ental proble$s en#iron$ental proble$s  because they $a!e up  because they $a!e up

$ost of the "orl $ost of the "orl’’ss  population an con  population an controltrol

$ost of the "orl $ost of the "orl’’ss resources'

resources'

This $eans that they This $eans that they ha#e the potential ability ha#e the potential ability to help aress to help aress en#iron$ental issues' en#iron$ental issues' /elf-interes interes tt

Rich nations are not spare Rich nations are not spare fro$ the ill-effects of global fro$ the ill-effects of global "ar$ing' 2oreo#er, they ha#e "ar$ing' 2oreo#er, they ha#e significant interests in business significant interests in business e#elop$ent in the e#eloping e#elop$ent in the e#eloping "orl'

"orl'

0e#eloping nations ha#e 0e#eloping nations ha#e an ob#ious sta!e in

an ob#ious sta!e in resol#ing en#iron$ental resol#ing en#iron$ental issues because they issues because they suffer the brunt of suffer the brunt of global "ar$ing' global "ar$ing'

hile developed nations should bear more responsibility" developing nations should also hile developed nations should bear more responsibility" developing nations should also play their part in

play their part in solving the environmental problesolving the environmental problems#ms#

&ssu$ing rich nations ha#e () cause en#iron$ental proble$s, (+) the ability an () are &ssu$ing rich nations ha#e () cause en#iron$ental proble$s, (+) the ability an () are self-interest, they shoul bear $ore responsibility to sol#e the en#iron$ental proble$s' self-interest, they shoul bear $ore responsibility to sol#e the en#iron$ental proble$s'

&lthough they ha#e a $oral obligation, it "oul be unfair for the$ to bear full responsibility' &lthough they ha#e a $oral obligation, it "oul be unfair for the$ to bear full responsibility' This is because e#eloping nations are increasingly () causing en#iron$ental proble$s, (+) This is because e#eloping nations are increasingly () causing en#iron$ental proble$s, (+) gaining the ability an () are self-intereste to $a!e a$ens'

gaining the ability an () are self-intereste to $a!e a$ens'

.lti$ately for the en#iron$ental proble$s to be sol#e, this "oul require the co$$it$ent .lti$ately for the en#iron$ental proble$s to be sol#e, this "oul require the co$$it$ent an cooperation of both nations'

an cooperation of both nations'

6et, e#eloping nations are increasingly () causing en#iron$ental proble$s, (+) gaining the 6et, e#eloping nations are increasingly () causing en#iron$ental proble$s, (+) gaining the ability an () are self-intereste to $a!e a$ens'

ability an () are self-intereste to $a!e a$ens'

The $oncept of %ossibility The $oncept of %ossibility

1s it possible to protect the en#iron$ent "hen $any countries require increasing a$ounts of 1s it possible to protect the en#iron$ent "hen $any countries require increasing a$ounts of energy to progress*

energy to progress*

Generic: Generic:

 possible (realistic

 possible (realistic, ifficult, long ter$ probabilit, ifficult, long ter$ probability, y, short ter$ probability)short ter$ probability)–– requires requires

iscussion of i$pei$ents (ac!no"leging conition an trae-off increasing a$ounts of iscussion of i$pei$ents (ac!no"leging conition an trae-off increasing a$ounts of energy consu$ption ha#e an i$pact on the en#iron$ent, hu$an "ill an eter$ination, energy consu$ption ha#e an i$pact on the en#iron$ent, hu$an "ill an eter$ination, hu$an ingenuity, international cooperation)

hu$an ingenuity, international cooperation)

Topical: Topical:

 protect the en#iron

 protect the en#iron$ent (conser#ation, $itiga$ent (conser#ation, $itigating consequences oting consequences of global "ar$ing,f global "ar$ing,

reforestation, alternati#e energy, etc), countries that require increasing a$ounts of energy to reforestation, alternati#e energy, etc), countries that require increasing a$ounts of energy to  progress (une#

 progress (une#elope, e#eloping, eelope, e#eloping, e#elope)#elope)

&ssumptions &ssumptions

The increasing a$ount of energy that is require to progress has a a$aging effect on the The increasing a$ount of energy that is require to progress has a a$aging effect on the en#iron$ent'

en#iron$ent'

1n orer to protect the en#iron$ent, countries nee to cut bac! on the a$ount of energy use' 1n orer to protect the en#iron$ent, countries nee to cut bac! on the a$ount of energy use'

&pproaches &pproaches

1t is possible 1t is possible

() the obstacles are $anageable () the obstacles are $anageable

(+) the solutions can be $aintaine an enforce (+) the solutions can be $aintaine an enforce 1t is not possible as

1t is not possible as

() the obstacles are o#er"hel$ing () the obstacles are o#er"hel$ing (+) renering the solutions insignificant (+) renering the solutions insignificant 1t is possible but extre$ely ifficult 1t is possible but extre$ely ifficult () ac!no"lege there are solutions () ac!no"lege there are solutions (+) but the obstacles are o#er"hel$ing (+) but the obstacles are o#er"hel$ing () renering the solutions ineffecti#e () renering the solutions ineffecti#e

hy is it

hy is it possible but extremely difficult?possible but extremely difficult?

%

%oossssiibbllee ''bbssttaaccllee

The use of alternati#e energy sources has alreay been pro#en to be The use of alternati#e energy sources has alreay been pro#en to be econo$ically #iable' (i'e', increasing energy use nee not be har$ful to econo$ically #iable' (i'e', increasing energy use nee not be har$ful to the en#iron$ent) the en#iron$ent) 0epenency of $any 0epenency of $any countries on fossil countries on fossil fuels that are highly fuels that are highly  polluting to fuel  polluting to fuel

econo$ic gro"th econo$ic gro"th &s the consequences of global "ar$ing beco$e $ore se#ere,

&s the consequences of global "ar$ing beco$e $ore se#ere,

go#ern$ents aroun the "orl "ill be uner pressure to "or! together go#ern$ents aroun the "orl "ill be uner pressure to "or! together an see! solutions to protect the en#iron$ent "hile at the sa$e ti$e an see! solutions to protect the en#iron$ent "hile at the sa$e ti$e ensure progress for their people' 7urther$ore, there appears to be a lot ensure progress for their people' 7urther$ore, there appears to be a lot of

of ““excess capacityexcess capacity””, i'e', there $ay not be a nee for rastic cuts or, i'e', there $ay not be a nee for rastic cuts or changes in lifestyles

changes in lifestyles–– "hat is neee are $erely $ore efficient "ays "hat is neee are $erely $ore efficient "ays of energy prouction an use' (3ee not cut bac! on energy

of energy prouction an use' (3ee not cut bac! on energy consu$ption) consu$ption) 8ac! of "ill 8ac! of "ill 8ac! of cooperation 8ac! of cooperation

Base on current trens in science an technology, 2an is li!ely to Base on current trens in science an technology, 2an is li!ely to in#ent $ore ingenuous "ays of protecting the en#iron$ent "hile at the in#ent $ore ingenuous "ays of protecting the en#iron$ent "hile at the sa$e ti$e en9oying econo$ic progress'

sa$e ti$e en9oying econo$ic progress'

2an appears to ha#e 2an appears to ha#e reache the li$its of reache the li$its of his intellectual

his intellectual abilities'

abilities' 4rotecting the en#iron$ent can also be econo$ically #iable as

4rotecting the en#iron$ent can also be econo$ically #iable as e#ience by eco-touris$ an 9obs in the alternati#e energy $ar!et' e#ience by eco-touris$ an 9obs in the alternati#e energy $ar!et'

2an:s ;ree 2an:s ;ree

1t is increasingly possible to protect the en#iron$ent because of the use of alternati#e energy 1t is increasingly possible to protect the en#iron$ent because of the use of alternati#e energy resources, the increase pressure fro$ go#ern$ents to "or! together to see! solutions, the resources, the increase pressure fro$ go#ern$ents to "or! together to see! solutions, the $ore ingenuous "ays of protecting the en#iron$ent an the econo$ically #iable pursuits' $ore ingenuous "ays of protecting the en#iron$ent an the econo$ically #iable pursuits' o"e#er, the o#er"hel$ing obstacles such as the hea#y reliance on fossil fuels, lac! of "ill o"e#er, the o#er"hel$ing obstacles such as the hea#y reliance on fossil fuels, lac! of "ill an cooperation, 2an

an cooperation, 2an’’s ;ree an the appearance that 2an has reache his intellectuals ;ree an the appearance that 2an has reache his intellectual li$its ''''''''''

li$its ''''''''''



oott%%oossssiibbllee ''bbssttaaccllee

2any go#ern$ents are un"illing to aopt alternati#e sources of 2any go#ern$ents are un"illing to aopt alternati#e sources of energy ue to the high costs associate an the hassle that co$es energy ue to the high costs associate an the hassle that co$es "ith changing existing infrastructures'

"ith changing existing infrastructures' 4eople

4eople’’s fears that such $oern for$s of technology $ay ha#es fears that such $oern for$s of technology $ay ha#e ill effects'

ill effects'

0epenency of $any 0epenency of $any

countries on fossil fuels that countries on fossil fuels that are highly polluting to fuel are highly polluting to fuel econo$ic gro"th econo$ic gro"th 0epenency of $any 0epenency of $any countries on exploiting countries on exploiting natural resources to fuel natural resources to fuel certain inustries

certain inustries 2an is inherently selfish an greey' Countries are li!ely to

2an is inherently selfish an greey' Countries are li!ely to

cooperate "hen there appears to be little incenti#e for the$ to ta!e cooperate "hen there appears to be little incenti#e for the$ to ta!e the first step'

the first step'

8ac! of cooperation, lac! of  8ac! of cooperation, lac! of  "ill

"ill

2an appears to ha#e reache the li$its of his intellectual abilities' 2an appears to ha#e reache the li$its of his intellectual abilities' There is little alternati#e left except to cut bac! on energy use' There is little alternati#e left except to cut bac! on energy use'

u$an ingenuity u$an ingenuity

Eco-touris$ is not as‘en#iron$entally frienly’ as it see$s an $oney channele into such pro9ects coul ha#e been better use else"here' <obs in alternati#e energy $ar!ets are unstable, uncertain an not as lucrati#e

Changing lifestyles

 AN IMPORTANT NOTE   How to use The Flipside:

The Flipside offers you two views on a given issue. In many cases, the views are polar opposites. In some cases, the second view is merely an alternative perspective. These

contradictory views are presented in full to facilitate discussion and to offer a more objective take on issues. The graduating GP student should be well aware that no view can ever be balanced in an essay with the polar opposite. The result is a thoroughly contradictory essay.

• _{Instead, the student should adopt one point of view (the stand), while balancing his views by} acknowledging some/partial truth in the alternative view.

• _{The student may also choose to balance by saying that there are exceptions to his stand which apply} under certain conditions.

• _{The student may also choose to present the a lternative offered here in order to subseuently rebut} it.

To illustrate we have crafted sample paragraphs in ection !.

 ___________________________________________________________________________  _

1. Concept/Issue: Responding to Global Warming

uestion:o" responsible is 2an!in in protecting the en#iron$ent*

&nswer:2an!in is responsible in protecting the en#iron$ent to a large extent' ;rante, there ha#e been efforts on the part of ini#iuals, non-go#ern$ental organisations, go#ern$ents an international organisations to"ars protecting the en#iron$ent' o"e#er, these efforts to change the en#iron$ental situation ha#e been cos$etic at best' This shortco$ing is a result of so$e "ho re$ain aa$ant an apathetic to ta!e up the responsibility of protecting the en#iron$ent' &s long as people recognise their roles an are responsible in protecting the en#iron$ent, those efforts "oul re$ain concerte an $aintaine in the long run'

&rguments &lternative views

There are go#ern$ents "ho recognise the i$pact of traitional sources of energy an are turning to cleaner an greener alternati#es such as nuclear energy' 1n +==>, 1taly announce that "ithin fi#e years it planne to resu$e  builing nuclear energy plants out of a gro"ing

concern o#er the "ar$ing effects of carbon e$issions fro$ fossil fuels'

0espite aopting an alternati#e source of energy, i'e' nuclear energy, so$e go#ern$ents are uner$ining other solutions to cli$ate change by i#erting urgently neee resources a"ay fro$ the true rene"able an energy-efficient solutions that go#ern$ents "ho are serious about cli$ate change nee to in#est in'

Big businesses are also $ore recepti#e to the call to loo! after the en#iron$ent' 1ncreasingly, there are co$panies "ho exercise corporate social responsibility (C/R) as they are

rein#esting in their "or!force, co$$unities an the en#iron$ent' ?ne such co$pany is /tarbuc!s "ho is co$$itte to supporting  progra$$es that facilitate far$ers: access to

carbon $ar!ets, allo"ing the$ to generate aitional inco$e "hile helping to pre#ent eforestation'

/o$e co$panies stray a"ay fro$ their responsibilities to the en#iron$ent as they falsely belie#e that e#eloping sustainably "oul reuce their profits'

Establishe outsie of political parties, (nongo#ern$ental organisations) 3;?s #oluntarily are responsible for a#ocating  public:s concerns an pressurising

go#ern$ents to o a better 9ob' Conser#ation 1nternational has "or!e "ith the Ca$boian go#ern$ent to create a one-$illion acre

 protecte area an sponsore scientific research of coral reefs off 1nonesia'

&s eicate as 3;?s are in protecting the en#iron$ent, a s$all $inority are $ore raical in their approach' &herents of raical

en#iron$entalis$ an ecological anarchis$ are in#ol#e in irect action ca$paigns to  protect the en#iron$ent' /o$e ca$paigns ha#e

e$ploye contro#ersial tactics incluing sabotage, bloc!aes an arson'

2. Concept/Issue: Responding to Global Warming

uestion: 0o the rich an pri#ilege hol a greater responsibility to tac!le en#iron$ental  proble$s*

&nswer:&ccoring to 2aslo":s ierarchy of 3ees, protecting the en#iron$ent "oul  be a concern of the rich an pri#ilege because of their e$phasis on the quality of life' ;i#en this concern an their ability to affor the s!ills, technology an costs of protecting the en#iron$ent, the rich an pri#ilege are often place "ith greater responsibility to  protect the en#iron$ent' &part fro$ the afore$entione reasons, their influential position in the "orl reners the$ e#en $ore responsible' Therefore, "ith their econo$ic a#antage an political clout, the rich an pri#ilege o hol a greater responsibility to tac!le the en#iron$ental proble$s'

&rguments &lternative views

1t is the affluent an e#elope nations that are often to bla$e for the proble$s plaguing the en#iron$ent' 1t is the "ay the rich li#es, an in  particular the excesses of the #ery rich, that is

oing $ost of the real a$age' The

5orl"atch 1nstitute in its annual report,tate of the "orld #$$%, aresse the e#astating toll on the Earth@s "ater supplies, natural resources, an ecosyste$s exacte by a

 plethora of isposable ca$eras, plastic garbage  bags, an other cheaply $ae goos "ith built

in prouct-obsolescence, an cheaply $ae

?ther e#eloping nations are fast beco$ing the $a9or contributors to en#iron$ental proble$s' 1ncreasingly, e#eloping countries are catching up rapily to the etri$ent of the en#iron$ent, health, an happiness' 7or years, the streets of China@s $a9or cities "ere characteriAe by a #irtual sea of people on bicycles, an + years ago there "ere barely any pri#ate cars in

China' By +===,  $illion cars $o#e people an goos the nu$ber is expecte to reach +D $illion by the en of next year'

$anufacture goos that lea to a thro" a"ay $entality'

Rich nations ha#e the financial resources an the political clout in their o"n countries an in the international arena'

4oor countries also ha#e an i$portant responsibility to"ars the "orl'

2any en#iron$ental proble$s respect no national borers en#iron$ental proble$s in one country can easily cross physical borers an affect not only the country of origin' 3. Concept/Issue: Environment and Economy

uestion: 5ill econo$ic e#elop$ent al"ays be carrie out at the expense of the en#iron$ent*

&nswer:/ince the F>=s, there has been a gro"ing boy of e#ience to suggest that inustrialisation is ha#ing an effect on the cli$ate of the planet' Till toay, inustrialisation "ith its countless ne" $achines an technologies continue to exacerbate the exploitation of the en#iron$ent' 1f this "ere to go on, econo$ic e#elop$ent "oul al"ays eclipse protection of the en#iron$ent' o"e#er the picture is not as blea! as it see$s' 1ncreasingly toay there is a gro"ing a"areness an effort on the part of  go#ern$ents to e#elop sustainably' &s long as go#ern$ents are $o#ing a"ay fro$ traitional $ethos of e#elop$ent an are e#eloping sustainably, econo$ic e#elop$ent "oul not al"ays be carrie out at the expense of the en#iron$ent'

&rguments &lternative views

0e#elope countries are un"illing to slo" o"n econo$ic gro"th for the

en#iron$ent' Rich countries le by Russia, &ustralia an the E. ha#e been accuse of trying to cheat their "ay out of reucing their greenhouse gas e$issions by creating

ishonest forestry accounting loopholes'

o"e#er, "hile econo$ic e#elop$ent has  brought about en#iron$ental egraation, it

nee not al"ays be at the etri$ent of the

en#iron$ent' 2any business corporations ha#e succeee an yet ha#e co$$itte to the

en#iron$ental cause'

0e#elope an in particular e#eloping countries are still epenent on polluting energy sources li!e fossil fuels for its econo$ic gro"th'

&lthough ecotouris$ is intene for s$all groups, e#en a $oest increase in population, ho"e#er te$porary, puts extra pressure on the local en#iron$ent an necessitates the

e#elop$ent of aitional infrastructure an a$enities' The construction of "ater treat$ent  plants, sanitation facilities, an loges co$e

"ith the exploitation of non-rene"able energy sources an the utiliAation of alreay li$ite local resources' The con#ersion of natural lan to such tourist infrastructure is i$plicate in eforestation an habitat eterioration of  butterflies in 2exico an squirrel $on!eys in

Costa Rica'

Eco-touris$ channels resources a"ay fro$ other pro9ects that coul contribute $ore sustainable an realistic solutions to pressing en#iron$ental proble$s' 4acuare Eco 8oge, locate near Turrialba, in the heart of Costa Rica@s rainforest clai$s that they ha#e

atte$pte to stic! to the highest stanars of sustainable construction' 3o trees "ere cut uring the builing of the property an the local 1nian co$$unity "as in#ol#e uring the construction' The staff has also been ra"n fro$ the local co$$unity' Electricity is not use an all fuel require$ents are fulfille using solar panels an a "ater-run generator' /o$e countries aopt a "rong attitue,

 belie#ing that the earth is resilient – it has al"ays an "ill al"ays be able to cope "ith our callous actions'Therefore, there is no urgency an effort to change an e#elop sustainably'

5ith the a"areness that en#iron$ental

 proble$s are global proble$s, $ore countries an international organiAations li!e .3E4 "oul see the nee help people in e#eloping countries to fin alternati#e "or! "ithout ha#ing to rely on traitional acti#ities that enanger the earth'

*# $oncept+,ssue:The 7allacy of ;lobal 5ar$ing

uestion: 1s the threat of global "ar$ing exaggerate*

&nswer: 1n his ne" boo!, The /tate of 7ear, 2ichael Crichton argues that the threat of  global "ar$ing has been exaggerate by en#iron$entalists' 5hile there are $any "ho question ho" unrealistically $agnifie global "ar$ing has been, the effects of cli$ate change $ay be increasingly palpable but $easures an solutions are in place to control this pheno$enon'

&rguments &lternative views

The threat pose by global "ar$ing is li!ely to  be exaggerate as the rise in the "orl

te$perature an suppose rise in sea le#els is not unifor$ "orl"ie'

The threat pose by global "ar$ing is inee true as the rise in the "orl te$perature is foun to ha#e irect correlation "ith the rise in sea le#els, an this $ay 9eoparise the safety of  so$e places in the "orl'

The possible ris!s brought about by the surge in the Earth:s te$perature are ifficult to be #erifie, e#en "ith the use of supposely a#ance $ethos'

The possible i$pact cause by the increase in the "orl te$perature is li!ely to be true as scientists an cli$atologists use rather reliable an a#ance $ethos to pro#e their  hypothesis%stan'

The angers "hich are supposely brought about by the rise in "orl te$perature are not ne", as reflecte in the history of $an!in they are 9ust natural pheno$enon that happen especially "hen $an!in i not ta!e sufficient  precautionary $easures'

The potential angers brought about by the rise in te$perature across the globe are not at all exaggerate as they are #ery real' 0irect $anifestations of a "iesprea an long-ter$ tren to"ar "ar$er global te$peratures ha#e alreay surface, especially in the past  years' The suppose harbingers of the negati#e

consequences $ay also be brought about by other changes in our cli$ate, not 9ust global "ar$ing'

The threat pose by the rise in the Earth:s te$perature is not exaggerate as "e o ha#e quite a nu$ber of e#ents that ser#e as harbingers of the li!ely i$pact of continue "ar$ing'

The threat $ay ha#e been exaggerate because not all go#ern$ents across the "orl are ta!ing it #ery seriously if so$e of the$ can affor to  pay lip-ser#ice to this threat in their quest for 

$ore econo$ic e#elop$ent an unpreceente or sustaine inustrialisation, the situation $ay not be all that "orrying'

The threat presente by the rise in global te$perature is efinitely not o#eresti$ate as it is on the agena of $any i$portant international an regional $eetings throughout the "orl, at the go#ern$ental an organisational le#el'

5. Concept/Issue: Energy Crisis—Nuclear vs Reneable !ources

uestion: 1s nuclear po"er the best "ay to $eet the e#er-increasing energy nees of 2other Earth*

Answer: Nuclear accidents in Chernobyl and Three Mile Island have not swayed some countries from relying on nuclear energy to meet their energy needs. Despite the incidence of nuclear accidents, this gradual dependance on nuclear energy is dues to it being a more environmentally friendly alternative to the traditional sources such as coal and fossil fuel. However, given the riss involved with nuclear energy, it does not mae for the best way to meet the increasing energy needs of Manind. !part from nuclear energy, there are other e"ually or more environmentally friendly alternatives that are able to meet this increasing energy needs.

&rguments &lternative views

Co$pare to fossil fuels, nuclear energy is

clean' .nli!e coal, natural gas, an petroleu$, it oes not release carbon ioxie into the

at$osphere in the process of generating electricity' &t a ti$e "hen there is gro"ing concern about the lin! bet"een carbon ioxie an other greenhouses gases on the one han an the "ar$ing of our planet on the other, this a#antage of nuclear po"er has begun to loo$ larger'

 3uclear energy is econo$ical only uner a #ery restricte analysis - by the ti$e you ha#e factore in the costs of construction,

insurance, "aste isposal an

eco$$issioning, you nee huge subsiies'

 3uclear "aste can be safely store a"ay' The  best long-ter$ solution for the isposal of the

.G@s nuclear "aste shoul be to bury it eep in the groun, The Co$$ittee on Raioacti#e 5aste 2anage$ent (CoR52), an a#isory

There is no secure, ris!-free "ay to store nuclear "aste' The Chernobyl isaster "as a nuclear accient of catastrophic proportions that occurre on +H &pril F>H, at the

group has sai'The final isposal facility, or facilities, "oul be locate se#eral hunre $etres unergroun' The "aste "oul be encase in tough $aterials an "oul use the surrouning roc! as a barrier to pre#ent

raioacti#e lea!age into the en#iron$ent'

is consiere the "orst nuclear po"er plant accient in history an is the only le#el I e#ent on the 1nternational 3uclear E#ent /cale'

 3uclear accients are a result of hu$an error, "hich can be a#oie'

 3uclear po"er expansion increases the ris! of  an accient'

1nternational organisations are pre#enting countries fro$ obtaining nuclear "eapons'

Expaning nuclear po"er internationally "oul hugely increase the ris!s fro$

terroris$ an nuclear "eapons proliferation' 5hile nuclear po"er reactors are expensi#e to

 buil, they are relati#ely cheap to operate'

 3uclear energy is an expensi#e i#ersion fro$ the tas! of e#eloping an eploying rene"able energy an energy efficiency require for a lo" carbon future'

-ample paragraphs:

uestion:J5e ha#e not been goo guarians of the Earth'K o" far o you agree "ith this state$ent*

&'() There are go#ern$ents "ho recognise the i$pact of traitional sources of energy an are turning to cleaner an greener alternati#es such as nuclear energy' 1n +==>, 1taly announce that "ithin fi#e years it planne to resu$e builing nuclear energy plants out of a gro"ing concern o#er the "ar$ing effects of carbon e$issions fro$ fossil fuels'aysayers suggest &note that the '( is clearly signposted as the '( and not your view) that so$e go#ern$ents are uner$ining other solutions to cli$ate change by i#erting urgently neee resources a"ay fro$ the true rene"able an energy-efficient solutions that go#ern$ents "ho are serious about cli$ate change nee to in#est in'

&*ain view and rebuttal) 3e#ertheless, "e shoul note that the "orl is in a state of flux as increasingly, not only are the policy $a!ers reflecting greater a"areness an concern for the en#iron$ent but so are the 23Cs&'( is countered)' Toay, big businesses are also $ore recepti#e to the call to loo! after the en#iron$ent' 1ncreasingly, there are co$panies "ho exercise corporate social responsibility (C/R) as they are rein#esting in their "or!force, co$$unities an the en#iron$ent' ?ne such co$pany is /tarbuc!s "ho is co$$itte to supporting progra$$es that facilitate far$ers: access to carbon $ar!ets, allo"ing the$ to generate aitional inco$e "hile helping to pre#ent eforestation'

'r

&*ain view and rebuttal) 3e#ertheless, "e shoul note that the "orl is in a state of flux as increasingly, thepolicy $a!ers are reflecting greater a"areness an concern for the

en#iron$ent by relying on rene"able an energy-efficient solutions&'( is countered)' Toay, go#ern$ents are pushing for the passage of a rene"able energy la" to regulate an ensure the e#elop$ent of alternati#e sources of energy' /ingapore:s green builing $o#e$ent is an

exa$ple of ho" a co$bination of legislation an go#ern$ent incenti#e helpe to spur the green builing inustry' 1n /cotlan, L>,=== fro$ the European /ocial 7un is pro#iing training courses that are to be eli#ere through /!ills 0e#elop$ent /cotlan, "hich "ill enable e$ployers, "ith fe"er than += staff to boost the s!ills of e$ployees in lo"-carbon technologies' These e#elop$ents reflect that "e are increasingly being protecti#e of the en#iron$ent'

Glossary

+  Biofuel  Type of renewable resource that is produced from biomass, a recently living element such as animals, plantlife or wood. ne of the biggest  potential forms of biofuel is biodiesel, which lessens cars- dependence on  gasoline.

# Carbo

 footprit 

The tangible impact someone-s activities will have on the environment, measured in units of carbon dioide produced.

/ Carbo offset  ne way to compensate for a carbon footprint, essentially by investing money in a project that will benefit the environment and cancel out the emission of carbon dioide from a certain activity.

% Carpool   Form of transportation by which two or more people travel to the same destination together to reduce the emissions of travelling.

! Cli!ate "ha#e Term for a significant change from one climatic condition to another,  such as temperature of the 0arth over time. In some cases, it has been

used synonymously with global warming.

1  Coser$atio The wise use of natural resources &nutrients, minerals, water, plants, animals, etc). Planned or non2action to preserve living and non2living resources.

3   E$iro!etal  Prote"tio  A#e"%

4ommonly referred to as the 0P', a government agency founded in +53$ that protects human health and the environment through programs for consumers and businesses.

6  &%oto Proto"ol   'n international agreement between +/6 &and growing) developed countries to work toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. It was originally passes in +553 in 7yoto, 8apan and is  set to epire in #$+#. The 9nited tates has signed but not ratified the

agreement, meaning it is non2binding in the 9.

5 Copeha#e

 A""ord 

It is a document that delegates at the #$th session of the Conference of %arties &C'% #$( to the )nited Nations

*ramewor Convention on Climate agreed to +tae note of+ at the nal plenary on #- December //0. The !ccord is not legally binding and does not commit countries to agree to a binding successor to the 1yoto %rotocol, whose present round ends in /#.

+$  'ustaiable de$elop!et 

It is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It contains within it two ey concepts2

•the concept of needs, in particular the essential needs of the world3s poor, to which overriding priority should be given4 and

•the idea of limitations imposed by the state of technology and social organi5ation on the environment3s ability to meet present and future needs.6

++  Biodi$ersit%

 The variety of life on 7arth, its biological diversity, is commonly referred to as biodiversity. The number of species of plants, animals, and microorganisms, the enormous diversity of genes in these species, the di8erent ecosystems on the planet, such as deserts, rainforests and coral reefs are all part of a

biologically diverse 7arth. +#  'ur$i$al

 Iteratioal 

It is a human rights organisation formed in #090 that campaigns for the rights of indigenous tribal people and uncontacted people, which sees to help them to determine their own future.

Its campaigns generally focus on tribal peoples3 ght to eep their ancestral lands, culture and their own way of living. This organisation wors for the people whom are called +some of the most vulnerable on earth+. ! part of its mission is to

educate people from misconceptions that help :ustify violations of human rights against indigenous people, and the riss that they face from the advancement of corporations, governments and also good intentions based on an idea of +development+ that is forced upon them.

It believes that in fact their alternative way of living is not

lacing because they represent a model of sustainability in the environment that they are a part of and they possess a rich culture from which the rest of the world could learn.

+/ (reepea"e

;reenpeace organises public campaigns2

for preventing climate change by ending our addiction to

polluting fuels and promoting clean, renewable and e<cient energy

for the protection of oceans and ancient forests for the elimination of to=ic chemicals

against the release of genetically modied organisms into

nature

for nuclear disarmament and an end to nuclear

contamination.

;reenpeace does not solicit or accept funding from

governments, corporations or political parties. ;reenpeace neither sees nor accepts donations which could compromise our independence, aims, ob:ectives or integrity. ;reenpeace relies on the voluntary donations of individual supporters, and on grant>support from foundations.

‘The Earth is doomed. There is nothing man can do about it.’ Comment

?  @  A

ManBs actions environmental problems impending demise of 7arth ?  @  A

This question could be dealt with as containing a single- or multi-part absolute proposition. Students could challenge ‘doomed’ and ‘nothing’. A balanced approach is needed.

Note that “Earth” ≠ _{world!societ"# and “$an” limits students to en%ironmental}

problems caused b" man’s actions. Social problems and natural disasters are not rele%ant.

• _{See below.}

&hile ‘$an’ re'ers to man(ind as a whole) students ought to pinpoint the parties crucial to alle%iating en%ironmental problems in general and speci'icall"*

• _{The indi%idual}

• _Societ"

• _+o%ernments

• _{Supranational organisations}

• _{N+,s operating at national and international le%els}

7arth doomed

Students ought to loo( at how recent e%ents seem to usti'" this pessimistic claim. &hile the" need to concede that Earth would 'ace its demise e%entuall" because o'  the 'ast deteriorating en%ironment problems) armageddon is not impending. The" need to loo( at the status quo in a reasonable manner. alance is necessar".

Such is the transboundar" nature o' en%ironmental problems that while students can argue that some de%eloping countries are in worse!terrible states) other nations are in not reall" better o'' in the 'oreseeable 'uture. Earth as a whole su''ers the consequences.

/redit is gi%en to essa"s that ran( the problems in terms o' se%erit" and usti'" the e%aluation.

Nothing can be done

Students ought to loo( at how 'ailed measures seem to usti'" this pessimistic claim. The" need to ac(nowledge damage that is irre%ersible or will continue to hasten Earth towards its doom despite remedial action. 0owe%er) the" ought to argue 'or the speci'ic measures that can repair!slow down the de%astation caused b" each problem. alance is crucial to pre%ent downpla"ing the se%erit" o' the problems. Such is the transboundar" nature o' en%ironmental problems that students can argue 'or a''luent de%eloped countries to help sol%e other countries’ problems. ,therwise) Earth as a whole su''ers the consequences.

/redit is gi%en to essa"s that e%aluate the e''ecti%eness o' the measures in tac(ling each en%ironmental problem and the obstacles that obstruct their im plementation. /redit should be gi%en to essa"s that present specific and varied examples. 0owe%er) e1amples do not substitute 'or reasoning.

Problem Measures Effective?

2e'orestation) habitat loss due to de%elopment 3 impact on biodi%ersit"

•_{4egulations to control illegal}

logging

•_{4egulations could be in place)}

but en'orcement is

hampered b" corruption or di''icult" in monitoring such acti%ities e.g. 5ndonesia#

6ollution 7

 Air!8and!&ater 

•_{6enalties 'or industries}

discharging to1ic 'umes!water 

•_{9ehicles chec(ed to ma(e}

sure emissions meet acceptable standards

•_{5ntroduction o' cleaner 'uels}

•_{Some people pre'er or can}

onl" a''ord cheaper 'uel which howe%er is less en%ironment 'riendl"

•_{+o%ernments unwilling to}

en'orce stricter controls due to pressure 'rom industr" lobb" groups e.g. :SA not rati'"ing ;"oto 6rotocol# 2epletion o' resources. e.g. 'ossil 'uels# •_{Switch to renewable} resources!alternati%e sources o' energ". e.g.* h"dropower) wind energ") solar energ"#

•_{Not cost-e''ecti%e in some}

cases or 'easible in others e.g. opportunit" costs o' building Three +orges 2am in /hina# +lobal warming 3 its related problems e.g. erratic climate< rising sea le%els#

•_{4educe the e1cess}

production o' greenhouse gases

•_{5mpose quota but allow}

countries to sell their

unused units to those who need more

•_{See abo%e notes on pollution.}

Content Grading

E =-># *

5rrele%ant or mostl" out o' point e.g. describes en%ironmental

problems and!or measures#. 2 ?-@# *

$ore description than argument. 8ow#

No re'erence to speci'ic problems or solutions 8ow#

8imited scope. ,ne problem and corresponding measures $id#. 8imited depth. $ore than one problem but super'icial solutions

$id-0igh#

/ @B-@C# *

8imited scope and depth. Two or more problems and corresponding

measures. 8ow-$id#

8imited scope and depth. $ore than two problems and

corresponding measures. Some e1amples. $id-0igh#  @D-# *

Se%eral problems and their measures presented with insight.

E%aluation see outline# done. 4ele%ant illustration. alanced.  A >-B=# *

4e'er to standard descriptors.

5. “Environmental degradation is inevitable. To !hat e"tent is this true? #e$!ord%

5ne%itable* impossible to a%oid or to pre%ent 'rom happening General &emar's%

• _{This is N,T a +eograph" essa". &e will N,T be impressed b" the mere regurgitation o' what "ou still} remember o' "our , or A le%els e1am preparations.

• _{This is N,T a “6roblem-Solution” essa") i.e. “&hat’s wrong with the en%ironment and how can we sol%e itF”.}

• _{This 5S a “/ause-E''ect” essa") i.e. “&hat are the causes o' en%ironmental degradation e''ect#) and are these} causes so 'undamental that the" cannot be remo%ed ine%itable#F”

(iscussion of the )remise%

• _{8eading causes o' pollution 7 industrialisation) population growth}

• _{E1plain how these cause the earth’s pollution}

• _{Need to show that if industrialisation / population growth is inevitable, then pollution is inevitable) i.e.} assuming that there are no technological ad%ances which would reduce pollution

*alance%

•_{&h" pollution ma" not be ine%itable) e.g. technological ad%ances) rising}

awareness o' people about pollution) international agreements to reduce emissions

•_{Need to gi%e concrete e1amples o' where and when pollution has been}

ine%itable. 9ague descriptions o' ‘America’s air pollution’ or ‘de'orestation o' the 'orests’ will not do.

Good Essa$s

@. Showed a good awareness o' the (e" words. A discussion o' the notion o'  “ine%itable” is mandator". The 'ocus cannot solel" rest on a discussion o' the %arious en%ironmental problems.

. Answers that were well structured and organised and consistentl" reiterated the (e" words o' the question. Each paragraph clearl" de'ined around a single problem that shows how it ma(es en%ironmental degradation ine%itable.

B. Answers that had a good range o' well elaborated e1amples that were not %ague i.e. some!most countries or more!less de%eloped nations#.

G. Able to argue competentl" that the notion o' en%ironmental degradation is actuall" largel" ine%itable because the direction most nations are ta(ing and the nature o'  human practices.

Problematic Essa$s

@. Essa"s that merel" 'ocused on listing en%ironmental problems and going into great depths o' e1plaining the processes o' en%ironmental degradation.

. No discussion or re'lection o' the notion “ine%itable.”

B. Essa"s that lac(ed concrete e1amples. :se o' generalised or h"pothetical e1amples was generall" seen as not ha%ing a good grasp o' the topic.

G. 5nstances in essa"s that discussed wh" en%ironmental degradation ma" not be ine%itable were also problematic. Hou should not be highlighting proposals! measures that indicate how en%ironmental degradation /AN E slowed down or  made less ine%itable :T rather &0AT 0AS A/T:A88H EEN 2,NE to address the problem.

. Tone o' the essa"* There were man" instances o' “tal(ing scripts” that highlights an inabilit" to handle writing in a 'ormal academic register. This is important as it also re'lects on "our command and sophistication o' language. 4emember* 2o N,T tal( to the mar(er-readerI

>. ,ccasional instances o' blatant contradictions. Hour stand is toppled b" the rest o'  "our essa" which argues the opposite.

?. 6lanning is essential* E%idence o' abrupt endings.

C. 6aragraph de%elopment must be clear. Each paragraph o'ten deals with di''erent things thus con'using mar(ers and the point that "ou aiming to get across. :sing a clear topic sentence would be quintessential in this respect but was howe%er) most lac(ing.

.e have not been good guardians of the Earth#/ 0o you agree?

7ocus a#e "e been careless "ith the only ho$e "e !no" as "e carry out our  Econo$ic an leisure acti#ities* &re "e ta!ing $easures to loo! after our  Earth or are "e treating the earth as one giant super$ar!et that can supply for  ?ur enless nees*

e have been good guardians1 e have not been good guardians1

-There are #arious earth su$$its to iscuss "ays to loo! after the earth – eg' The Gyoto 4rotocol that calls for the ban on the use of  substances, that har$s the en#iron$ent li!e C7C, to reuce green house gas e$issions' (possible counter point that stuents $ay bring up as e#aluation /o$e countries are not cooperati#e if it is against their econo$ic interest to o so')

-5e ha#e not balance our nee for "ealth "ith our exploitation of the resources' 5e ha#e regare the resources as if they are infinite'There is no #ision to see that enough is left for future generations – there is o#er-hunting, o#er fishing, o#eruse or  exploitation of our fossil fuel, "ater etc' -5e pollute our lan, seas an s!y' 5e u$p iniscri$inately ("aste fro$

-There are en#iron$entalists an #arious $o#e$ents li!e the ;reen 4eace 2o#e$ent that act as "atchogs for the preser#ation of the en#iron$ent' (& counter-point that $ay be raise $any such $o#e$ents lac! creibility as they ha#e other agena besies protecting the en#iron$ent - $oti#ate possibly by politics') -/cientists are "or!ing to repair the a$age one earlier li!e repairing the oAone layer or  "or!ing "ith energy that is pollution free'

-1nustries are also $ore recepti#e to the call to loo! after the en#iron$ent as they exploit resources' /o$e e#en pu$p $oney bac! into research to help the en#iron$ent'

-There is also global effort to encourage people to recycle, reuse an to conser#e'

o$estic an inustrial% agricultural acti#ities) on our lans an seas, ri#ers,  pons $a!ing the$ Mea:'

-5e ha#e ta!en a"ay the habitat of our  fello" creatures that share the earth thus contributing to their enangere or extinct status'

-5e pollute the s!y "ith e$issions fro$ inustries an #ehicles' 5e e#en pollute the air "ith air"a#es fro$ hanphones etc' $a!ing it unsafe for all creatures'

-5e ha#e cause ha#oc "ith the cli$ate li!e global "ar$ing by releasing green house gases an bringing about the ;reen house effect an global "ar$ing' El 3ino, long roughts an "inter col spells to na$e a fe"'

-5rong attitue that the earth is resilient – it has al"ays an "ill al"ays be able to cope "ith our callous actions' Therefore, there is no urgency an effort to change an help to $anage the earth better'

4ossible conclusion /tuents can touch on the fact that econo$ic gains "ill al"ays eclipse en#iron$ental issues poorer countries eager to get rich or those "ith no other alternati#es "ill continue to cut o"n trees to sell or for lan to buil inustries or poach rhino horns' There is $ore a"areness but "e are still apathetic an our acti#ities are still exerting tre$enous pressure on the en#iron$ent'

/tuents $ay choose to ta!e the other stan'

1. Do you agree that it is the responsibility of richer nations to tackle global environmental problems?

KEY TERM T! DE"#$E %

&lobal environment problems eg global warming; pollution esp the discharge of toxic waste materials into the air, waterways;

Tackle : resolve, eradicate, alleviate -> implies that the rich nations have the clout – political, financial, legal eg international summits in which they could lean on others to adopt certain policies eg yoto !rotocol, cancellation of debts of world"s poorest

'!#()E T*$D %

#ich nations have the resources eg financial resources, the political clout $+ill in their own countries and in the international arena eg at the %&, %' (ummits ) the legal means  to implement ) enforce policies eg reducing tax for green cars eg

the *( is a large consumer of oil -> !resident +ush could have pushed to raise

fuel-efficiency standards for passenger cars when he signed the latest energy +ill ul .//012 This could have encouraged or 3forced" the car industry to develop the technology to burn cleaner fuels eg biofuels, hydrogen -> this would have gone a long way towards alleviating current environmental problems2

#ich nations -> main contributors of greenhouse gases ) pollutants eg *( responsible for about a 4uarter of global emissions ) but has persistently refused to ratify the yoto !rotocol; now the fear is that the !rotocol would not come into force if #ussia refuses to ratify it too2

$!, rich nations are not the only ones responsible for the global environmental

problems; every country should also help tackle these global environmental problems because

5any environmental problems respect no national borders; an environmental problem in one country can easily cross p hysical borders and affect not only the country of origin but also its neighbours ) internationally

eg latest 6ndonesian ha7e -> had affected 5alaysia for about 8 month esp 9 badly )  !enang – eg !(6 was above 8// for some days; fear economic loss eg 8& ha7e cost 5alaysia abt *('-8/ million in lost revenue as a result of closed workplaces, sick days and medical bills, lost tourism, crop damage and disrupted transport; hence countries need to co-operate with one another to protect the environment

<ther developing nations are fast becoming the ma=or contributors to

environmental problems eg hina"s rapid industrialisation -> huge demand for lands -> desertification –> 3brown cloud" blown across the ?tlantic <cean towards the alifornian coast -> had affected those living along the @est oast of the *(; hence unfair to pin blame on any rich nation eg even though Aurope is also a ma=or emitter of greenhouse gases, many A* countries, prime movers in environmental protection, have ratified the yoto !rotocol

!oor countries also have an important responsibility towards the world eg resource-rich but poor countries must prevent the exploitation of their natural resources eg insist that 5Bs are using more environmentally friendly methods of mining the earth"s precious elements eg gold, copper that would not create toxic wastes to be discharged into open water sources eg waterways; regulate the logging industry eg ?ma7on basin -> illegal logging a huge problem -> displacement of native tribes ) enforce the renewal of this natural resource

#est of the world – may not be ma=or contributors to the environmental problems but as long as they are consumers, have a moral obligation to ensure that they do their bit ) do not aggravate the environmental problems

%reserving the environment is more important than economic development# 0o you agree?

Nuestion &nalysis Topic the en#iron$ent

Gey 5ors J4reser#ing the en#iron$entK, J$ore i$portant thanK (co$parison require), Jecono$ic e#elop$entK'

Context .nspecifie 4ossible stans 

/tuents ha#e to sho" ho" the approach they support is $ore  beneficial than the other'

"gree# $reserving t%e environment is more important

+ 0isagree Econo$ic e#elop$ent is $ore i$portant

 0isagree Both are equally i$portant – stuents ha#e to sho" that $an!in can:t o "ithout either, an #aluing any one o#er the other "ill bring equally isa#antageous results

%oint 2eason Example

%reserving the environment is more important

En#iron$ent 0isregaring en#iron$ental  preser#ation affects

econo$ic gro"th

o" $uch society can sustain econo$ic gro"th actually bears a co-relation to en#iron$ental preser#ation an  pruence in the use of resources'

En#iron$ental egraation can result in high costs to econo$ic gro"th'

China - &ccoring to China:s eputy en#iron$ental $inister, ue to air an "ater pollution, China is losing >-O of ;04' I=->=O of cancer cases are en#iron$entally-relate – loss of  proucti#ity of the "or!force' En#iron$ent 8e#els

of pollution are high resources "ill be irreplaceable if

epletion rates are not lo"ere

1f the current le#els of pollution are left unchec!e, the planet $ay not be able to sustain life in a fe" generations: ti$e' Econo$ic e#elop$ent an affluence "oul be #alueless then' The loss of clean air an "ater an the epletion of resources such as fuel an foo, together  "ith rastic cli$ate changes "ill $a!e sur#i#al #ery ifficult, if not i$possible'

&ccoring to 3ic! Broo!s (Tynall Center for Cli$ate Change Research, East &nglia) By the en of this century it is li!ely that greenhouse gases "ill ha#e ouble an the a#erage global te$perature "ill ha#e risen by at least +C°_{''' 1n the "orst}

case scenario it coul co$pletely alter the cli$ate in $any regions of the "orl' This coul lea to global foo insecurity an the "iesprea collapse of existing social syste$s, causing $ass $igration an conflict o#er resources as so$e parts of the "orl  beco$e $uch less habitable'K

4reser#ation of historical sites 8oss of culture an history

1f sites an builings of historical significance are sacrifice for the sa!e of ne" e#elop$ents, part of the history an heritage of the place "ill be lost, an such loss is irre#ersible' The people

/ingapore the nation:s first an olest cono$iniu$, Be#erly 2ai, "ill be e$olishe as the lan "hich it stans on is "orth $uch $ore than the

"ill graually lose their sense of history, ientity an belonging as their city loo!s $ore an $ore li!e any other city "hich is bent on e#elop$ent an

$oerniAing' 0e$olishing ol

 builings $ay e#entually cost society $ore than e$bar!ing on a ne" e#elop$ent

4reser#ing ol builings can create $ore e$ploy$ent an increase local househol inco$e $ore than the  builing of ne" e#elop$ents' The

e$ploy$ent create can be of longer ter$ benefits as relate inustries such as heritage touris$ can flourish'

1n 3or"ay, historical rehabilitation of ol builings creates H'O $ore 9obs ne" construction e#ery irect 9ob in the cultural heritage sector creates +H'I inirect 9obs, co$pare to the auto inustry:s ratio of H''

1n Pirginia, ./& heritage tourists spen +' ti$es $ore an stay longer than other #isitors'

( Info from 0uropean 4ultural  :eritage Forum #$$!)

Economic development is more important

Econo$ic e#elop$ent is

essential to ensure the sur#i#al of the

$illions li#ing in  po#erty in e#eloping

countries

The huge nu$bers of people li#ing  belo" the po#erty line is in itself a

social isaster an action shoul be ta!en to enable the$ to get out of

 po#erty as soon as possible' /olutions to  po#erty such as eucation, fair trae an

social stability epens on econo$ic e#elop$ent'

&ccoring to the9; :uman

 <evelopment =eport #$$! J1n the $ist of an increasingly prosperous global econo$y, ='I $illion chilren e#ery year o not li#e to see their fifth  birthay, an $ore than  billion

 people sur#i#e in ab9ect po#erty on less than Q a ay'K These people shoul be helpe an allo"ing the$ to ha#e a share of the "orl:s econo$ic e#elop$ent pie is the $ost e#ient "ay'

The cost of co$pliance "ith en#iron$ental  preser#ation

regulations is high for  e#eloping countries

1t costs $ore for e#eloping countries, than it oes for e#elope countries to co$ply "ith the regulations, placing the$ at a co$petiti#e isa#antage'

Reluctance of e#eloping countries to ratify the Gyoto 4rotocol an they  percei#e it as unfair that obstacles are  being put in their "ay to"ars

econo$ic e#elop$ent through inustrialiAation'

‘There is nothing optimistic about the

future of our

environment

.’ Do you agree?

#e$!ords*

+' optimistic J 'a%ourable outcome Parameters of discussion *

-Students need to challenge the word “nothing” and show that there is at least one optimistic thing about the 'uture o' the en%ironment

- Students need to e1plain the steps being ta(en to impro%e the en%ironment 6ossible stands ! theses*

 There should be o)timism about the future because*

' science and technolog" has enabled us to come up with measures to protect the en%ironment and wa"s o' alternati%e sources 7 tap on solar) geothermal or h"droelectric sources) new options being de%eloped b" the automobile industr") such as the so-called h"brid cars) which combine an internal combustion engine and an electric motor 

+' go%ernmental e''orts to protect the en%ironment 7 in /hina) millions o'  trees are planted each "ear in a bid to help sa%e the en%ironment

' people are made aware o' the problems the en%ironment is 'acing and are encouraged to conser%e and rec"cle

D' nature has a wa" o' presenting solutions to human(ind 7 'or instance) as global warming melts the ice caps in the Arctic ,cean) se%eral countries are planning on tapping into the Arctic 'or rich reser%es o' energ" sources

' ingenuit" o' human(ind to conser%e the en%ironment 7 eg. /it" o' /opsa $ica was terribl" polluted in the @DC=s but the area has success'ull" been cleared o' pollution in recent "ears

H' new a%enues are being e1plored and positi%e initiati%es to protect the en%ironment are ta(ing place 7 'or e1ample) wa"s ha%e been de%eloped to use parts o' trees that once went up in smo(e in beehi%e burners. ar( and sawdust) 'or instance) once considered useless 'or building purposes) are used in new composite wood products

 There should be )essimism about the future because *

' natural resources are being depleted quic(l" - within the ne1t @== "ears) anal"sts predict that our reser%es o' oil will deplete) rate o'  replenishment cannot (eep up with the speed at which the" are destro"ed - e%er" da") se%eral 'ootball 'ield siKe plots o' rain'orest are chopped down to ma(e paper 

signi'icantl" increased since the dawn o' the =th centur" $aor  earthqua(es) 'or e1ample) occurred merel" once e%er" centur" be'ore the =th centur". Now earthqua(es that measure more than C on the 4ichter scale happen e%er" "ear# problem is not li(el" to be resol%ed in the 'uture since seismologists and other e1perts are still piti'ull" clueless to the pre%ention o' such disasters

' some countries are more concerned with economic progress than en%ironmental well-being. Lor e1ample) the reason behind the :SA’s pull-out o' ;"oto 6rotocol was perhaps one moti%ated b" economic gain.

Do you agree that environmental protection is a lu=ury of the

rich

$inimum requirements o' the question

@. environmental )rotection% Show a clear understanding o' the e''orts and moti%ations to sa'eguard the natural en%ironment air) water and land#) the interests o' inhabitants and human health

. lu"ur$% Show the negati%e connotation in this word* Something e1pensi%e and inessential but conduci%e to pleasure and com'ort< implies that en%ironmental protection is not a priorit" and not necessar"

B. of the rich% /onsider i' onl" the a''luent indi%iduals 7 and nations 7 can concern themsel%es with ta(ing care o' the en%ironment

onuses

1. There is some truth to this statement 7 using $aslow’s 0ierarch" o' Needs) we can reason that en%ironmentalism is a concern o' the rich and more de%eloped nations because o' their emphasis on qualit" o'  li'e. The poor are more concerned with ma(ing ends meet and de%eloping nations pa" more attention to industrialiKation opportunities.

2. /onsideration o' the %iew that it is not a lu1ur" but a necessar" course o' action b" the rich to lead the wa" in sa'eguarding the interests o' the other people especiall" 'or those who do not ha%e the resources to better  their own li%ing en%ironment#.

3. Such a thought is dangerous because en%ironmental protection must be seen as e%er"one’s priorit"* an"one and e%er"one has a part to pla" 7 a concerted e''ort is required to sa%e planet earth.

&. 5t not the lu1ur" o' the rich* 5t is the a''luent and de%eloped nations that are o'ten to blame 'or the problems plaguing the en%ironment. The" there'ore should bear responsibilit" to 'i1 the problems 7 and also model the wa" 'or the rest who one da" will oin the league o' e1panding industries# to e1ercise responsibilit" towards the en%ironment.

6otential pit'alls

•8imited understanding o' “lu1ur"”

•2igression into other areas o' lu1ur" o' the rich

•2escripti%e essa" o' reasons and wa"s to protect the en%ironment) without

consideration o' wh" en%ironmental protection is a lu1ur" o' the rich. 6ossible arguments

 Agree*

• _{,nl" the rich and rich nations ha%e the resources 'inancial resources and political clout# to tac(le} en%ironmental problems.