MODULE: SS02- THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD
CHAPTER 9 ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND RESPONSES
At the end of this module, the learners must have:
A. Examined environmental issues prevalent in our society;
B. proposed or developed solution to combat environmental issues;
C. appreciated the importance of environmental preservation of for global
sustainability.
Global Environmental Crisis
The environment or the ecosystem is
considered as the life support of the planet earth,
however due to rapid urbanization and globalization, it
has highly damaged the earth. Subsequently, the
world is being confronted with complex environmental
problems that need to be addressed. global
environmental problems are classified into:
• Greenhouse effect, Global Warming and Climate Change
• Biodiversity loss
• Transboundary pollution
• Depletion of Ozone layer
Greenhouse effect, Global Warming
According to a report put forward by the European
Environmental Agency (EEA), there have been a significant
increase in the global and European annual mean air
temperatures. There is strong evidence that greenhouse
gases emissions, mainly carbon dioxide (CO2) is provoking
the earth’s surface temperatures to rise (Global Warming),
1
MODULE: SS02- THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD
and the result of this increase in temperatures lead to the global environmental issue of climate
change.
That is, impact of the rising temperatures and its side effects such as melting glaciers and
destructive rainstorms pose a long-term threat with drastic changes in climate and average
temperature and precipitation. (Kennedy & Lindsey, 2015).
Biodiversity Loss
According to O’Neill, the issue of Climate Change is expected to be the principal cause of
biodiversity loss and other problems such as desertification and transformation of terrestrial and
marine ecosystems (2009). Furthermore, within the same 40year period, there has been a doubled
growth in human population, a 76% loss of freshwater wildlife and a 39% loss of terrestrial wildlife
and marine wildlife.
The issue of biodiversity loss develops from factors such as extensive clearing and burning of
woodland, the haphazard use of pesticides, overharvesting of animals and plants, harmful farming
and fishing practices, urbanisation and so on. Emerging research suggests that the increased
proportion of extinction will further accelerate and the loss of species and the disruption of the
ecosystem will have a damaging effect on human health (Anand, 2013).
Transboundary Air Pollution
Globalization, free trade and
theinterconnectivity among nations with regard to
the geographical borderless nature of countries
has meant that there are shared substantive
growth among many economies. However, as
economic growth is shared, so are
environmental [Link] are various
examples of transboundary environmental
issues including long range transboundary air pollution such as acid rain, pollution of water bodies
and worldwide trade in hazardous wastes (O’Neill, 2009).
Transboundary air pollution is air pollution generated in one country and affecting other
countries. It contributes to summer smog and acidification, soil and water eutrophication and the
dispersion of dangerous elements (EEA, 1998). The principal sources of transboundary air pollution
consist of industrialization, energy use and transportation including both local transportation and
international shipping . The 1986 Chernobyl disaster which took place in Ukraine when a nuclear
reactor exploded, and radioactive gases were released into the atmosphere is a vivid example of
2
MODULE: SS02- THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD
transboundary air pollution that led to devastating effects in Ukraine and neighbouring countries
(World-Nuclear, 2016).
Depletion of Ozone Layer
According to Clapp and Dauvergne,
various scientists in 1974 made a
unique discovery that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs),
which is also considered as a greenhouse gas, were
drifting into the atmosphere and causing a gradual
depletion of the ozone layer. A depletion of the
isothermal layer which protects humans against the
adverse effects of the ultraviolet sun rays. Scientists
found out that an exhausted ozone layer could cause
devastating effects such skin cancer conditions and
cataract, reduce the disease immunity in humans and weaken the productivity of plants (2011). There
are several other global environmental problems that we are faced with in the 21st century such as
desertification (caused by over cultivation, overgrazing, and deforestation and so on), overpopulation,
waste disposal, ocean acidification, genetic engineering among others.
Environmental Decisions
Environmental problems are mainly caused by human actions. The role of humans is,
therefore, vital because it is their attitude that has shaped the present- day environment. Clearly it is
only through a transformation in attitude that people can take initiatives in influencing the conditions of
the environment. Decisions affecting the environment may be made by an individual, a family, a
society, consumers, industries or the government.
Decisions affecting the environment may be made by an individual, a family, a society,
consumers, industries or the government. In the 20th century, technologically advanced
3
MODULE: SS02- THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD
societies regarded a steadily improving standard of living for their people based upon economic
growth and industrial development as their main goal. Environmental considerations had a low
priority.
The illustration below describes the effective environmental decision making which involves
consideration of innumerable issues. Such as ecological, economic, social and technical aspects.
Also various alternatives in policies, actions and practices to contemplate for taking a [Link],
numerous global collective actions are taken due to the undeniable ill effects of human actions
towards the ecosystem and among the lives of the human race. In this part of the module we will
discuss some of the global policies about environmental issues responses.
Global Environmental Policies
In this part, discussed are global environmental issues [Link] United Nation as the
leading international organization in response to global environmental issues even finds it challenging
to address (Linner&Selin, 2013). To highlight the global need to response for global environment
problems it hosted the conference on “Human environment” (Stockholm conference) on June 5-16,
1972 (UN, 2018).
Another response was the strategic plan known as “Agenda 21” at the United Nation
conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) at Rio de Janeiro in June 1992. Agenda 21
addresses various themes within the concept of sustainable development. Agenda 21 covers subjects
such as the protection of the atmosphere, combating deforestation, poverty eradication, toxic
4
MODULE: SS02- THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD
chemicals and waste management, sustainable agriculture and development. Albeit the responsibility
of governments for the implementation of Agenda 21, international cooperation is needed to
assist and complement.
Challenges Towards Global Environmental Response
The critical need for cooperation among actors (national government, institutions, non-
governmental organizations) of global environmental issues is significantly important to succeed in
the implementation of various frameworks and agreements.
The challenge of accountability according to Bowen et al (2017) exist as problems despite of
the global cooperation by all the actors. Najam and Halle (2010) cited that involved should be
evaluated based on a measurable implementation of obligation and objectives not only based on their
statements of goodwill. Thus, to Bowen et al (2017) accountability requires the consideration of four
distinct forms:
• The normative behavior for actors,
• The connection between actors “ held to account” and actors who “hold to account”
• The evaluation of the behavior of those held to account and how those “held to account” are
responsible for their actions along with how sanctions are advocated.
Accountability is therefore one reason why
global environmental problems is difficult to address
through political actions. The challenge of diversity is
another concern, the variety of political actors involved in
the efforts to combat environmental issues is a huge test
that need to be harmonized.
As noted by Bowen et al (2017) conflicting interest
and behavior of actors either promote or hinder a change
in global policy towards the goals. Lastly, the challenge of
compromise. In the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) according to Bowen
et al, it is inevitable that tension will arise into which will recognize the need for trade-offs or
compromise. Achieving the goals of SDGs for example is serious challenge because multiple goals
or targets are interrelated with each other that the realization of one goal may depend on the other,
that is meeting one
target may mean the compromise another goal.
5
MODULE: SS02- THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD
Video Links:
[Link]
[Link]
References:
Danesi P. R., Cherif H. S., 1996. Environmental changes in perspective:
The global response to challenges.
