Environment Chapter 12
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Presentation Transcript
EnvironmentChapter 12 Image source: Penn State University, Ecology class
Why Care? • Earth and its resources are supra national • Carrying capacity is finite (?) • Opportunity cost quiz • Self-interest Image source: NASA, Penn State University
The Political Divide • Environmental Nationalists • Will not compromise their sovereignty by submitting to int’l regulation and act in own self-interest • Environmental Internationalists • Interests are inextricably bound with interests of other countries and need cooperative approach with int’l standards and regulations • Three Gorges Dam
Approaches • Environmental pessimists • Destruction already advanced • Scarcity will create warfare • Environmental optimists (progressive) • Conservation • Population restraints • Technological advancement Image source: UN
Population • Overpopulated? • Pro’s - Con’s Image source: Guardian
Policy Choices • Statistics on-line: worldometer • GNP spending on: • Military • Education • Healthcare • infrastructure