Environmental Economics: Introduction
- Cecilie
- 10. aug. 2016
- 2 min læsning
What is the greenhouse effect?
The greenhouse effect is when short wave rays from the sun that enters the atmosphere enter the atmosphere and the long wave rays leaves the atmosphere.
The anthropogenic greenhouse effect is global warming plus human pollution.
Why do we have to worry about the ozone layer?
The ozone layer is in the atmosphere and protects against the ultraviolet rays from the sun. If the ozone layer is demolished more of these rays will reach Earth. This will increase the risk of skin cancer and hamper the growth of crops. Especially the CFC-gases that threaten the ozone layer. One of the aims of the Montreal Protocol was to reduce the use of these CFC-gases. The global efforts have lead to a slowing down in the demolition of the ozone layer.
Which environmental problems are often associated with production in the farming industry?
The farming industry uses a lot of fertilizers which has lead to seepage of nitrate which pollutes the groundwater and streams. This water that has a lot of nitrate in it seeps to the oceans which leads to deoxygenation and the death of fish.
Some resources are limited and cannot be regenerated – here are some examples.
These are resources that from the very beginning have been limited – and of which we use a lot.
These resources are minerals that we use to manufacture goods – e.g. iron, copper, aluminium etc.
Coal, oil, gas and uranium, that we use in the energy production, are also limited.
Which resources can be regenerated?
Coal can be regenerated but not within our lifespan. Some resources that can be generated in our lifetime are in the field of plant production, forestry, sea fishery and groundwater.
When using the resources one has to make sure that there are sufficient amounts left to keep the production going. Felling and excessive fishing can have harmful consequences in the longer term.
Examples of resources that are unlimited:
Sun energy, wave energy, wind energy etc.
Which environmental problems are often linked with high energy consumption?
Local level: Pollution of the air, obnoxious smells → respiratory diseases and damage to buildings.
National level: Accumulation of trash in the dumping sites or chemical waste sites. Pollution of the groundwater, streams and the surrounding oceans.
Global level: Demolition of the ozone layer and greenhouse effect.
What is sustainable development?
Development that does not worsen the basis for living of the next generations. Our current needs are satisfied without us destroying the possibilities of future generations to fulfill their needs.